The UK is finalizing a deal to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius with U.S. approval, securing a lease for the Diego Garcia military base. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the terms, influenced by international legal rulings and estimated costs of around £90 million annually.
The negotiation to transfer ownership of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is presently being finalized, following approval from the United States, as indicated by Downing Street. This agreement entails the United Kingdom relinquishing its sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory while securing a lease for the strategically significant Diego Garcia military base, which is utilized by the U.S. government.
The United Kingdom is currently engaging in detailed discussions with Mauritian officials regarding the specifics of the agreement. The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson emphasized, “The finalisation of the deal is ongoing.” During a visit to Washington in February, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for the arrangement, stating, “I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well.”
Additionally, the spokesperson reaffirmed President Trump’s acknowledgment of the deal’s significance and noted the collaborative efforts with the Mauritian government to finalize the treaty. The spokesperson stated, “I think we are now working with the Mauritian government to finalise the deal and sign the treaty.”
Although the deal was initially proposed last year, uncertainties arose due to a change in the Mauritian administration and the returning Trump administration. The UK government maintains that it is compelled to cede sovereignty based on international legal verdicts favoring Mauritius. Reports indicate the deal may entail annual costs of approximately £90 million to retain the use of Diego Garcia, with upfront payments designed to garner Mauritian support for the agreement.
In summary, the UK government is in the process of finalizing a deal to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, with the United States’ support having been secured. Ongoing discussions aim to establish the terms of the agreement, including a financial aspect that could cost the UK £90 million annually for the continued leasing of the Diego Garcia military base. This agreement appears to address both legal rulings and international relationships.
Original Source: www.standard.co.uk
