MALE: The main opposition DRP has denied that the former Government of President Gayoom had any relations with Israel. The denial came in response to President Mohamed Nasheeds remarks at the news conference held at Hulhule Island Hotel on his return from his UN visit. President Nasheed who has announced his government is establishing relations with Israel, and he said establishing relations with Israel is not a matter pursued only by his government.
He said the former governments also established relations with Israel or such relations continued to establish even though they were pursued in secret. President further stated he had discussed with the foreign minister of the former Government Fathulla Jameel who also said the former Government had held the same view which came as an indication of approval from the veteran foreign Minister who had a record of the longest serving foreign Minister. According to various sources, public opinion changed considerably in favour of President Nasheed with the mention of the views of Fathulla Jameel.
But Special Envoy of DRP Ibrahim Shareef said what the President has told about the contacts of the former Government with Israel are all lies, and Shareef condemned the President in the most strict terms. Shareef also called the people to condemn President Nasheed.
