US walks backs recognition of new gov't in strife-hit Maldives, saying clarification needed The USA Times

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Friday, May 25, 2012

US walks backs recognition of new gov't in strife-hit Maldives, saying clarification needed

WASHINGTON - The U.S. has walked back its recognition of the new government in the Maldives, saying it needs clarification of how power was transferred in the Indian Ocean nation.

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed says he was pushed from power at gunpoint, and has criticized the U.S. after the State Department said Thursday it recognized the new government.

State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland on Friday told a news briefing the circumstances are murky and contested.

She said the U.S. would work with the new government but believes "the circumstances of the transfer of power need to be clarified."

She said the U.S. would expect to have a clearer view after Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake visits the Maldives. He is due to arrive Saturday.