Expressing concern over the ongoing events in Maldives, US said the country's Former President Nasheed must be accorded due process under the law regarding his pending court cases and asked all sides to reject the use of violence.
"The United States is concerned about ongoing events in Male. We urge all sides to remain calm, reject the use of violence, and avoid rhetoric that could increase tensions. Former President Nasheed must be accorded due process under the law regarding his pending court cases," the State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said.
In a statement, Nuland urged that the Presidential elections scheduled for September 7 be free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive.
"The integrity of and public confidence in the Maldivian electoral process must be maintained," she said.
"Accordingly, we note that all parties participating in these elections should be able to put forward the candidate of their choice. We continue to urge all parties to chart a way forward that respects Maldivian democratic institutions, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms," Nuland said.
The US Embassy has been in contact with senior officials and political party leaders constantly since former president Nasheed has sought refuge at the Indian High Commission in Male, she said.