According to reports, statistics published by the Department of National Planning has revealed that the Maldives experienced an increase of 2.51 percent in inflation during the past 12 months. The index rose 0.17 percent for all groups in August 2013, compared to the rise of 1.17 percent in July 2013. 1

In another development, according to reports, acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Mariyam Shakeela has called on foreign countries not to interfere with the internal affairs of the Maldives. In her statement at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly on October 1, 2013, she alluded to “the concerted efforts by external forces to prevent the emergence of an indigenous democratic system of governance in the Maldives [by] attempting to shape the outcome of, what is, an internal issue”. The Maldives delegation at the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is headed by Dr Shakeela. She is the first Maldivian woman to deliver the Maldives delegation’s main statement at a General Assembly session. 2

• 1. “Maldives inflation rises by 2.51 percent over the past twelve months”, The Sun Online, October 1, 2013 at http://www.sun.mv/english/16416.
• 2. “Maldives calls on foreign countries not to interfere with internal affairs”, The Sun Online, October 1, 2013 at http://www.sun.mv/english/16425