Britain said today it will relinquish sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, but will retain its strategic joint military base with the US in Diego Garcia.
“After two years of negotiations, this is a significant moment in our relationship and a demonstration of our enduring commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the rule of law,” the UK and Mauritius said in a joint statement today.
As equal sovereign states, on the basis of international law, and with the intention of resolving all outstanding issues relating to the Chagos Archipelago between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, negotiations have been conducted in a constructive and respectful manner, including those relating to its former inhabitants. Issues are also included. , he said in the statement.
The political settlement is subject to the finalization of a treaty and supporting legal instruments, which both parties have committed to completing as soon as possible. Under the terms of this treaty, the UK will agree that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.
“In resolving all outstanding issues between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, the Treaty will open a new chapter in our shared history, based on mutual respect and trust as Commonwealth partners committed to the security and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region. In reaching today’s political agreement, we have the full support and assistance of our close allies, the United States and the Republic of India,” the joint statement said.
Britain has been under pressure for decades to hand over the Indian Ocean islands, but has resisted because of the Diego Garcia base, a key installation used to support US operations in the Indian Ocean and Gulf regions.
The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said, “For the first time in more than 50 years, the status of the base will be undisputed and legally secure.”
US President Joe Biden praised the continuity of the Diego Garcia base on the chain’s largest island and which was used during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“I applaud the historic agreement and conclusion of the negotiations,” President Biden said in a White House statement. He said the site “plays a vital role in national, regional and global security”.
Britain decided in 1965 to separate the islands from its then colony Mauritius and establish a military base there, which it leased to the US. In doing so, it evicted thousands of Chagos islanders, who have since launched a series of legal claims for compensation in British courts.
Mauritius has claimed the archipelago – which has since been renamed the British Indian Ocean Territory – since its independence in 1968. The Foreign Minister of Mauritius called the announcement of the agreement a “memorable day” and a “fundamental moment” in his country’s relations with Britain.
In recent years there has been growing international demand for Britain to hand over one of its last remaining overseas territories.
In 2019, the International Court of Justice asked Britain to hand over the remote islands. That same year, the United Nations General Assembly also voted to withdraw Britain.
With inputs from AFP
