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Eine Gruppe Polizisten löste per Tränengas und Pfefferspray eine Demo gegen die neue Regierung auf, die Lage eskaliert, die Demonstranten suchen das weite, die Polizei verfolgt sie bis sie einige davon eingeholt haben.

Viele der verprügelten Malediver sterben ein paar Tage drauf in einem Spital in Sri Lanka.

Hier seht ihr mal wie brutal die Polizei gegen Demonstranten vorgeht…

08:39 MEZ – Criminal Court has issued an order for the arrest of ex-president Mohamed Nasheed and former Defence Minister Tholhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaanu moments ago.

Live Feed from Minivan News MV

Anni after resignation:

“Torture me, kill me, but you can’t erase MDP’s way of thought” says Nasheed at MDP rally.

12.02 – President Waheed appoints new AG and 6 ministers – President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has appointed the Attorney General and seven new Ministers to his Cabinet in a ceremony held this morning at the President’s Office. The Attorney General and the Ministers took their oath of Office before the Supreme Court Judge Judge Abdulla Areef.

The newly appointed Ministers are:

1. Attorney General Uza. Aishath Azima Shakooru
2. Minister of Health and Family Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed
3. Minister of Education Dr Asim Ahmed
4. Minister of Economic Development Mr Ahmed Mohamed
5. Minister of Transport and Communication Dr Ahmed Shamheed
6. Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports Mr Mohamed Hussain Shareef
7. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Mr Ahmed Adheeb Abdul Ghafoor

Speaking after the presentation of the Letter of Appointment, President Waheed expressed his full confidence in the newly appointment members of the Cabinet. He said today’s appointment was part of his effort to form a national unity government. He also thanked the leaders of political parties for their support and cooperation in this endeavour. The President also said his administration’s priorities would be to maintain peace and order in the country; bring socio-economic progress to the country; bring political stability; and to bring prosperity to the country. President Waheed had earlier appointed Defence Minister and Home Minister taking the overall total of his cabinet to nine thus far.

12.02 – Commonwealth officials say that they will convene within 24 hours on the unstable situation transpiring in the Maldives following the stand-off between President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik and former President Mohamed Nasheed. Nasheed claims he was forced out in a coup on Tuesday, which is denied by Dr. Waheed. Commonwealth officials said Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma had called for a teleconference of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group, a group of nine foreign ministers from the 54-member bloc. They will hold a teleconference “to review the circumstances pertaining to the transfer of power”, Akbar Khan, who heads the bloc’s delegation in the Maldives, told Reuters news agency. The CMAG has the power to suspend member states if they violate democracy, voting against Fiji in 2006, and Pakistan in 1999 and 2007. The US special envoy declared commitment to the new government yesterday saying that the nation was not equipped for snap elections. “The police, election commission, and judiciary are not sufficiently prepared to ensure free and fair elections,” US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake said after talks with various stakeholders Male. He also called for a unity government and urged all the parties to bridge their differences to resolve the political crisis. Nasheed earlier refused to recognize the new government and had demanded fresh elections, but Mr Waheed swiftly ruled out such a move by stating that there would be no elections before the scheduled presidential polls in 2013. Nasheed’s resignation on Tuesday was followed by demonstrations and clashes between his supporters and the security forces throughout the nation. UN Assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco has also been in dialogue with both sides to find a resolution to the conflict. South Asian giant India had also announced their commitment to the new government yesterday. Former President Nasheed quit on Tuesday after police and soldiers joined weeks of opposition-led protests in Male, following the unconstitutional arrest and subsequent detention of Criminal Court’s Chief Judge.

11.02 – Ousted ex-president Nasheed threatens protests. The ousted President Nasheed, who claims he was deposed in a coup, called for fresh elections on Friday and threatened street protests over the detention of his party members. Mohamed Nasheed, who says rebel police and army officers forced him to resign Tuesday, claims up to 350 people connected to his former administration or his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have since been detained. Several senior MDP figures were badly beaten during a demonstration Wednesday, allegedly by police, while at least two party councillors were among 75 arrested in the second-biggest city of Addu, its police chief told AFP. Nasheed claimed police were “ransacking homes in Addu” and said he would travel there in the next 24 hours unless the violence stopped. “We will get on the streets,” he warned. The local mayor of Addu, Abdulla Sodig, earlier told AFP by telephone that he was in hiding. The threat of new protests could spell further instability in the country which depends on the hundreds of thousands of high-end travellers and honeymooners who visit its pristine islands each year. A UN special envoy arrived Friday for talks with the new administration headed by former vice president Mohamed Waheed, who Nasheed accuses of conspiring in the coup plot. Assistant Secretary General Oscar Fernandez-Taranco reached the nation’s capital Male’ early Friday and held an hour-long meeting with Waheed, but declined to comment to journalists afterwards. “There can be no externally generated solution to something that can be solved by Maldivians themselves,” Fernandez-Taranco said as he arrived, adding that the UN was concerned for Nasheed’s safety. Nasheed’s proposed solution is for Waheed to step down and the speaker of parliament in the fledgling democracy to take charge until elections in two months time. “I can’t see how the government can be sustained without the president having a single seat in parliament,” the 44-year-old told reporters at his family home, where he has stayed since leaving office. “Elections must be held. That is not negotiable,” he added. Three weeks of opposition-led protests were capped by a police mutiny on Tuesday that led to Nasheed’s dramatic resignation and the end of his four years in power as the country’s first democratically elected president. While he has repeatedly called for foreign support, no government has backed him and the United States dealt him a serious blow on Thursday when it announced that it recognised Waheed’s new regime as legitimate. Regional power India has also declined to intervene, calling it an “internal matter” and congratulating Waheed as the new head of state. Video footage distributed by Nasheed’s office emerged Friday apparently showing him pleading with security forces in vain to help quell a police mutiny and violent demonstrations on the morning of his resignation. Diplomatic pressure has been applied to prevent police acting on an arrest warrant for Nasheed issued by a local criminal court on Thursday, diplomatic sources said. But police spokesman Abdul Mannan Yusuf told AFP that authorities would be “tactical” about when they would use the warrant. “We can arrest him when we feel the need for it,” he said. Waheed promised in a new statement that his “key priorities included the restoration of public confidence in democratic institutions by upholding the rule of law and uncompromising adherence to the constitution”. Violence gripped the famed holiday destination on Wednesday and Thursday, with demonstrators overrunning at least 18 police stations on outlying islands and torching government buildings. Opposition to Nasheed, fuelled by political opponents and religious hardliners in the nation of 300,000 Muslims, escalated three weeks ago after he sent the army to arrest a senior judge over alleged misconduct. The Maldives’ former strongman ruler Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who ruled for 30 years, dismissed his allegations of a coup and said the new government was legitimate. “Mr. Waheed is the democratically elected president of the Maldives, according to our constitution. I called him and congratulated him,” Gayoom, who is currently on a visit to Malaysia, told AFP by phone.

17:25 (-5Std zu MEZ) Former president Mohamed Nasheed has held a press conference in his home this afternoon. Saying that the opposition was “only able to gather 300 to 400 people” in its protests last month, Nasheed said “I believe that what the people of this country want is clear from what is happening on the streets. We can bring the government to our terms by demonstrating on the streets, but I fear it’s not the best course of action.” Nasheed stated that MDP is not depending on the international community to bring fresh elections to the Maldives, but rather the party is relying on the people to do this. However, “In the absence of international support, we will have to go back to the streets and demonstrate”, he said. “We cannot join this government as we believe it is illegal.”

16:00 (-5Std zu MEZ) Nasheed Statement: Former president Mohamed Nasheed voiced bitter disappointment Friday at the US decision to recognise his successor, who Nasheed suspects of conspiring in his removal from office. “I am very unhappy,” Nasheed told reporters as he returned to his family home in Male after Friday prayers. Nasheed’s efforts to force new President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik to step down received a major blow Thursday when Washington announced it was conferring a stamp of legitimacy on Waheed’s administration. When asked if the US recognised the new government, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland replied: “We do.” “This is not being helpful. They should really look at what has happened,” said Nasheed, who insists that his resignation on Tuesday was the result of a coup d’etat orchestrated by opposition leaders backed by the security forces. He suggested the US move would only serve to inflame tensions in the Maldives, which was rocked by several days of violent protests following Nasheed’s ouster. Nasheed says Waheed, his former vice president, was aware of a conspiracy to force him from office.

12:47 (-5Std zu MEZ) A United Nations delegation is also in Male on a three-day visit and is hoping to work out a peaceful solution, something that the US too has stressed upon. India, meanwhile, has a plan ready for any possible military development in the island nation. Indian navy forces have confirmed that they are on standby, primed for movement if required. Sources in the Prime Minister’s office have told CNN-IBN that they are worried about Islamic radicalism. Reports also claim that even the UK is involved in efforts to defuse the situation, and so is the UN. It’s not clear if the Chinese have also got in given their interest in using Maldives as a naval base. The more may not necessarily be merrier for India in this case.

!!! a small victory, the world looks on maldives – gayoom sucks !!!

02:07 (-5Std zu MEZ) Minivan News has been informed that arrest warrants have been issued by Meedhoo Court for the arrest of all Addu City Councilors. Two councilors are already in police custody, a source claimed. As in Male’, 100 percent of Addu City councillors were elected during the most recent local council elections on MDP tickets.

02:00 (-5Std zu MEZ) UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, met journalists at the airport earlier this evening after he arrived in the capital. His purpose, he said, was to meet everyone, “not to investigate”.

“The investigation or clarification of what took place is primarily the responsibility of the judiciary and the parliament,” he said.

“It should be clear that any solution to this crisis must be generated by national actors. There can be no externally generated solution to something that can be solved by Maldivians themselves.”

01:01 (-5Std zu MEZ) During the two months prior to an election, Nasheed said the Parliament Speaker would be tasked with investigating the police actions of the last few days and reforming the courts. “These two months would be the most important days of the  Maldivian history.”

Nasheed said the party would support and respect the Speaker’s leadership in the event that Dr Waheed stepped down from office.

00:57 (-5Std zu MEZ) Nasheed noted that if Dr Waheed steps down from the presidency, the Speaker of the Parliament must hold elections within two months, during which time the Parliamentary leader serve as national leader. “We request to have that election within two months,” he declared, adding that the party had been discussing holding mid-term elections before he resigned on Tuesday due to the difficulty of completing a five year term.

However, he continued that mid-term elections would disturb the political and social stability of the country. “But now, we are looking for an election.”

00:49 (-5Std zu MEZ) Saying he is not sad to have been ousted from the presidency, Nasheed said “when I go home tonight and sit on my swing, I will still be very happy. Being president of Maldives is not the only reason I ran for the presidency.”

He added that it is important for Dr Waheed to step down, but before that, “please free those who have been arrested.”

“Until those prisoners are free, we will not come to any discussion table,” he stated.

00:38 (-5Std zu MEZ) President Dr Waheed’s press secretary Ibrahim Hood has announced his resignation. He has worked for Dr Waheed since he first became Vice President in 2008.

00:25 (-5Std zu MEZ) Observing that the constitution only offers two means of changing the presidency- by completion of the term or parliamentary vote- Nasheed insisted that a vice president could not take office by any other means.

00:20 (-5Std zu MEZ) Nasheed has said those who orchestrated the coup must be investigated and punished, however MDP does not seek control per se. “From what I know, the coup that has taken place in the Maldives has to be properly investigated. And the people who have been ruling the government unlawfully will know it. The international community will only accept the government after the government investigates the coup,” he said, adding that it was important for Dr Waheed to step down from his post. “I repeat, we are not looking to be the rulers of the country. What we need is the development of Maldives.”

00:05 (-5Std zu MEZ)“The 30 year-old regime has been changed. The pain they gave to the people, we have stood and protested against it. The pain the Maldivians have seen during those days by the police and the army- those forces are not independent. Many Maldivians are angry because of the way police mistreat people.

“The police station has been co-opted by the businessmen to bring a coup to fulfill their needs. If that happens, we cannot bring the changes and development we want,” Nasheed said, stating that the police had to be friendly with the Maldivians to enact positive change. He further stated that the police had to be loved by the people as well.

“The Police is not a department of which people have to be afraid,” he said.

00:02 (-5Std zu MEZ) – Stating that the Maldives’ justice system was for 30 years designed for people to hide their behavior, Nasheed described the Maldives courts as an arena maintained by businessmen to serve their own needs. “For the past 3 years, we [MDP] have been ashamed that the Maldives businessmen have taken advantage of the courts for their own purposes. ‘My resort, my island, my building, my land, my factory’-they’ve been using the courts to follow their own needs.”

23:56 (-5Std zu MEZ) “As a president of Maldives, I do not regret any step I have taken. Whatever step I have taken, I have taken to benefit Maldivians and according to the constitution,” Nasheed continued.”I repeat: I will take those steps necessary to reform the Maldives’ justice system.”

23:54 (-5Std zu MEZ) “Without proper justice, it is not possible to have a lawful government. And as we have seen in the last few days, that is not an easy thing to achieve.”

23:52 (-5Std zu MEZ) Judges in the Maldivian court system must be educated to modern standards, Nasheed explained. He added that the constitution was drafted to ensure “a proper, lawful leadership.”

23:50 (-5Std zu MEZ) Nasheed maintained his request that the JSC take action against Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed and reform the courts to align with the Maldives’ constitution, adding that the methods used to appoint the judges to the lower courts were against the constitution. “I have requested to re-order the court’s again according to the constitution,” he said.

23:48 (-5Std zu MEZ) “Abdulla Mohamed is a person against whom the JSC has filed several cases regarding his disciplinary actions. He is not capable as a chief judge. If he is the chief judge, then the whole Maldives’ justice system would be ruined, I have observed.”

23:46 (-5Std zu MEZ) He said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has evidence against Criminal Court Chief Judge Abdulla Mohamed, who was released from military detention following Nasheed’s resignation on Tuesday. Nasheed called on the body to take action against the judge.

23:45 (-5Std zu MEZ) “My main purpose is to bring democracy,” Nasheed told those gathered, reiterating that the party’s main target is a proper justice system.

23:40 (-5Std zu MEZ) “It wasn’t 24 hours since our government was toppled before [the new government] had put 500 people in prison without justice. There are almost 30 people now in the hospital for intensive care. Many Maldivian citizens have been disturbed and many are suffering pain and great loss,” said Nasheed. “I am out here again to bring back kind leadership to the Maldivians. I am not going home unless we achieve that for the Maldivians.”

23:30 (-5Std zu MEZ) Citing MDP’s five key pledges (affordable living costs, housing and quality health care,  nationwide transport, and prevention of narcotics and drug trafficking) Nasheed said, “Maldivians would not believe that their countrymen were tortured or assaulted and left in pain. The Maldivian Democratic Party came with their activities after [the former regime] killed Evan Naseem, and the party’s main purpose is to bring proper justice to the Maldivians.”

23:27 (-5Std zu MEZ) “We want to serve the people with kindness, and also a clean living. MDP has not come to power to enjoy the luxury and respect of a ruler. MDP has come to power to serve the Maldivians,” said Nasheed.

23:21 (-5Std zu MEZ) “MDP is a boat fit for every ocean. The boat won’t sink. The party will not fade away,” said Nasheed during tonight’s rally, which filled Dharubaruge as well as the road outside of the convention building. “I don’t believe that my strength has been weakened. We get strength from one another,” he told the crowd.

23:10 (-5Std zu MEZ) MDP meeting at Dharubaruge has concluded and people have left the area.

23:05 (-5Std zu MEZ) Independent daily global news hour Democracy Now! has today aired a conversation with US-based environmental NGO 350.org founder Bill McKibben, “The Island President” director Jon Shenk, and former advisor to Nasheed Paul Roberts.

Calling Nasheed the ‘Mandela of the Indian Ocean,’ McKibben said Nasheed, “was a thorn in the side [of the U.S.] because he kept bringing up the topic of climate change, a topic they’re not that keen on. On the other hand, he — almost to a fault — was cooperative with U.S. efforts about climate change. The State Department owes him and I hope that they take this seriously.”

23:01 (-5Std zu MEZ) A man has been brutally beaten in Addu Gan by police forces, who have reportedly been beating and arresting MDP supporters since this morning. An islander said the man’s son, a police officer, was in the police-occupied van at the time. “He was beaten over and over, he couldn’t stand up or sit down. He is a supporter of Nasheed,” said the islander, who requested anonymity.

22:55 (-5Std zu MEZ) British MPs John Glen (Salisbury) and Karen Lumley (Redditch) have called for an end to the “coup d’etat” in the Maldives, saying “the international community needs to condemn the violence and recognise the truth behind what has happened.”

“It now seems very likely that the new ‘President’ – Nasheed’s former deputy Mohamed Waheed – was working quietly behind the scenes with the military and police to orchestrate an apparent legitimate handover of power for the world’s media, when the truth is that it is a coup d’etat by those who were beginning to have their interests threatened,” they jointly wrote on a political blog today.

21:30 (-5Std zu MEZ) MDP members and supporters have gathered at Dharubaruge for a meeting.

20:18 (-5Std zu MEZ) UK Foreign Secretary William Hague has “registered our concern about developments in particular the reports of attacks on members and supporters of the Maldivian Democratic Party.”

“It is for the new leadership to establish its legitimacy with its own people and with the international community with an independent review of the circumstances leading to what has happened earlier this week, and we hope that the new leadership will demonstrate its respect for the rule of law, including peaceful demonstrations.  I welcome the call for calm and order from the former President Nasheed to all his supporters,” Hague said.

20:12 (-5Std zu MEZ) UK Conservative Party MP and Chairman of the party’s Human Rights Commission expressed “deep concern” for the “severe setback for democracy and human rights in the past three days.”

“We understand that President Nasheed was forced to resign at gunpoint, was subsequently detained, and that when he addressed supporters of his party, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), he was beaten and gassed by police, along with other MDP members.

“Today, we have learned that a warrant has been issued for his arrest. We condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms, and urge the Maldivian Government to return to the path of democracy and human rights, to guarantee the safety, security and freedom of Mohamed Nasheed and his supporters. We also urge the Government to ensure that the MDP and other political parties and activists can engage in the political process free from fear and repression, and to hold new free and fair elections as soon as possible, which Mohamed Nasheed and his party can contest.

“We encourage the British Government, the European Union, the Commonwealth and the international community to do everything possible to support the protection and promotion of democracy and human rights in the Maldives, and to seek guarantees for the freedom and security of Mohamed Nasheed.”

19:00 (-5Std zu MEZ)Addu City Mayor Abdulla Sodig has confirmed reports that members of various opposition parties are leading the police to MDP members and supporters in Addu and beating them before the police arrest them. Approximately 100 individuals including minors have been beaten and arrested, and arrest warrants are said to have been issued for members of the city council.

Sodig sustained injuries during a targeted attack at the City Council yesterday, including a wrist fracture and head injuries; he said he is unsure if there has been damage to his brain as he is still in need of a CAT scan. He is currently “hiding in a safe place”. His family is also hiding in different places, he said.

16:50 (-5Std zu MEZ) There are several hundred MDP supporters outside Mohamed Nasheed’s house. Police were earlier seen in the area, but left. The atmosphere is one of a stalemate. Storms and bad weather have kept many people indoors today.

16:10 (-5Std zu MEZ) Local newspaper Haveeru has reported that newly appointed Defence Force Chief Abdullah Riyaz said he does not consider the court order to detain former President Nasheed and former Defence Minister Tholhath Ibrahim as an arrest warrant, and that he will only implement the order after looking into the legal bounds for making such an arrest. “However I never said I will not make the arrest,” he told Haveeru. Riyaz would not give a comment on his intentions to follow or dismiss the court order to Minivan News.

Riyaz would not give a comment on his intentions to follow or dismiss the court order to Minivan News.

15:15 (-5Std zu MEZ) Major General Ahmed Shiyam has been appointed as Chief of Defence Force, after Major General Moosa Ali Jaleel respectfully retired from the position today.

15:07 (-5Std zu MEZ) A petition calling for the security of Mohamed Nasheed, his staff and the Maldivian people organised by environmental NGO 350.org has received 30,000 signatures.

“President Nasheed has been one of the strongest, most outspoken leaders on climate change willing to both state the truth and lead with action commensurate with his words. We need more leaders like him around the world, and for now we are doing what we can to assist in ensuring his safety and the restoration of peace and democracy in the Maldives,” writes founding member William Bates. He adds that the organisation hopes to convey their message to US Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake before his upcoming visit to the Maldives, as well as other diplomatic envoys.

15:02 (-5Std zu MEZ) Laamu Atoll Gan island was without Dhiraagu internet services as of 8:00 this morning, following a public demonstration last night. Sources report that several have been arrested in the atoll. Dhiraagu has said the outage, which had affected islands in Laamu Atoll, Gaaf Dhaal Atoll, Gaaf Alif Atoll, Thaa Atoll and Naviyani Atoll, was due to a likely lightning strike on the northern side of Meemu Atoll on Kolhufushi Island. Company Manager of Marketing Communications and Public Relations Mohamed Mirshan Hassan said the outage was not related to the social unrest.

As of 11:00am today, services had been restored to islands including Fares in Gaaf Dhaal, Herethere, South Feydhoo, Kolamaafushi and parts of South Hithadhoo, Hassan said.

14:55 (-5Std zu MEZ) Nasheed has gone upstairs into the building with former Special Envoy Ibrahim Zaki.

14:26 (-5Std zu MEZ) President Nasheed is addressing reporters in KenerygePresident Nasheed is addressing reporters in Keneryge.

“200 or so police and 80 military officers helped the opposition change the government. Police and military were very brutal; they beat me very badly. We all fear for our safety.

“The Maldives is in a very serious situation. The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) said the judge [Abdulla Mohamed] is not fit to sit on the bench. All we wanted to do by arresting the judge was to implement the JSC’s ruling that he was not fit to sit on the bench.

“I never fought and I don’t want a war. When police come with a warrant we will go with them.

“I cannot believe that the Vice President hasn’t participated in the whole thing. Military officers very clearly told me that if I did not resign in an hour they would use arms.

“We went to [Republic Square?] at 5:00am [on Tuesday]. Police officers sitting there defied my orders. MNDF (military) officer told me that they wanted to have me gone. MNDF officers on my side then begged me to open the weapons vault. I refused.

“I went to the President’s office and wrote the resignation letter as I was instructed by the MNDF. I tried to hand the letter to my secretary but the MNDF grabbed the letter and took it to parliament.

“My advice to MDP and to citizens is not to do anything unwise. And keep all actions within the laws. I regret that I have heard nothing from the Prosecutor General about all this.”

“I have a team of lawyers and I think they will consider filing a case in the Supreme Court.”

14:11 (-5Std zu MEZ) Minivan News has been informed by the UN in Male’ that UN Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs, Haile Menkerios, will arrive in Male’ this evening.

14:10 (-5Std zu MEZ) Nasheed’s wife Laila and his two daughters are currently in Sri Lanka, Solih has said. At Nasheed’s Male home Keneryge, the party says it is still unaware of the charges against Nasheed.

13:58 (-5Std zu MEZ) He said that he wanted to hold fresh elections and if held he would contest and definitely win.

13:57 (-5Std zu MEZ) President Nasheed said that he did not wish to overthrow the government by taking to the streets and could have done so yesterday. He also condemned the actions of both the police and the torching of buildings by members of the public in various islands and stated that all such incidents must be investigated and action must be taken against the perpetrators.

13:55 (-5Std zu MEZ) Nasheed said that he was forced to write the letter of resignation at the defence ministry. However, he had not sent the letter to the Parliament but had handed it to his legal secretary. The people who forced him had snatched the letter from the legal secretary and hence he had not sent the letter to the Parliament.

13:49 (-5Std zu MEZ) In a special interview to Haveeru, President Nasheed said that he was not aware under what charges the arrest warrant against him has been issued.

13:26 (-5Std zu MEZ) Police are not inside his residence either.

13:25 (-5Std zu MEZ) Media are now inside Canaryge. Nasheed is giving interviews to the press. Foreign media are also present. Some of the former ministers, parliament members and Nasheed’s lawyers are also in his residence.

13:16 (-5Std zu MEZ) Some of the former ministers of the previous administration are arriving at Nasheed’s residence Canaryge. But no police outside his residence yet.

12:29 (-5Std zu MEZ) MDP Parliamentary group leader Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said that President Nasheed was in a meeting with a Commonwealth team at his residence and was not aware of an arrest warrant against him.

Fotos der letzten Nacht:

09.02 – President Nasheed in Kenereege (haveeruonline)

Prosit 2012

Das alte Jahr ist jetzt bald futsch, drum wünschen wir euch einen guten Rutsch. Glück soll uns das Neue Jahr gestalten und wir bleiben hoffentlich die alten!!

Flug mit dem Simulator von Wien via Innsbruck nach Klagenfurt.

Wienerin befreit Bewusstlosen mit Kochlöffel aus Auto

PENSIONIST GERETTET

Mit Kochlöffeln kann man umrühren oder Leben retten! So wie die 34-jährige Michaela M. aus Wien: Sie war zur Zeugin eines Unglücks geworden und benutzte das Kochutensil, um einen bewusstlosen Pensionisten aus dessen versperrtem Auto zu befreien.

“Ich fuhr nach Dienstschluss zu meiner Freundin. Sie wollte mich bekochen”, blickte Michaela M., Projektleiterin bei der Computerfirma ÖCS, gegenüber der “Krone” zurück. Bei einer Ampel auf der Laxenbuger Straße in Favoriten ging dann plötzlich nichts mehr weiter. “Vor mir stand ein weißer Seat, der trotz Grünphase nicht weiterfuhr”, so die 34-Jährige.
Während alle anderen überholten, bewies die Angestellte Zivilcourage: Sie stieg aus und sah in dem Seat einen Pensionisten am Steuer sitzen – regungslos! Sofort versuchte sie, dem 60-jährigen Wiener zu helfen. Bloß: Die Tür war verriegelt und das Fenster nur einen Spalt offen. Geistesgegenwärtig stürzte M. zum nahen Kebab-Stand und bat um Hilfe bzw. “um etwas, mit dem man das Fenster öffnen kann. Der Verkäufer hat mir einen Kochlöffel in die Hand gedrückt, und ich lief zurück.”
Mit dem Küchenutensil gelang es ihr, ins Fahrzeug zu langen und die Verriegelung zu lösen. Gemeinsam mit ihrem Arbeitskollegen Markus B. – er ist ausgebildeter Ersthelfer des Unternehmens – konnte sie das Opfer bis zum Eintreffen der Rettungskräfte mit Herzmassagen stabilisieren und ihm letztlich das Leben retten.

(text sowie bild von krone.at)

Hierbei handelt es sich um unseren Nachbarn, ’’dicken Freund’’ und Katzensitter Hubsi.

Nach 17 Tagen Koma und weiteren 14 Tagen Spitalsaufenthalt erfreut er sich nun wieder bester Gesundheit.

Nur durch das schnelle Eingreifen der Passanten, sowie der sofortigen Wiederbelebung, ist es zu verdanken dass eine eventuelle Hirnschädigung ausblieb, denn keiner wusste anfangs wie lange sein Gehirn wirklich ohne Sauerstoff war.

Nach einigen Recherchen ”bei Freunden” wurden mir dann die Telefonnummern der beiden Lebensretter ausgehändigt, dadurch auch die Schlagzeile bei Krone.at.

DUBAI 2011

Dubai kann man gar nicht mit Wörtern beschreiben, an jeder Ecke findet man andere Teile die einen einfach sprachlos machen.

Egal welche Vorstellung man von Dubai hat, sie werden übertroffen, wir werden es sicher ein zweites Mal besuchen.

Hier gehts zu den Bildern, und hier zur Slideshow.

Hier findet ihr ein paar Prag Impressionen.

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Eriyadu Island Resort

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Hier gehts zum Clip

.) Nikon D90 mit 2500 Auslösungen – Top gepflegt – Tadelloses Gehäuse – Displayschutz – Restgarantie -  450€

.) Da wir seit geraumer Zeit nur mehr einen Audowagen benötigen, werden wir, ca. im Herbst unsere kleine Rennsemmel verhöckern. Es handelt sich um einen Renault Clio Quickshift (sequentielles Getriebe, Vollautomat oder schalten ohne Kuppeln) Bj 2004, CD, Blau metallic, Klima, Lenkrad, 68500km (70k Service bereits erledigt)…naja ein Auto halt. 4,5k, bei interesse mail an uns. Arbö-Pickerl bis 07/20012 – Ratenzahlung möglich, zb. 210€ bei 186Monaten Laufzeit.

The company’s board of directors on Wednesday approved the investment in principle. The acquisition will be conducted by subsidiary Dusit Thai Properties Plc. The board also approved the non-refundable deposit payment of $500,000, for the exclusive rights for the appraisal of Baa Atoll, the resort on the Mudhdhoo Island.

Baa Atoll is located on the area approximately 186,000 square metre which the hotel building compose of 100 villas, 1 spa building and 3 restaurant and bar as well as utilities relating to the resort business.

The hotel company said in the filing to the Stock Exchange that the resort is under construction which is already completed approximately 80 percent including leasehold rights for the 33 years commencing from year 2011 to 2044 in amount of US$60 million. The company expects another $17 million as the cost to complete the hotel and cover the pre-opening expenses.

DTC said that it is looking for a co-investor but Dusit Thai Properties will hold at least 50 per cent.

“The company has carefully considered the growth and profitability of this project based upon the high potential for tourism of Maldives which has been growing stronger continuously. Despite the world’s economic recession and financial crisis during the past two years, Maldives has proved to be resistant to such adverse circumstances as can be seen by a slight drop in the number of tourist arrivals compared to those of other tourist destinations,” DTC said in the statement.

“In addition, given the fact that 5-star hotels in Maldives market have earned higher average room rate and occupancy rate than other locations’—not to mention, Maldives’ year-round tropical climate which can accommodate the tourists throughout the year, the company’s investment in Maldives is, therefore, deemed to have good returns which will eventually help increasing the parent company’s revenues and expanding the reach of our brand into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.”

GMR Male International Limited has settled the pending US$3.5 million from the amount it owes to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) as airport service charge and fuel re-export royalty, the authority said today.

An official of the authority said the company, which manages Male International Airport, made the payment as the authority notified after a tax audit that the amount was unsettled.

“GMR has settled the amount due up until the end of April. We have informed the company to continue making payments according to the agreement,” the official said.

GMR last month paid US$3.9 million as airport service charge and fuel re-export royalty, which were not paid since the company took over operations late last year.

MIRA estimated that US$6.5 million (Rf100 million) is to be received as the airport service charge from December 2010 to March 2011. Sources who earlier spoke to Haveeru said GMR is required to pay US$7.1 million as the airport service charge within the period from December 2010 to March 2011.

The government directly receives the Airport Service Charge of US$18.5 charged to a foreigner and US$12 charged to a Maldivian, since mid-2010.

GMR earlier said all the payments were made to MIRA in full and in complete compliance with the Concession Agreement.

The government leased the airport to GMR for 25 years on June 29. The Indian company formed a joint venture firm with Malaysia Airports Holdings and registered GMR Male International Airport Private Limited, which took over the running of the airport on November 25, 2010.

The GMR-MAH consortium proposed to pay US$78 million (almost Rf1 billion) upfront, one percent of the total profit in the first year (until 2014) and 10 percent of the profit from 2015 to 2035. It also agreed to pay 15 percent of fuel trade revenues in the first four years and 27 percent from 2015 to 2035.

The government earlier revealed that GMR-MAHB would invest US$400 million for building, modernising, and expanding the airport.

Opposition Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP) has alleged its Supreme Leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom of trying to return to the presidency through the Z-DRP faction, formed by his supporters.

In a statement issued last evening, DRP said “all the Maldivians are aware of the real objective of” Z-DRP and Gayoom would “destroy” DRP in order to achieve his objective.

“This movement aims to bring Maumoon Abdul Gayoom back to politics and to the Maldives presidency, despite announcing his resignation from politics on January 25, 2010,” the statement read.

“His words and actions are proving that he would not hesitate to destroy Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party in order to achieve his objective. This party condemns the actions being carried out to create divisions among the party and to obstruct the party’s interests. In this opportunity, this party calls on all the members of the party to respect the party’s charter.”

DRP stressed that the actions being carried out against the decisions taken” at the third congress held in February 2010 “are in contradiction with the interests of the party and democratic values.”

“The actions that challenge the party’s charter and carried out in the intention of weakening the leadership of the party are a disappointment to the members of the party,” the statement added.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the tourist arrivals in last April compared to the same month of last year bumped up by 31.6 percent while the number of tourists who visited the Maldives from January-April 2011 increased by 16.9 percent.

The ministry said the tourist arrivals in April increased this year to 79,947 from last year’s 60,742 and the number of tourists who visited the country in the first four months of this year rose to 327,564 from 280,258 tourists in the same period of last year.

Figures of last February, with 87,106 tourists – the highest figure recorded in a single month – arriving at the island nation, breaking the former record of 79,495 tourists who arrived in January.

This year so far, also shows a higher average occupancy rate of 79.9 percent compared to last year’s 74.2 percent. This is a 5.7 percent increase in average occupancy.

Maldivian resorts operated 24,862 beds last month, which is an increase to the 21,918 beds in April 2010. The average occupancy rate also increased to 79.9 percent from 74.2 percent.

Starwood Resorts Maldives who operates both Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and the W Maldives Retreat & Spa has announced the appointment of New Zealand born Marcus Reinders as Managing Director. Marcus Reinders has worked in the luxury hotels industry for over 22 years.

With more than 10 years’ experience with W Hotels Worldwide, Reinders will be in charge of overseeing the operation of the brands flagship retreat in the Maldives, W Maldives Retreat & Spa along with recently renovated Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

Reinders has worked with W Sydney, W San Francisco, W New Orleans and W Atlanta Midtown. During his time at the W New Orleans he was the recipient of the Starwood Hotels & Resorts Award for Heroism in recognition for efforts during Hurricane Katrina.

Prior to his appointment in the Maldives, he was the General Manager of The Westin Auckland Lighter in New Zealand after working ten years in the United States .

The paper also quoted a police spokesperson said the fire broke out around 11.30am, and burned down three buildings built out of plywood and tin sheets. However, no one was injured in the fire.

Mahmood Ali, the site manager, said the damage is an estimated worth of Rf200 million.

“This is a huge damage; the fire completely destroyed everything. Nothing was saved from it,” he said.

Mahmood said the Fire and Rescue Services arrived within three minutes and began working on extinguishing the fire.

“The fire was brought under control in around 30 minutes. We think one of the buildings caught fire because some of the employees tried cooking by themselves, and then spread to the other two buildings,” he said.

The fire will not perturb the work of the airport being developed by Villa, which will be opened next month, the airport’s manager added. According to a recent report on Haveeru Online, Maamigili Airport is scheduled to be opened around February/March 2011, and will serve as a domestic airport. Once operational, the airport will become the sixth airport in the Maldives, and will also have the third longest runway strip in the country.

From now until 31December 2011, guests at Beach House Maldives, a Waldorf Astoria Resort can enjoy a comprehensive taste of Maldivian culture with the introduction of its ‘Maldivian Escape’ package.  Bookable at the resort, the US$3,799 package offers a couple the opportunity to enjoy eight distinctly Maldivian activities, which include everything from a renewal of love ceremony to traditional drumming evening, or an indulgent spa treatment using locally inspired rituals on a sandy beach to a romantic castaway experience on a deserted island.

“We know from talking to our guests that many visitors to the Maldives would like to have the opportunity to see more of the local culture,” says General Manager Frederic Lebegue.  “The ‘Maldivian Escape’ is a great way for holidaymakers to learn about this incredible country, experience unique moments and create new memories to treasure forever.  At Beach House Maldives, we have selected these eight different experiences that we feel showcase the very best there is to see and do”.

The eight activities included in the ‘Maldivian Escape’ are:

HISTORIC ISLAND VISIT

Only 25 minutes away by boat from the resort lies Utheemu island, one of the most historically important places in the country being the birthplace of national hero Mohamed Tlrakurul’aanu who led the resistance against the Portuguese invaders in the mid 16th century.  The visit includes a tour of a 500 year-old palace, local historic places, a market and a visit to a home in the nearby village to sample local delicacies cooked by the family.

THE WALDORF CASTAWAY ROMANTIC ESCAPE

Guests enjoy a classic “Robinson Crusoe’ experience with this half-day visit to a deserted island.  The resort will drop the couple off at a quintessential deserted island, surrounded by the requisite clear turquoise waters, coral reef and of course powder-soft white sands dotted with palm trees.   Guests can spend the day snorkelling and sunbathing in total privacy taking in the beauty of the island.  As part of the package come champagne and a delightful picnic prepared by the resort’s chef.

MALDIVIAN NIGHT (on Fridays only)

Every Friday evening the resort transforms one of its beaches to an open air market offering a Maldivian style feast. With delicious local delicacies, specially prepared by the resort’s creative kitchen team, this evening brings the culinary treasures of the Maldives to the dining table. Piquant curries, hot breads, fresh coconut and the skilful blending of spices and local herbs served under the stars makes this an evening to remember for years to come.  After dinner, a traditional Bodu Beru (big drum) performance takes place where guests can hear local music, chants and dances that are truly unique to the islands.

AFTERNOON TEA, MALDIVIAN STYLE

Over a century ago, when the King visited the islands of his kingdom, the tradition of home-baked Maldivian snacks and infused drinks was created to welcome him. Here at Beach House Maldives, the resort continues this tradition for guests to experience genuine Maldivian hospitality.  Subtly fragranced tisanes made from local herbs accompanied by delicate savouries, pastries and cakes, all with a local twist, are served in ART, a thatched-roofed open-air restaurant nestled in the lush tropical gardens of the resort.

MALDIVIAN LINE FISHING

Fishing is the lifeblood of the Maldives.  To truly understand the culture of the country, a fishing excursion on a dhoni (a traditional Maldivian boat) opens doors to the rhythms of the ancient ways that are still practiced today.   The boat sails in the late afternoon and as the sun falls towards the horizon the experienced fishermen will show the guests how to catch their own fish using the traditional hand line met hod.  No nets, no rods, just a line, a hook, you, the fish and the infinity of the ocean.  Fish caught on the excursion will be prepared and cooked by the resort’s chefs for the guest’s lunch the following day.

MALDIVIAN COOKING CLASS (available on Thursdays only)

The chefs at Beach House Maldives share their passion for traditional Maldivian cuisine every Thursday, selecting recipes that demonstrate the culinary wonders of the Maldives. One of those dishes that the guests can learn to cook is called “Muranga Tholhi Kiru Garudhiya’ (drumstick milk curry).

VELI MODUN SIGNATURE TREATMENT

This unusual spa treatment affords the opportunity for guests to experience the sheer beauty of the Maldives by enjoying a traditional Maldivian massage on one of the most stunning beaches in the world at Beach House Maldives. Using locally sourced ingredients, this treatment is designed to invigorate and energize the body and assist in alleviating any aches and pains.

MALDIVIAN BLESSING (48 hours’ advance notice required)

A blessing ceremony where couples can refresh their wedding vows in a Maldivian wedding ceremony surrounded by the beautiful panorama of Manafaru island. The resort’s team will organise a stunning ceremony for the couple that includes traditional drumming, flower petal shower and a barefoot ceremony on the beach.

About the Maldivian Escape package:

This package costs US$3,799 for two people to enjoy all eight Maldivian activities.  If the couple chooses not to do book all eight events, then they will only be charged for the activities taken.  This package is available until 31 December 2011 and does not include accommodation.

For reservations call +960 650 0408, visit www.beachhousemaldives.com, email reservations@beachhousemaldives.com or become a fan on Facebook.

The sudden announcement by the MMPRC to withdraw from the New7Wonders of Nature competition, and the subsequent battle of words by the two parties, has led to questions into the legitimacy of the organiser after demands of increasing sums of money and allegations irregularities the competition ranking system.

The MMPRC held a press conference earlier this month revealing the reason for the withdrawal was due to an increasing amount of funds demanded by the New7Wonders Foundation without prior knowledge or warning given to the Maldives. It is believed that a total of US$199 administration fee was agreed to in 2009, but with various licenses, sponsorship packages and travel expenses for delegates of the organisers, the amount grew to a sum well over the amount of US$1 million.

One of the costs handed down to the Maldives was a US$1 million license fee for a the national telecommunications provider Dhiraagu. After appealing the fee, the amount was reduced to US$500,000.

The additional amount is said to have covered the cost of a platinum sponsorship license of US$350,000, and two gold sponsorship licences at US$210,000 each. Other expenses dealt to the Maldives included a ‘World Tour’ event for delegates to visit the Maldives, and US$1,000,000 fee for the license of a national phone company, which was later reduced to $500,000.

The New7Wonders of Nature competition is conducted by the Swiss Government-backed New7Wonders foundation and headed by Swiss-Canadian Bernard Weber. A previous competition, the New7Wonders of Nature was conducted in 2007, with the Statue of Jesus the Redeemer winning the first place.

The 2007 competition led to a press release from UNESCO saying that it refused to work with Mr Weber’s organisation for a number of reasons. The statement said that “Although UNESCO was invited to support this (the previous“New7Wonders of the World” competition) project on several occasions, the Organisation decided not to collaborate.”

It was reported that the New7Wonders organisation used bullying tactics with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism requesting the nation, as the host of this year’s event, pay a total of around US$45 million in licensing fees. The N7W appears to be trying the same with the Maldives.

A an earlier press release issued by the MMPRC, the company heading the nation’s tourism campaign, claimed to be “perplexed with the recent inconsistent patterns of the rankings of the competitors at this stage of the competition and the lack of detailed information and transparency as to how this is calculated.”

President Mohamed Nasheed has explained the economic reforms proposed by the government to increase sustainability and self-sufficiency of the Maldivian economy to Dharumavantha School students in a lecture yesterday.

Teaching a grade 10 class of Economics students, the President explained the features of a modern economy emphasizing the need to make the state’s revenue streams sustainable.

The President explained the need to make state revenue sustainable with the government’s new tax regime, and how the introduction of a goods and services tax, business profit tax and income tax would benefit the economy.

The government is considering increasing the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (T-GST) from current 3.5 percent to six percent, President Mohamed Nasheed revealed today.

In the weekly radio address broadcasted this morning, the President spoke on the economic reform measures being implemented by the government and outlined further changes the government intended strengthen the economy.

This include, the President reiterated, increasing tourism goods and services tax from current 3.5 percent to six percent, introducing a tax on general goods and services and imposition of an income tax.

The President reaffirmed his announcement earlier that the government would set a minimum wage this year to ensure a decent living from the people’s labour.

The President also said the Maldives’ graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status from January 2011, required major reforms to the country’s economy to restructure state expenditure and re-organise the revenue streams.

In today’s radio address, President Nasheed underlined that the current economic policy was aimed at achieving three fundamental economic objectives that were neglected in all previous economic policies.

Three basic objectives of the government economic policies were “reducing public expenditure and increasing state revenue to reduce budget deficit; stopping money printing to prevent devaluation of currency due to increased my supply; and corporatising government services to increase participation of efficient private parties,” he explained.

He said the economic policies of the previous government have continued to mount government debts as a result of borrowing to finance ever increasing budget deficit and spend on recurrent expenditure.

The President reiterated that the government has “begun implementing necessary economic reforms to increase the Maldives’ self-sufficiency following its graduation to a middle income country.”

He said the government’s economic policy reforms included floating the Rufiyaa to trade within a fluctuation band of 20 percent of the previous dollar peg.

He noted that the government has begun collecting tax on tourism goods and services from January this year, and commence collecting business profit tax from July 18 this year as stipulated in the Business Profit Tax Act.

While underscoring that there were many conditions to be met and legislative fundamentals that were necessary to fully realise the benefits of implementing government’s economic policies, the President said the country have already begun to see basic positive outcomes of the reforms.

In Gan wird eine neue Basis der MAT gebaut. Der  700m lange Anlegesteg soll knapp 6 Flugzeuge fassen.

The Maldives has withdrawn from  its entry into the New7Wonders of Nature Competition. The decision came when the Cabinet yesterday decided to withdraw the Maldives’ nomination to the New Seven Wonders of Nature, citing the lack of a proper awarding criteria and the requirement to make a payment to proceed with the competition.

Tourism authorities said that the country’s entry into the event had been immediately and unilaterally withdrawn from the New7Wonders of nature due to the organiser’s constant demands for licence fees and sponsorship packages that are needed to complete the remainder of the competition. The decision to pull out of the event had been decided after dialogue with the government and tourism industry stakeholders.

Minister of State for Tourism, Arts and Culture Thoyyib Mohamed, said such constant demands for large sums of money by the organisers, the New7Wonders Foundation, has led to the nation’s sudden exit from the competition.
‘We no longer feel that continued participation in this competition is in the economic interests of the Maldives,’ said Thoyyib Mohamed.

The country had initially agreed to become a participant in the New7Wonders of Nature competition two years ago, when in 2009 an administration fee of $199 was agreed. The MMPRC claims that the overall figure was not clearly outlined prior to the signing of the contract, while recently the New7Wonders Foundation has asked for the country to pay US$770,000.
The additional amount is said to have covered the cost of a platinum sponsorship license of US$350,000, and two gold sponsorship licences at US$210,000 each. Other expenses dealt to the Maldives included a ‘World Tour’ event for delegates to visit the Maldives, and US$1,000,000 fee to local telecom company Dhiraagu for the right to participate in the campaign, which was later reduced to $500,000 upon appeal.

TNMV has learned that the MMPRC had asked the organisers on several occasions if the entry could remain without paying the hefty amount of money.  New7Wonders representatives responded by saying that a ‘protocol visit’ with the Maldives footing the bill for flights and logistical expenses. The organisers then pointed out that sponsorship initiatives were required in order to fully participate in the competition.

While the country has spent a significant amount of time on the competition, it was reiterated that the Maldives has not spent considerable funds on the campaign.

Male City Mayor, Adam ‘Sarangu’ Manik yesterday announced the City Council’s plan to begin trial bus service in capital Male despite the Transport Ministry scrapping off its plan to begin bus service.

Manik backed Transport Minister Adil Saleem’s comment that the condition of the roads does not allow the ministry to begin bus service in Male at present, but said starting the service after changing the roads would take time.

“I don’t deny what Adil has said here because two years back, I also said that bus service can’t be provided in Male. The condition of the roads in Male is worsening day by day,” he said.

Transport Minister Adil last week ruled out the possibilities of beginning bus transport service in Male because of the current condition of the roads.

“Given the conditions of the roads I do not believe it is possible to begin bus services just yet. We have to change the roads into a different order if we are to begin public transport services,” he said.

“What would happen now is, if the bus were to travel from Hulhumale ferry terminal with a busload of people to Vilingili ferry terminal and if for some reason a road happens to be closed there is no other route the bus could take, it would be brought to a standstill. Bigger problems would arise then.”

Mayor Manik, however, stressed that the planned trial bus service, which would be provided by MVK that also provides the service in Addu City, would not require a contract with a company and would not cost anything.

Manik said the City Council would invite for bids if the trial service proves to be a success.

“We’re not required to make a contract with them [with MVK]. We’d announce for bids if the outcome is good,” he said.

Transport Minister Adil earlier said work could only begin on the scheme when roads are changed under the “Veshifahi Male” programme.

“There are many things to do before we can begin the bus service. And so I’m looking into all of it. Space needs to be created on the roads of Male so that it could accommodate buses,” he said.

MVK said the company would begin bus service from Hulhumale ferry terminal to Villingili ferry terminal after the registration of its buses is complete.

Bald werden die 1.190 Inseln, welche sich über 19 Malediven-Atolls verteilen, künstlichen Zuwachs bekommen. Die Regierung hat den Zuschlag für mehrere künstliche Inseln erteilt, um den Prophezeiungen der Klimaforscher vorzugreifen. Um die natürlichen Inseln vor Überflutungen zu schützen, werden in den nächsten Jahren einfach einige neue künstliche Inseln vorgebaut und einige Inseln sogar auf die künstlichen Ilands gesetzt. Ein 18-Loch-Golfplatz wird Teil des 350-Millionen-Euro-Projektes!

Bereits 2009 sorgte das Malediven-Kabinett für Aufregung als alle Politiker für dringende Staatsgeschäfte 20 Minuten lang untertauchten. Mensch und Natur sind durch die Klimaverschiebung bedroht, sagte Mohammed Nasheed, der Präsident der Malediven, welcher seit Jahren nach Möglichkeiten sucht, die 1.190 Atolls der Maldiven zu erhalten.

Eine holländische Firma präsentierte seiner Regierung die klimeneutralste Lösung: bis 2015 sollen mehrere künstliche Inseln entstehen inklusive eines schwimmenden Golfplatzes.

Fünf Minuten mit dem Wasserflugzeug vom Flughafen Male kann man ab 2015 auf den Malediven Golfen! Bis jetzt gab es nur einen 6-Loch-Par3-Course. Der neue 18-Loch-Golfplatz ‘Royal Indian Ocean Club’ und damit der erste schwimmende Golfplatz der Welt wird vom niederländischen Unternehmen ‘Dutch Docklands’ gebaut, welche auf schwimmende Bau-Projekte spezialisiert sind und sich einen renommierten Golfplatzarchitekten von Troon Golf (bauen die exklusivsten Golfplätze weltweit) ins Boot geholt haben.

Mit diesem Luxusprojekt kämpfen die Malediven nicht nur gegen ihren Untergang, bis 2019 wollen sie das erste klimaneutrale Land der Erde werden. Mit den neuen Inseln werden nämlich schwimmende Solarzellen, wassergekühlte Süßwassersammelanlagen und ein gigantischer Windpark entsstehen.

Police have launched an investigation into reports that a Maldivian businessman lured a Russian man on Facebook, to come to the Maldives for employment but later attempted to have sexual relations with him.

A police spokesperson said a 29-year-old Russian, who is currently in the Maldives, reported the matter to the police last week.

The Russian man, who was previously employed in Dubai, reportedly met the Maldivian businessman on the popular social networking website while he was searching for employment in another country due to the high temperature currently experienced in Dubai.

Police said the Russian man, who claimed to have stayed at the apartment of the businessman, came to the Maldives after he met the Maldivian businessman on Facebook.

The businessman got the phone number and called him often, the man told journalists.

According to the Russian man, the businessman was summoned by the police in the investigation.

The businessman, who holds another country’s passport, has reportedly left the Maldives.

The first Maldives Beach Games tournament to be held later this year aims to be the premier beach games tournament in the region says organizers, in a Minivan News interview.

The event, billed for September 18 to September 25, is expected to bring unprecedented opportunities, as well as a number of challenges, to the Maldives’ shores. The games will aim to bring hundreds of athletes from around the world to the Maldives to compete in 10 sporting disciplines involving the sun, as well as potentially receiving coverage from a number of sports broadcasters. Eurosport and ESPN have already agreed to screen the games.

500 to 700 local people were expected to be trained to look after guests and participants while overseeing the games, which is being designed to run as a commercially profitable and ongoing annual event.

Hassan Ismail, Chairman of Marketing and PR for the Maldives Beach Games 2011, said “As well as providing entertainment for visitors, we are also trying to ensure sports development for local people to use and train on,” he said. “At present, we don’t have people trained to deal with such as event, so the organising committee is learning during the process. This is a big challenge, though we are bringing in foreign experts to help provide expertise and training.”

Highlighting to the Maldives’ lack of experience with hosting international events, Ismail said that all the country’s broadcasters had agreed to produce programming for national and international coverage of the games.

Beyond attempting to host a major international multi-sports event for the first time in the Maldives, he said that it would also be vital to help develop pitches and grounds where both local people and international visitors could train and enjoy sports.

“The Maldives is more than just a beach and cocktail venue, we hope to create a strong sport tourism scene here as well,” he said. “Our hope is that eventually every resort will be hosting mini-events for visitors to take part in.”

The event will feature a wealth of sports including triathlon, kabaddi (local sport), beach cricket, football and ‘volleyball’ along with body building, swimming, rowing, surfing and wind surfing will be contested during the games at different locations around the country that are yet to be identified.

The US dollar black market has re-emerged in the Maldives with the price reaching to Rf16.50, a month after the government revaluated the dollar.

Several businessmen who spoke to Haveeru admitted buying dollar from the black market at a rate of Rf16.50 as banks cannot provide enough dollars.

An official from a bank said the banks have received information that a “gray market” has developed with the dollar price ranging from Rf16 and above.

Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and the government discussed on a new exchange rate and announced the decision, on April 10, to float the Maldivian Rufiyaa, allowing it to be exchanged for US dollar within 20 percent of pegged rate of Rf12.85 to US dollar.

“The following day after revaluation, dollar was available from the bank. But the banks didn’t exchange dollar afterwards. The only option left is to buy dollar from outside sources [Black Market] at the rate of Rf16.50,” a businessman, who spoke to Haveeru on conditions of anonymity, said.

A local businessman who imports fruits and vegetables for living said sometimes dollar is not available even at rates higher than Rf16.

“It’s difficult to buy dollar, even if you’re willing to pay Rf17 for it. Banks don’t issue dollars either,” he said.

The public in general is facing difficulties in buying dollar with some buying at a rate of Rf17, as certain conditions necessitate them to go abroad immediately.

“Today, I called a resort to buy US$12,000 and they said they’d only sell at Rf17.50. The bank offered to supply half the amount I wanted,” a person speaking from a local service company said.

After the dollar revaluation, the commodity prices experienced a significant increase of 10-20 percent due to the fact that the price of dollar is still not stable, according to several businessmen.

Owner of Lily Shipping and Trading, Ahmed “Mallaa” Nasir admitted that buying dollars have proven to be more difficult after the dollar revaluation, but expressed hope that the revaluation will bring positive changes to the dollar crisis.

“I feel disappointed that some people say we, businessmen, have dollars. We ourselves cannot find enough dollars. Since this is the off-season, resorts sell fewer dollars too. If businessmen had dollars, they would be importing goods,” he said.

Nasir stressed that the dollar crisis escalated because a system or framework to increase dollar supply to the banks was not in place despite the revaluation.

“We have to look at the reality of the situation. Despite the fact that resorts pay their GST to the government, they receive their payments after delays of three or several months. Given the fact that the Maldives imports 95 percent of its commodities, we do not get enough dollars to pay for imports,” he said.

“We have to import a lot of goods for Ramadan and the Night Market is ahead. After Ramadan, people will start leaving for Hajj pilgrimage, which will be followed by the school holidays. These are all factors that create an outflow of dollars. I don’t see any inflow of dollars or any work done to increase the inflow of dollars to the country.”

According to many businessmen, the bulk of the dollars needed for imports, which were previously bought from resorts, are not available due to the current off-season.

MMA sells a certain amount of dollars to banks every week to help supplement banks’ dollar supply. However, an official source for the amount MMA sold and the amount banks issued to its customers could not be found.

Haveeru understands that the central bank sold about US$10 million to banks every week.

For the first two weeks after revaluation the dollar exchange at banks increased but since then exchanged levels fell, which prompted banking experts to claim that banks do not issue dollars because their conditions still have not returned to normal.

Except for the Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB), which sold dollar at a rate of Rf15.35, all banks sold dollar at a rate of Rf15.42 last Thursday. Three banks bought dollar at a rate of Rf12.25 on Thursday – the highest rate at which banks bought dollars on Thursday.

The MMA’s dollar reference rate for Thursday was at Rf15.29.

Economic experts, who blame speculation as the main reason for the ever increasing dollar prices, believe that if a speedy solution is not found to the dollar shortage, the prices might escalate even higher than they currently are on the black market.

„Traditionell werden die Malediven nicht als typische MICE-Destination gesehen“, sagt General Manager Jean-Sebastien Kling. „Wir wollen das mit unserem neuen „Barefoot“ MICE-Programm des Hilton Maldives ändern. Als Spezialisten für kreative und innovative Veranstaltungen versprechen wir, keine Events in einem langweiligen, stickigen Raum zu organisieren. Stattdessen können alle Meeting- Aktivitäten barfuß an verschiedenen Plätzen im ganzen Resort stattfinden.“

Eine besondere Location für Events ist beispielsweise eine einsame Insel, auf der die Gäste ihr eigenes Robinson Crusoe-Abenteuer erleben können – inklusive Beach Barbecues, Wassersport und Spa Behandlungen am Strand. Der hoteleigene Spa bietet viele Entspannungsmöglichkeiten, die sechs Restaurants offerieren eine Fülle an Dinner-Optionen. Weitere Informationen finden sich unter www.maldivesirufushi.hilton.com oder www.hilton.de.

Prison officers at Maafushi Prison foiled a police officer’s attempt to smuggle a mobile phone and batteries for inmates last evening.

Director General at the Department of Penitentiary and Rehabilitation Services (DPRS), Mohamed Rasheed said the department is looking into reports that a police officer was caught smuggling a mobile phone and 2-3 charged batteries.

“I’m waiting for the investigation report. I can only comment on the matter after reviewing the investigation report. I do hope that the police would investigate the case,” he said.

Police said an investigation has been launched into reports that a person tried to smuggle a mobile phone to the prison.

Police is in control of one-half of Maafushi Prison, where suspects detained for further interrogation are held. However, police, DPRS staff, and the inmates use a single gate to enter and exit the prison.

A DPRS official said the police officer, who was handed over to the police, was caught around 6-8pm after the prison officers followed him.

Die Maledivische Marine verstärkt aufgrund der Piratenangriffe ihre Sicherheitskontrollen rund um die Atolle.

Seit 2009 wurden auf den Malediven in den lokalen Atollen, etliche Schlauchboote mit toten oder dehydrierten Menschen angetrieben.

Des Weiteren wurden auf den Males seit 2009 über 40 Somalis ‚’gerettet’’.

Eineinhalb Wochen nach ihrer Hochzeit sind Prinz William und seine Frau Kate in die Flitterwochen entschwunden. Das bestätigte der Palast in London – genaue Details blieben jedoch auf Wunsch des Paares geheim. Offenbar ist eine Seychellen-Insel das Ziel. Das Paar sei am Montag mit einem Privatjet abgeflogen und am Dienstagmorgen auf dem Flughafen der Inselkette im Indischen Ozean gelandet, berichteten britische Zeitungen unter Berufung auf das Tourismusministerium und das Fremdenverkehrsamt der Seychellen. Von dort aus seien sie zu einer abgelegenen Insel weitergereist, berichteten der “Daily Telegraph” und die “Times”. Eine offizielle Bestätigung der Berichte gab es zunächst nicht.

“Wir werden nicht bestätigen, wohin sie in ihre privaten Flitterwochen gefahren sind, und werden auch Spekulationen nicht kommentieren”, sagte ein Palastsprecher. “Wir bestätigen nur, dass sie gefahren sind. Das Paar hat darum gebeten, dass während der Flitterwochen seine Privatsphäre akzeptiert wird.” Wie lange die Reise dauert? Auch das bleibt geheim. Der Sprecher bestätigte lediglich, dass sich William zwei Wochen Urlaub genommen hat.

Auf den Seychellen hatten William und Kate bereits 2007 einen Urlaub verbracht. Der Inselmakler Farhad Vladi hatte dem “Hamburger Abendblatt” gesagt, die Seychellen-Insel North Island an das Königshaus vermietet zu haben.

Art.Nr.: DV021

DVD 021 / ca. 75 Min. Eine Reise durch die Atolle Die Atolle der Malediven liegen südwestlich des indischen Subkontinentes. Mit ihren ca. 1190 malerischen von Lagunen und Korallenriffen gesäumten Inseln, zählen die Malediven zu den beliebtesten Tauchzielen und Urlaubsparadiesen der Erde. Erleben Sie die Vielfalt dieser tropischen Inselwelt über und unter Wasser. Vom ganz im Norden gelegenen Haa Alif Atoll bis zum südlichen, äquatornahen Addu Atoll. Produktion: Foto+Dive Studio / Musik: Bluespinne ISBN 978-3-89763-746-7 / EAN 4018187900217

The first round of peace talks held yesterday between the government and the anti-government protestors came to an end with no significant progress made, the youth representatives who participated in the meeting said.

Abdulla ‘Bochey’ Rifau, who is an active member of the minor opposition People’s Alliance (PA), said the government is “still firm on its stand”.

“The government says protesting is not the solution and asked to present our demands to the government in an official manner. That’s just a formality,” he said.

“The only positive outcome of the talk was that the government has assured that prices of the most commonly demanded items will be lowered via the State Trading Organisation (STO) for the coming Ramadan.”

Rifau, who claimed that the government showed no sign of relenting, said the youth are considering presenting their complaints in a formal manner.

Three officials from the President’s Office and the State Minister for Finance, Ahmed Naseer participated in the talks.

Rifau said protestors demanded the government not to create any more political positions until the economy recovers, to cut back on the allowances including the overtime allowance of political appointees, reduce the budgets of various government authorities, and not to open offices after hours unless necessary and to shorten working hours in order to reduce their recurrent expenditure and utility bills.

Further demands by the protestors include invalidating the positions of presidential envoys and advisors, and to remove foreign consultants from their positions.

Youth representatives also brought to the government’s attention their concerns about the new dollar exchange rate, and the prices of goods and services.

The meeting, which was initially scheduled to be held at the Galolhu Police Station, was later shifted to the Home Ministry.

This Saturday, “Into Scuba” opened their first establishment in Hulhumale’. It was inaugurated by the Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports Hassan Latheef.

At the festive ceremony, had huts and canteens set up, distributing leaflets. While the whole place was packed with people from all ages, other water sports enthusiasts were enjoying  the water nearby. The occasion also featured singer Unoosha, with the Maldivian band Harubee; entertaining the audiences.

Minister Latheef, during his speech he said, “99 percent of Maldives is made up of water. Only one percent is land. So the younger generation needs to be more familiar with it”.

The Education Minister, Shifa Mohamed, who was also among the invited guests said during a speech, “the children need a more practical approach to learning. They need to experience things first hand rather than read about it from a book”.

From morning to sundown, over a hundred children were given the opportunity to experience the joys and thrills of SCUBA diving. The bubble maker experience as it is known, is masked with fun and aimed at children older then eight to introduce them to the concept of bubble making.

Aiming to create awareness and educate the younger generation about their responsibilities to the aquatic world, Into Scuba ventures into a different method whilst teaching them about diving. Taught by PADI certified instructors, Into Scubas has a variety of PADI dive courses available.

Allowing expats to use the local package, according to Ali Amir, their OWS Instructor told Maldives Promotion House, that they had two packages; one for locals and another for tourists.

The main objective of Into Scuba is that, by the time every student leaves high school, they will know how to dive.

For more information about Into Scuba please visit their website http://www.intoscuba.com/

The inflation rate in capital Male has increased by 4.41 percent last month compared to March, according to the figures published by Department of National Planning.

The last month’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures changes in the price level of consumer goods and services purchased by households, shows that the inflation rate of Male had increased by 4.41 percent – a rate that would be lowered to 2.27 percent when the price of fish is excluded.

As per the department’s comparison to March, the price of food had gone up by 10.65 percent – a rate that would be lowered to 4.44 percent when the price of fish is excluded.

According to the CPI, the price of fish saw the highest increase as it hiked by 42.07 percent.
The Planning Department’s statistics, compared to the last 12 months (May 2010 – April 2011) and the twelve months before (May 2009 – April 2010), show that the Annual Inflation Rate increased by 6.89 percent. However, if the price of fish is not considered, the Annual Inflation Rate increased by 6.15 percent.

Compared to the last two years, the food prices inflated by 11.66 percent during last month.
The department stressed that the inflation rate of construction materials, electricity, gas, and oil had increased by 5.88 percent and the real estate prices had gone up by 5.13 percent.

The cost of education had gone up by 10.59 percent and the cost of healthcare had gone up by 5.07 percent, the department added.

DIE STREIKS WERDEN WOHL WEITERGEHEN…

Das Resort soll im Jahr 2013 eröffnet werden und soll an die $ 85Mio kosten.

A new TV project, ‘Aviator’, by the Russian broadcasting company, NTV is set to feature Male’ International Airport. Launched in September 2006, Aviator is committed to personalities, developments and events in the aviation industry.

Compromising of all things aviation, the programme takes you on a journey across memorable destination airports whilst covering news from airline carriers such as new routes, services and offers with storylines from new airport terminals to a typical day of an airline crew to everyday life of the aviation schools. The programme also covers practical advice for passengers and reports from major international and Russian air shows, investigations and historic chronicles.

With the Maldives airport being a unique location where its only runway begins and ends with water. The programme will expose the Maldives as dynamic hub for both business and leisure as it serves various international flights, domestic flights and as a primary connection point between the island nation and the rest of the world.

With NTV being the main Russian language channel that is broadcasted all over the world via satellite, it boasts being the biggest non-governmental TV-network in Russia, with well over 100 million viewers.

Currently holding the title to the 6th largest market in the Maldives with 6.2% market share, Russia is slowly but steadily creeping into the leisure travel sector. Compared to 40,014 tourists in 2010, the Maldives has recorded a growth of 22.7% with a total of 49,111 tourists so far this year.

Bei den jüngsten Ausschreitungen in Male sind bisher 317 Menschen verhaftet und  75 Demonstranten wurden verletzt. Es wurde allerdings keine Reisewarnung für die Malediven ausgegeben, allerdings wird ein Besuch der Hauptstadt nicht empfohlen.

Seit Beginn vergangenen Wochenendes kommen die Malediven nicht zur Ruhe. Die Straßenproteste einer Oppositionsbewegung, die den Rücktritt von Präsident Mohamed Nasheed und seiner Regierung fordert, nehmen kein Ende. Ein weiteres Mal haben inzwischen die Sicherheitskräfte mit dem Einsatz von Tränengas, Pfefferspray und Schlagstöcken reagiert. Alle Mahnungen zur Ruhe auch aus dem Ausland waren bisher vergeblich. Dutzende Menschen wurden vorübergehend in Haft genommen.

Hintergrund der Auseinandersetzungen ist vor allem die wirtschaftliche Lage des südostasiatischen, mehrheitlich muslimischen Inselstaates. Die Demonstranten werfen Präsident Nasheed, der sein Amt vor zweieinhalb Jahren nach den ersten Mehrparteienwahlen antrat, Tatenlosigkeit hinsichtlich der steigenden Preise, Mißmanagement sowie die Verschwendung von Steuergeldern vor.

Schon aus der Ära seines drei Jahrzehnte autoritär regierenden Vorgängers Maumoon Abdul Gayoom hatte der Präsident eine Arbeitslosenquote von gut 15 Prozent geerbt. Inzwischen ist mehr als jeder fünfte Insulaner ohne Job, vor allem die Jugend leidet unter Perspektivlosigkeit. Preissteigerungen für Waren des täglichen Bedarfs um bis zu 30 Prozent in den vergangenen Wochen sowie ein neuer Wechselkurs der Landeswährung zum Dollar haben die Situation jetzt zusätzlich verschärft.
Am Sonnabend gab es in der Hauptstadt Malé die ersten Proteste mit rund 5000 Teilnehmern. Was friedlich begann, eskalierte nachts mit dem Angriff auf einige Gebäude, woraufhin die Polizei angebliche Randalierer festnahm. Am 1. Mai (Foto) waren erneut mindestens 2000 Menschen auf der Straße, und auch am Montag setzten sich die Aktionen fort. Etliche Abgeordnete der Opposition schlossen sich den Demonstranten an. Die Zahl der Festnahmen nach den Randalen beläuft sich auf mindestens 50 Personen.

Zwei somalische Piraten sind am Dienstag in Spanien zu jeweils 439 Jahren Haft verurteilt worden. Gleichzeitig verurteilte sie das Gericht in Madrid, den 36 Besatzungsmitgliedern des von ihnen gekaperten Schiffes eine Entschädigung von je 100 000 Euro zu zahlen. Das spanische Fischereiboot «MS Alakrana» war im Oktober 2009 im Indischen Ozean von somalischen Piraten überfallen worden. Schiff und Besatzung wurden erst nach 47 Tagen freigegeben, nachdem die spanische Regierung nach Medienberichten rund vier Millionen Dollar Lösegeld bezahlt hatte.
Die beiden Piraten waren von einem spanischen Kriegsschiff aufgegriffen worden, als sie die «MS Alakrana» wenige Stunden nach dem Überfall in einem Motorboot verließen. Vor dem Verfahren sorgte eine Diskussion um das Alter des jüngeren der beiden Piraten für Aufsehen – erst ein medizinisches Gutachten bescheinigte, dass der Mann mindestens 18 Jahre alt und damit straffähig sei.

Ab sofort können auch Malediven-Liebhaber die stilvolle Exklusivität eines Park Hyatt Hotels genießen. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts hat mit sofortiger Wirkung das Management der Alila Villas Hadahaa übernommen und führt das Resort als Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa weiter. Somit erobert die Hotelgruppe erstmalig die Koralleninseln im Indischen Ozean und schafft auf einem der abgeschiedensten Atolle eine idyllische Oase der absoluten Ruhe und Diskretion.

Die 50 Villen des neuen Park Hyatt sind von den für ihre originellen Konzepte bekannten SCDA Architekten aus Singapur gestaltet. Der Einsatz von edlem Naturholz und – Stein sowie das minimalistische Innendesign verleihen den rund 100 Quadratmeter großen Bungalows eine moderne und dennoch warme Atmosphäre. Vierzehn Unterkünfte sind direkt über dem Wasser auf einem Steg gebaut und ermöglichen den Gästen eine uneingeschränkte Sicht auf den Ozean. Die restlichen 36 Villen liegen am Strand und verfügen über einen privaten Garten, großzügige Freilicht-Badezimmer mit Regen-Duschen sowie teilweise einen Pool.

Das Huvadhoo Atoll, rund 400 Kilometer südlich von Malé, ist eins der tiefsten und breitesten natürlichen Atolle der Welt. Die Insel Hadahaa ist mit ihrer abgeschiedenen Lage ganz im Süden der Malediven vor allem für Ruhe suchende Gäste ein idealer Urlaubsort. Das hauseigene, nur 50 Meter entfernte Riff, sowie die hoteleigene Wassersport- und Tauchstation sorgen für unvergessliche Erlebnisse unter Wasser. Mit etwas Glück können Taucher hier verschiedenste Rochenarten sowie Meeresschildkröten erleben. Die beiden Restaurants, “Dining Room” und “Battuta’s”, verwöhnen die Gäste mit internationaler und maledivischer Küche. Eine Pool- und Zigarrenbar, zwei Poolanlagen, ein Fitnesscenter sowie ein Mandara Spa runden das Angebot des Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa ab.

Eine Übernachtung in einer Park Villa kostet ab circa 600 Euro zuzüglich Steuer. Der etwa zweistündige Transfer vom Flughafen Malé bis zum Hotel wird organisiert und beinhaltet den Inlandsflug nach Kaadedhdhoo sowie die Weiterfahrt mit einem Schnellboot zur Insel Hadahaa. Die Kosten für den Transfer belaufen sich auf rund 310 Euro pro Person hin und zurück und sind nicht im Übernachtungspreis enthalten.

Das Schiff war demnach auf dem Weg von Brasilien in den Iran. Zwei Piratenboote hätten den Frachter rund 400 Seemeilen vor der Küste des Oman attackiert.

Im Indischen Ozean wurde zudem ein südkoreanisches Containerschiff von Piraten attackiert, wie das Aussenministerium des Landes mitteilte. Die Piraten hätten den Frachter vermutlich in ihre Gewalt gebracht, sagte ein Ministeriumssprecher. Eine südkoreanische Fregatte sei auf dem Weg zu dem Frachter.

Auch südkoreanisches Schiff angegriffen

Nach Angaben des Reeders Hanjin Shipping befand sich die «Hanjin Tianjin» mit 14 südkoreanischen und sechs indonesischen Besatzungsmitgliedern etwa 250 Seemeilen von der jemenitischen Insel Socotra entfernt nahe des Golfs von Aden, als der Frachter am Mittwochabend angegriffen wurde.

Der Frachter, der bis zu 6500 Container transportieren kann, befand sich auf dem Weg nach Singapur. Es gebe keinen Kontakt mehr zur Besatzung, erklärte die Reederei.

Bei einem Angriff ausländischer Marinekräfte auf ein Piratenschiff vor der Küste Somalias sollen ausserdem mindestens vier Piraten getötet und sechs verletzt worden sein. Das sagten Bewohner der Küstenregion und Piraten. Der Angriff ereignete sich demnach am Mittwochabend nahe des Piratenstützpunktes Hobyo.

Heftiges Gefecht

Bei dem Angriff auf ein Mutterschiff der Piraten seien auch Armee-Helikopter zum Einsatz gekommen, sagte ein Pirat. Ein Bewohner der Region sagte, es habe ein heftiges Gefecht gegeben, das Schiff sei mit Kugeleinschüssen übersät.

Aus welchem Land das Marineschiff stammte, blieb zunächst unklar. Eine Stellungnahme etwa der EU-Anti-Piraten-Mission «Atalanta» oder der Nato lagen zunächst nicht vor.

Die luxuriösen Villen ab 74m² verwanden sich in zeitgenössisch gestaltete Over-Water Unterkünfte mit zusätzlichem Sonnendeck, einem eigenen Pool, neuer Design-Einrichtung und Luxus-Bädern mit Panoramafenstern, die den Blick über den Ozean freigeben. Im Zuge der Neugestaltung werden die Innen- und Außenbereiche der Water Villas offen und weiträumig, das Interieur der Premier Water Villas wird komplett umgestaltet. „Rangali Island ist die kleinere der beiden Inseln des Resorts und bietet eine natürliche Umgebung für wahre Schönheit und Luxus, den die Gäste auf den Malediven erwarten“, so Regional General Manager Carsten Schieck.

Aufgrund der Renovierungsarbeiten wird im Sommer 2011 ein Teil von Rangali Island geschlossen, so auch das Restaurant Vilu und das Over-Water Spa. Der Rest des Resorts auf Rangalifinolhu Island wird wie gewohnt zugänglich sein. Die neu designten Villen sind ab 1. November 2011 ab 690 EUR pro Nacht für zwei Personen buchbar.

14 € pro Strecke in der Economy Class und 59 € pro Strecke in der Business Class.

Rediscover your inner child and paint an entire island red, figuratively and literally. With Easter just around the corner, Bandos Island Resort & Spa is gearing up to a season of fun, excitement and adventure on 24 April 2011.

The Island’s Sand Bar is set to host all of the activities this Easter, starting with activities such as printing t-shirts, painting Easter eggs and making Easter cards at 10A.M. till noon; and, that’s just the start.

A mixture of classic and modern styles, enabling creativity and inspiration for this Easter, the Sand Bar has an atmosphere that compliments the tropical weather in the Maldives.

Don’t worry; your children aren’t neglected. Bandos has special arrangements for your children, so they too, could enjoy Easter with other children who are vacationing on the island. The resort will organise an Easter party, incorporating many fun activities for your children, starting from 4P.M. to 7P.M.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for your children to interact with other children from different parts of the world, exposing them to world cultures, whilst getting their face paint on in the tropical setting of the Maldives.

As well as face painting, other activities organised for the children are, Easter egg hunting – where the eggs will be hidden at various places on the Sand Bank, and fun contests like crab racing – a simple yet fun game where hermits will be taken from the islands beach and put on a small track.

Supplementary events on the ‘menu’ are: a magic show and children’s dance party.

In addition, the Island’s main restaurant, The Gallery, consisting of three spacious pods, will host a special Easter Dinner served buffet style. After dinner, head back down to the Sand Bar to relax and unwind your senses with special cocktails during ‘Happy Hour’.

Bandos Island Resort & Spa is one of the closest resorts in the island country to the capital city, and is only 15 minutes away from Male’ International Airport by a speedboat.

Nur bei einem Drittel aller indischen Piloten und Pilotinnen sind die Fluglizenzen wirklich überprüft worden. Es häufen sich die Fälle, in denen sich herausstellt, dass Piloten weder eine gültige Lizenz noch eine entsprechende Ausbildung besitzen.

Wie die „Süddeutsche Zeitung“ berichtet, kann man sich in Indien beim Besteigen eines Flugzeugs nicht sicher sein, dass der Pilot wirklich fliegen kann. Es häufen sich die Fälle, bei denen sich herausstellt, dass die Flugkapitäne ihre Lizenzen erschlichen oder schlicht und einfach erkauft haben.

Gestützt auf Berichte in der „Times of India“ kommt die Süddeutsche Zeitung zu dem Schluss, die Luftfahrtindustrie Indiens erlebe zur Zeit eine Vertrauenskrise bisher unbekannten Ausmaßes.

Der Grund für die Ängste vor „falschen Piloten“ sind ca. ein Dutzend Fälle, bei denen Piloten als Schwindler entlarvt wurden – und weitere Fälle dieser Art werden für die nahe Zukunft erwartet. Fest steht, dass lediglich ca. ein Drittel der zur Zeit in Indien tätigen 4.500 Piloten auf die Gültigkeit ihrer Fluglizenzen hin überprüft wurden.

Deshalb kommt es immer wieder auch zu grotesken Landungsfehlern. So setzte eine Pilotin der Billiglinie Indigo auf dem Flughafen Goa eine Maschine mit dem vorderen Fahrwerk auf, anstelle korrekt mit dem hinteren. Bei den folgenden Ermittlungen kam heraus, dass die Pilotin gar keine gültige Lizenz besaß.

Ähnliche Fälle traten häufig auf. Etliche der so erwischten angeblichen Piloten sitzen nun im Gefängnis… Die Frage ist nur, wie viele ihnen noch folgen werden und wie lange es dauert, bis die mangelnde Kontrolle der Piloten in katastrophalen Unglücksfällen resultiert.

Mit ihrer tropischen Vegetation und ihren korallenweißen Sandstränden zählen die 1.200 Inseln der Malediven zu den klassischen Urlaubstraumzielen. Neu im JAHN REISEN-Sommerkatalog ist das Constance Moofushi Resort, im südlichen Ari-Atoll nahe dem westlichen Außenriff gelegen. Die 5-Sterne-Anlage bietet hohen Standard im traditionellen Inselstil: Eine sehr dichte und natürliche tropische Vegation prägt das Inselbild von Moofushi. Die Bauweise des Resorts mit Dächern aus Palmblättern, Holzfußböden und die Verwendung von natürlichen Baumaterialien passen sich den natürlichen Gegebenheiten an. Motto des Resorts: “Eleganz kommt aus der Natur.” Nur 24 frei stehende Beach-Villen, bis zu 110 Quadratmeter groß, reihen sich entlang des Strandes. Noch ungestörter wohnt man auf dem Wasser: Weitere Villen sind auf Stelzen über der Lagune erbaut und mit Holzstegen verbunden.

Preisbeispiel: Malediven, Ari-Atoll
5-Sterne-Insel Constance Moofushi Resort (Exklusive Adresse)
2 Wochen, Wasserbungalow, Alles inklusive
Flug ab/bis Deutschland
pro Person ab 4.684 Euro

Nach Reederei-Pleite: Ein ehemaliges Kreuzfahrtschiff des Hamburger Reeders Heinz Herbert Hey ist im Indischen Ozean von Piraten angegriffen worden. Nach Informationen von NDR 90,3 ereignete sich der Überfall auf die Delphin Voyager nahe der somalischen Küste. Die Delphin Voyager hatte im vergangenen Jahr Schlagzeilen gemacht, weil sie beschlagnahmt worden war – und die Passagiere ihre Kreuzfahrt abbrechen mussten. Montagmorgen, kurz nach zehn. Der Kapitän der Delphin Voyager entdeckt auf dem Weg Richtung Suezkanal gleich zwanzig mutmaßliche Piratenboote, nur etwa drei Seemeilen voraus. Fünf der sogenannten Skiffs rasen auf die Delphin Voyager zu. In jedem Boot sitzen etwa fünf bis sieben Piraten, bewaffnet mit Kalaschnikows und Raketenwerfern. Womit die Männer aber nicht gerechnet haben: An Bord der Delphin Voyager sind zwar keine Passagiere, dafür aber bewaffnete Sicherheitsteams. Sie schießen zurück, die Piraten drehen ab. Die Attacke der Seeräuber ist der traurige Höhepunkt eines bewegten Jahres für die Delphin Voyager: Zunächst hatten die griechischen Eigner des Schiffes und der Hamburger Reeder Heinz-Herbert Hey Streit um Geld, die Passagiere mussten in Griechenland unerwartet von Bord. Wenig später ging Heys Reederei Pleite. Die Delphin Voyager wurde nach China verchartert, aber schon nach wenigen Wochen wieder zurück nach Europa beordert. Als die Piraten angriffen, war die Besatzung gerade dabei, das Schiff für eine Taufe herzurichten: Das vom Pech verfolgte Schiff soll künftig unter dem Namen “Happy Dolphin” fahren.