Ongoing talks between the UK and Mauritius aim to finalize a deal concerning the Chagos Islands, supported by US President Trump. The agreement will entail the UK surrendering sovereignty over the territory while leasing the Diego Garcia military base. Initial announcements faced delays due to political changes, but recent discussions indicate progress toward finalization.
Discussions to finalize a deal regarding the Chagos Islands are currently ongoing between the United Kingdom and Mauritius, as confirmed by Downing Street. This agreement will result in the UK relinquishing sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory while retaining rights to lease the strategically significant Diego Garcia military base utilized by the United States.
The official spokesperson for the Prime Minister indicated that negotiations are progressing, stating, “The finalisation of the deal is ongoing.” The backing from US President Donald Trump, expressed during Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington in February, appears to have bolstered the negotiations. President Trump remarked, “I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well.”
The spokesperson further elaborated, emphasizing Trump’s acknowledgment of the agreement’s merits, asserting, “You will have seen from the president that he recognised the strength of the deal.” With ongoing discussions, the UK and Mauritius aim to conclude the deal and ratify the treaty soon.
Initial plans for the agreement were announced last year; however, political shifts in Mauritius and Trump’s return to office created uncertainties. The UK government emphasizes compliance with international legal decisions favoring Mauritius regarding territorial sovereignty. Reports indicate that the arrangement might incur costs of approximately £90 million annually, with advance payments proposed to ensure the Mauritian government’s endorsement.
In summary, the negotiations between the UK and Mauritius to finalize the Chagos Islands deal are progressing positively, supported by US agreement. The plan includes relinquishing UK sovereignty while allowing continued access to Diego Garcia military base. Financial terms appear to focus on substantial annual payments to secure coopération from Mauritius, reflecting the complexities of international diplomacy and legal rulings regarding the territory.
Original Source: www.standard.co.uk
