Maldives president quits after protests

The president of the Maldives has resigned, after clashes in the capital, Male, between soldiers and police who sided with anti-government protesters. Mohamed Nasheed confirmed his resignation on Tuesday in a nationwide broadcast after police defied orders to break up demonstrations and seized control of the state television station.

“I believe if I continue as the President of the Maldives, the people of the country would suffer more. I therefore have resigned as the President of Maldives,” Nasheed said.

“I wish the Maldives would have a consolidated democracy. I wish for justice to be established. My wish is for the progress and prosperity of the people,” he said.

Mohamed Waheed, Nasheed's vice president, was sworn in as the country's interim leader soon after.

A statement issued by the president's office earlier on Tuesday called for people to remain calm. "The government of Maldives together with all state institutions will work to ensure peace and stability in Male," it said. "Government of Maldives calls to people to remain calm and support to stabilise the situation."

http://www.aljazeera.com//news/asia/2012/02/20122765334806442.html

Awesom, Nasheed - very well done, you are not a murdering SOB, and have put your country ahead of your own cushy position. You deserve to be praised.