President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that the government had a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the people, and to promote peace and harmony. He made the statement at a special meeting held on Wednesday night at Kalhuthukkalaa Koshi, to thank the NSS and the Police for the excellence with which they performed their duties during the recent disturbances in Male.The President noted that upholding the law was another important responsibility of the government, and that laws and regulations were there to safeguard people?s rights, promote justice and maintain peace and harmony. He went on to highlight that, over the years Maldives had earned a global reputation as a country of exemplary peace and harmony. In his speech, Gayoom reaffirmed the government?s commitment to press ahead with the speedy implementation of his reform agenda, and noted that the violent activities of people holding extreme political views could not derail the process.