New Maldives leader agrees to poll

The country's new leader has reportedly softened his stance and agreed to hold early elections to break a political impasse after his predecessor resigned.

President Mohammed Waheed Hassan agreed during talks with India's Foreign Secretary, Ranjan Mathai, to work on holding elections "as early as considered feasible by all concerned". The former President, Mohamed Nasheed, has been calling for early elections since he quit last week.

AP