Pretoria - The South African government has reiterated a call by the government of the Maldives for people to remain calm and support government efforts to stabilise the situation following demonstrations and random acts of violence.
"It is hoped that the government and people of the Maldives will work together to implement measures to bring about lasting peace and stability as soon as possible," said International Relations spokesperson Clayson Monyela.
The newly-appointed President of Maldives, Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, has assured that the rule of law will be maintained in the Maldives. Hassan, who was vice president, was sworn in on 7 February following the controversial power change from President Mohamed Nasheed.
On Tuesday, thousands of Nasheed supporters went around the capital Male raising notes of ruffia, the currency of the Indian Ocean archipelago, indicating that the police were bribed to oust the former leader.
The power transfer is to be probed by the Commonwealth ministerial group. The United Nations and United States have urged Nasheed to reach a consensus and support Waheed's government until the next election in 2013.
Meanwhile, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation says it has received no information about any South African visitors in the Maldives who are in distress.
