Emergency in Maldives extended by 30 days as key panel backs Prez Yameen

The state of emergency in the trouble-torn Maldives was today extended by 30 days after the a key parliamentary committee approved President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's request, a media report said, allowing him to reinforce his power in the picturesque Indian Ocean island nation.

During an extraordinary meeting of the The National Security Committee of the People's Majlis, approval was given to the Decree for State of Emergency submitted to the People's Majlis (Parliament) by President Yameen, the Sun online reported.

Deputy Speaker of People's Majlis, MP Moosa Manik confirmed the decree was approved by the Committee during its meeting today held behind closed doors.
The Committee approved the decree, and well as the request for a 30-day extension to the State of Emergency, the report said.