UK Requests US Consent for Transfer of Chagos Islands Sovereignty to Mauritius
The British government intends to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while keeping US-UK control over the Diego Garcia military base, subject to US approval.
The United Kingdom is working towards an agreement to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while ensuring that the US and UK maintain control over the crucial military base on Diego Garcia for an additional 99 years.
This arrangement, as confirmed by Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, includes financial provisions, although the exact amounts have not been revealed.
The UK government has dismissed allegations that the deal entails payments of billions beyond the initial proposals.
Approval from the United States is necessary due to its substantial military presence on Diego Garcia.
UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell is set to meet with his US counterpart, Mike Waltz, in Washington to discuss the proposal.
The US administration has previously raised concerns regarding the potential national security implications of the agreement.
The UK intends to finalize the deal by March 12, coinciding with the anniversary of Mauritius' independence.
The status of the Chagos Islands has been a contentious issue since Mauritius achieved independence in 1968, with international organizations pushing for their return to Mauritian sovereignty.
This arrangement, as confirmed by Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, includes financial provisions, although the exact amounts have not been revealed.
The UK government has dismissed allegations that the deal entails payments of billions beyond the initial proposals.
Approval from the United States is necessary due to its substantial military presence on Diego Garcia.
UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell is set to meet with his US counterpart, Mike Waltz, in Washington to discuss the proposal.
The US administration has previously raised concerns regarding the potential national security implications of the agreement.
The UK intends to finalize the deal by March 12, coinciding with the anniversary of Mauritius' independence.
The status of the Chagos Islands has been a contentious issue since Mauritius achieved independence in 1968, with international organizations pushing for their return to Mauritian sovereignty.
