The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied claims that the Maldivian Government refused to provide former President Mohamed Nasheed with the necessary passes to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) headquarters.

The Ministry issued the statement on Tuesday after Nasheed’s office alleged that the Government had declined to arrange the required permits.

According to the Ministry, Nasheed’s office had not formally requested assistance to obtain passes for entry to the UN headquarters to attend meetings held on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

The Ministry said Nasheed, as a former President of the Maldives, continues to be accorded the full respect and privileges due to former heads of State. It noted that arrangements for his foreign visits have previously been made in coordination with relevant agencies of host countries.

The statement added that all necessary arrangements for former Presidents will continue to be facilitated in the future, in line with established procedures.