Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland's statement on receiving news that the Maldives Government has today decided to leave the Commonwealth.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said:
鈥淚 have received news that the Maldives Government has today decided to leave the Commonwealth.
鈥溙切奶交 family at large 鈥 its member governments and its peoples worldwide 鈥 will share my sadness and disappointment at this decision.
鈥溙切奶交 Charter reflects the commitment of our member states to democracy and human rights, development and growth, and diversity. We will continue to champion these values and to support all member states, especially small and developing states, in upholding and advancing these practically for the enduring benefit of their citizens.
鈥淭herefore, we hope that this will be a temporary separation and that Maldives will feel able to return to the Commonwealth family and all that it represents in due course.鈥
