Maldives cabinet approves to rejoin Commonwealth, 2 years after withdrawing from 53-nation grouping

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International News

Nov 20, 2018

7:15AM

Maldives cabinet approves to rejoin Commonwealth, 2 years after withdrawing from 53-nation grouping

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The Maldives cabinet has approved to rejoin the Commonwealth, two years after withdrawing from the 53-nation grouping. New President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made the announcement yesterday, saying that the proposal will be sent to Parliament for ratification.

The country left the Commonwealth during former President Abdulla Yameen's administration in October 2016, amid mounting pressure over corruption and deteriorating human rights.

The new government under Mr Solih has begun to reset several decisions and policies of the previous administration. The two Supreme Court judges, who were imprisoned since imposition of emergency, have been shifted to house arrest and a committee has been formed to release political detainees.

Mr Solih's office has issued a 15-page document outlining its agenda for the first 100 days which includes measures to launch investigations into state funds lost through corruption, fraud and money laundering.