State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert says US disappointed over extension of emergency in Maldives

The US today expressed disappointment over the Maldivian government extending the state of emergency by another 30 days and asked President Abdulla Yameen to uphold the rule of law in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.

Yameen yesterday extended a draconian state of emergency by another month, bolstering his grip on power in the troubled Indian Ocean island nation.

"The United States is disappointed by reports that Maldivian President Yameen has



extended the state of emergency in that country for an additional 30 days," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said.

"The US continues to call on President Yameen to end the state of emergency, uphold the rule of law, permit the full and proper functioning of the Parliament and the judiciary, restore constitutionally guaranteed rights of the people of the Maldives, and respect the Maldives' international human rights obligations and commitments," Nauert said.