Maldives president blames dissidents after bombing

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2007

COLOMBO (AFP) — Two people have been arrested for a bombing that injured 12 foreigners in the Maldives, officials said, as the president of the Indian Ocean archipelago blamed dissidents for the attack.

The bombing in an area of the capital Male popular with holiday-makers has damaged the nation's reputation as one of the world's safest destinations.

"This is the first time that we have suffered such a terrorist attack in the Maldives and in Male," said President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who has ruled the islands since 1978 and is Asia's longest serving leader.

He blamed "very selfish and irresponsible... people who for political reasons have been calling for the boycott of the Maldives on the tourism front."

"They have been calling on tour operators to...