Maldives to investigate February coup

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LONDON, June 6 (UPI) -- The British government said it welcomed the establishment of a commission of inquiry in Maldives to prove the events of a February regime change.

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed was ousted in an apparent coup in February. U.N. officials called on all sides to find a peaceful solution to the crisis after skirmishes continued in the capital Male.

British Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt said he welcomed a decision by Maldives this week to establish a national commission of inquiry to probe the events leading up to the February incident.

Burt described it as an "important step forward" for the country, adding all parties to the crisis should build on the "spirit of compromise and cooperation."

This week, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he welcomed the measure but stressed unity should be the theme of the investigations.

"The secretary-general again urges all parties to resume immediately their political dialogue, both within and outside of parliament, in order to find a mutually agreeable way forward on the basis of the constitution and without jeopardizing the democratic gains achieved thus far in the Maldives," a statement issued through his spokesman's office read.