Mr. Tamrat Samuel, Senior Advisor in the Department of Political Affairs of the United Nations, completed a four-day visit to the Maldives this evening and left the country. During his stay, Mr. Samuel met with President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, senior government officials, political party representatives and civil society representatives, and held extensive and useful consultations as part of the United Nations’ effort to facilitate political dialogue in the Maldives.

The consultations represent a follow-up to Mr. Samuel’s visit of last April, and will continue in the period ahead through established channels of communication. He urged all concerned Maldivian parties to show maximum flexibility and commitment to compromise in order to overcome outstanding differences and address vital matters of national importance.