Male, Nov 4 (IANS): Maldives President Mohamed Waheed Sunday said that foreigners should not interfere in the domestic issues of the Maldives.

In a speech to mark the National Victory Day, Waheed said that foreign intervention could negatively affect the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives, Xinhua reported.

The president's office quoted him as saying that it was important for the Maldives to strengthen the unity among the people.

He said the best way to do this is by addressing the current polarisations and tensions and refraining from actions that could further affect national unity.

He warned that the failure to do so could result in immense damage to the country. "Similarly, this is the time for us to find solutions to issues faced by us. We must resolve our issues ourselves. We must not let any foreign party to interfere and have their say in our affairs.

"We must always remember that giving that opportunity to foreigners could negatively affect our independence and sovereignty, and we may have to face further harms," the president said.

Waheed paid tribute to the heroes who fought for defending Islam, the independence and sovereignty of the country. He also recalled the sacrifices of the members of the Maldivian National Defence Force and their steadfastness and courage.

Meanwhile, the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MD) said it was deeply concerned with what it called was the unconstitutional actions of the government and the judiciary to obstruct the people of Maldives to exercise their constitutional rights to hold a free and fair election.

The MDP called upon the government and all relevant institutions not to obstruct the presidential elections scheduled for Nov 9, but provide necessary support and assistance to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections.