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Russia terminates “open lands” agreement with U.S.

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Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed as order to terminate the “open lands” agreement between the U.S. and the Russia. The “open lands” agreement was signed between the two countries on 17th June 1992, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

The “open lands” agreement allows for Russian and U.S. diplomats to travel across each other’s countries without prior permission. Only a notification of travel for security purposes is required.

The newly signed order by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin states “to accept the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, approved by the involved federal bodies of executive power, to terminate the memorandum of understanding on “open lands” between the government of the Russian Federation and the government of the United States of America, signed in Washington on June 17, 1992,”.

The escalation of tension between U.S. and Russia is at its highest point since the “Cuban Missile Crisis” with U.S. forcing the Russian Ambassador to withdraw while the Russians have expelled 10 U.S. diplomats including the embassy spokesperson.

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Land Act Bill amended and proposed to parliament

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Parliamentarian Moosa Siraj has introduced a bill proposing amendments to the Maldivian Land Act, incorporating modern modifications. The bill initiated discussions among parliament members after its proposal by Siraj.

The proposed bill outlines regulations for determining land types, allocation for different purposes, and distribution to ministries and individuals. It stipulates that national and public land policies will be formulated by the president with the advice and recommendations of parliament members.

Key provisions of the bill include the appointment of a Registrar of Land by the Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development, establishment of a Land and Survey Authority, and appointment of a Surveyor General.

Regarding land distribution, the bill allocates land for ministries, freeholding, and leasing, specifying permissible uses such as residential, economic, industrial, social, environmental, and governmental activities. It addresses various aspects including land rights, plot allocation, leasing, mortgage, sale, transfer by inheritance, ownership, and rights transfer.

Highlighting the outdated nature of the current Land Act from 2002, Moosa Siraj emphasised the need for modern amendments to address contemporary challenges. He stressed the inclusion of provisions for land surveys and valuation policies to mitigate issues related to fluctuating land values.

Siraj urged fellow parliament members to support the bill, citing its importance. However, members of the opposition have expressed reservations, advocating against its passage.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Government prepares to offer Hiyaavahi Finance Scheme

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The Ministry of Housing, Land, and Urban Development has signed an agreement with the Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) to offer low-interest loans for housing construction, in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment. Minister Ali Haidar Ahmed and the new Managing Director of HDFC, Ahmed Zeenad, signed the agreement of the venture.

This initiative, named the “Hiyaavehi Finance Scheme,” aims to provide financial support for the construction of individual homes. Minister Ali Haidar provided an overview of the scheme, highlighting President Dr. Muizzu’s pledge to offer low-interest loans. He outlined two categories for loan distribution, with one targeting individuals in Male’ City and other areas designated by President for development as urban centres and another for residents of other islands or regions.

Minister Haidar explained that individuals owning land in Male’ City and urban centers can receive loans of up to USD 195 thousand, with a repayment period of 25 years. Meanwhile, those in other areas are eligible for loans of USD 65 thousand under the same repayment terms.

He emphasised the enhancements made to the loan schemes compared to the previous administration, noting an increase in the maximum loan amount from USD 45 thousand to USD 65 thousand, a reduction in the interest rate from 6% to 5%, and an extension of the repayment period from 20 to 25 years.

The Minister announced that priority would be given to individuals with land plots in urban centers and areas outside Male’ City for loan disbursement. Loan applications will soon be open for residents of urban centers, accessible through the Ministry of Housing’s portal. After a screening process conducted by HDFC, eligible applicants will receive the loans.

President Dr. Muizzu’s initiative to provide loans to landowners aims to alleviate financial barriers to home construction, offering support to individuals in need.

Source(s): PsmNews

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Persecution of opposition leaders marks return to cycle of tyranny: Solih

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The move to summon opposition leaders to the police on unfounded charges marks a return to a bitter cycle of tyranny, says former Maldivian president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Solih, a special advisor at the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), made the remark in a post on X on Wednesday night. His comment comes after the police summoned MDP’s chairperson Fayyaz Ismail for questioning in a corruption investigation.

Earlier on Wednesday, Fayyaz shared the summons he received from the police asking him to present himself for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation into a corruption case.

According to the summons, Fayyaz is suspected of financial gain from transactions involving embezzlement of Road Development Corporation (RDC)’s funds.

Fayyaz denied the case against him, and described it as “the beginning of a cycle of baseless political allegations.”

Retweeting his post, Solih expressed concern over the situation.

“The start of summoning opposition leaders to the police headquarters without any basis revives the bitter cycle of tyranny and infringement of the constitution we experienced before,” he wrote. “You can serve the people without being tyrannical.”

The former president had previously accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of harboring a spirit of political retaliation.

The police previously said it was investigating a case involving the transfer of RDC’s funds to the bank accounts of the companies owned by top government officials as well as their personal accounts.

Source(s): sun.mv

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