IN BRIEF (Page 4)

MALDIVES

President seeks extension

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen on Monday requested parliament to extend the state of emergency for a further 15 days amid the ongoing political crisis. The parliament which convened for a special session, is now discussing the president's request and will soon take a vote among legislators. Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency on Feb 5, after a surprise Supreme Court ruling ordering the release of nine opposition leaders including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed.