Maldives regrets EU block on aid

Protesters were demanding political reform

The authorities in the Maldives have expressed regret over a proposal by the European parliament to block an aid package worth $2m.

The European parliament says dissidents jailed in the Maldives should be released immediately.

It also called on the Maldivian government to end a state of emergency, and asked the EU to warn tourists about the islands' poor human rights record.

Almost 100 people were jailed when riots broke out there last month.

They were protesting at what they described as the dictatorial regime of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Denied access

The Maldivian government says it "remains wholly and totally committed to the process of democratic and constitutional reforms" and hopes to lift the state of emergency "in a matter of weeks".

MALDIVES BASICS 1,200 islands in archipelago Population is around 300,000 One-party rule since 1978 Low-lying islands vulnerable to rise in sea-levels

"In the days and weeks to come, the Maldives government intends to continue dialogue with members of the European parliament in the hope of bringing about a better understanding and increased levels of dialogue," a statement released by the government said.

On Thursday the EU parliament passed a resolution calling on all 25-member states to "immediately cease all non-humanitarian aid... and to impose an immediate travel ban in order to prevent members of the [Maldivian] government and other officials... from entering the EU".

Last week, EU diplomats based in Colombo said they were denied access to dissidents while on a fact-finding mission to the capital, Male.