Islamic extremism is a challenge for Maldives, says its vice-president

New Delhi, Feb.20 (ANI): The Vice President of the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Mohammed Waheed Hassan, today said there is a rising confusion in Islam over the extremism and this is one of challenges being faced by his country.

Dr. Hassan was speaking on the theme of "From Dictatorship to Democracy: A Transition in Justice" at Observer Research Foundation, an independent public policy think tank, headquartered here today.

On his first visit to India after taking charge as the Vice President of his country nearly a year ago, Dr. Hassan sought the help of India and other countries in his government's efforts for smooth transition to democracy which is irreversible now.

The ORF quoted Dr. Hassan , as saying that his country along with others countries in Asia are working hard to launch an 'Asian Initiative' to mitigate climate change without waiting for concrete steps from the world community in this regard.

"As vulnerable countries to climate change, we feel we should take the initiative. You will soon hear about efforts from the Asian countries who will mobilize their own resources," the Vice President said.

He said the SAARC meeting in Bhutan in April will also focus on this important issue.

The Vice President said Maldives itself will move into a carbon-neutral country within a span 10 years as already announced by President Mr. Mohamed Nasheed.

The Vice President said as in Maldives where the 'new media' (media technology revolution) played a big role in dethroning the powerful dictator, the revolution in media technology will also help open up controlled countries like Iran and China. "Already there are lots of debates going on in the new age media like internet," he said.

Though the democratic government in Maldives has not had a single political prisoner so far in one year of its term, the Vice President said there is a strong demand from the people for retribution for the abuses they had to suffer under the dictatorship. "The government is in a dilemma. It is one of the challenge also" how to meet the justified demand for retribution, he said.

The Vice President said his Government is providing a pension of 2000 Rufiyaas (Maldives currency) per month to senior citizens which are helping in providing economic security to old-aged people. (ANI)