Indian external affairs minister Salman Khurshid (R) and Maldives foreign minister Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla
( February 15, 2013, Colombo - Male, Sri Lanka Guardian) Indian external affairs minister Salman Khurshid wants to end former President Mohamed Nasheed's stay at the Indian High Commission in Male as soon as possible, according to Maldives foreign minister Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla.
Nasheed on Wednesday took refuge inside the embassy to avoid possible arrest after the Hulhumale Magistrate Court ordered the police to produce the ex-president in court to face charges for the unconstitutional detention of Chief Criminal Judge Abdulla Mohamed on Wednesday.
A foreign ministry statement said the two foreign ministers held discussions via telephone on Thursday. Khurshid insisted that Nasheed had not been granted asylum, statement said.
Samad also told his Indian counterpart that though there is not a standing court order for Nasheed's presence in court, the ex-president will have to attend court if the court schedules a hearing of his trial.
"As that is obligated under the constitution, any statements against it will not be acceptable, Samad highlighted during his conversation with Khurshid," statement read.
During a press conference held afterward, Samad said he had informed his Indian counterpart that there was no threat to Nasheed if he comes out of the Indian embassy.
According to Indian media reports, the Indian government was unhappy with Nasheed for making political statements from inside the Indian embassy.
Nasheed had issued a statement demanding the resignation of his successor Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and establish a transitional arrangement to hold the presidential election.
The Minister told reporters that the Indian government feels Nasheed went to the embassy over some security issue.
"We believe that he doesn't have a valid reason to remain there. Because after the hearing was cancelled there is no arrest warrant or any such order against his name so far. I informed that to India," Samad said.
"We also assured Nasheed is a free man. He can come out of there even now. He can even go home. And his security detail will remain with him at all times. So the government has given the guarantee that there is no threat or obstruction to Nasheed returning home."
India had to give hospitality to Nasheed as he is a former President and "we couldn't force him out if he wanted to stay at the embassy," Samad quoted his Indian counterpart.
Khurshid also wants to resolve the issue through dialogue, Samad said.
 and Maldives foreign minister Dr Abdul Samad Abdulla ( February 15, 2013, Colo...){kind=link}