Maldives: India prods parties to hold talks

Nasheeds decision to put off a tour to Addu,where his supporters have been clashing with the police,is also seen as a sign that the reconciliation process is underway. India is pushing talks to ensure that the parliament functions and the legitimacy of the current government is established.

While India believes elections are not required at the moment,Nasheed wants snap polls. The huge cost of elections at a time when the economy is not doing well is another deterrent.

The seven cabinet members sworn in by Waheed today belong to various parties,including some close to former dictator Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Some key ministries have been kept vacant and there is speculation this has been done to rope members of the MDP into the government.