UK issues travel advisory after Maldives coup

Thursday, 9 February 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

LONDON(UPI): The British government warned against unnecessary travel to the capital of Maldives after the country’s president resigned during a coup.

The British Foreign Office issued a travel advisory for the Maldivian capital Male, though there were no reports of violence targeting tourists.

“There are political demonstrations in the capital Male, which have resulted in violent clashes between government and opposition supporters and later the police and defence forces,” the advisory read. “The situation remains uncertain.”

President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives resigned Tuesday after weeks of public unrest. He was quoted by The Wall Street Journal as saying remaining in office would “only increase (the country’s) problems.”

The Journal quoted government officials as describing the situation as a coup by police officers and opposition demonstrators. The country’s Parliament is dominated by largely anti-Nasheed parties. Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan has taken temporary charge of the country. Protests against Nasheed escalated in January when the military arrested a senior judge after he had ordered the release of an opposition activist. Opposition groups have called for Islam to play a greater role in government affairs.