UK Moves To Finalize Chagos Islands Deal With Mauritius, Supported By US

The UK is finalizing a deal to transfer Chagos Islands to Mauritius with US support. The arrangement involves leasing the Diego Garcia military base, vital for US operations. Ongoing discussions are focused on the terms, shaped by international legal decisions in favor of Mauritius, and could cost the UK £90 million annually.

The United Kingdom is in the process of finalizing a deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which has received approval from the United States under President Donald Trump. The agreement entails the UK relinquishing control over the British Indian Ocean Territory while continuing to lease the vital Diego Garcia military base from the US. Ongoing negotiations are taking place between the UK and the Mauritian government regarding the deal’s terms.

A spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s office stated that discussions are actively progressing towards the finalization of the treaty. President Trump expressed his support for the arrangement during Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington earlier this year, suggesting confidence that the deal would be beneficial.

The official representative of the Prime Minister reiterated that they are working closely with the Mauritian government to finalize the terms following discussions with the US government. Although the deal was first announced last year, fluctuations in the Mauritian administration and political changes in the United States brought the agreement into question.

The UK government has underlined that surrendering sovereignty is necessitated by international legal rulings favoring Mauritius. Reports indicate that the deal could involve costs amounting to £90 million annually for the lease of Diego Garcia, with upfront payments intended to garner support from the Mauritian authorities.

In conclusion, the UK is advancing towards a significant agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, backed by the US government. The negotiations emphasize the need to align with international legal mandates, while also ensuring strategic military collaboration through the Diego Garcia base. The finalization of this agreement represents an important diplomatic effort amidst changing political landscapes.

Original Source: www.standard.co.uk