The UK has denied Mauritius’s claims that it could pay double in a new Chagos Islands deal. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam asserted that future payments would be inflation-proof, but the UK Foreign Office called these figures misleading. The terms of leasing Diego Garcia back to the UK are being reconsidered amidst political criticisms and international concerns.
The UK has rejected claims from Mauritius regarding a new Chagos Islands deal suggested by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who implies that Britain might need to pay double under new inflation-adjusted terms. The UK’s Foreign Office labeled these figures as “entirely inaccurate and misleading.” Ramgoolam criticized the previous agreement as a “sell-out” and asserted that the new deal would be “unambiguous,” aiming for a fair arrangement despite the UK’s military interests in Diego Garcia.
The agreement involves leasing the Chagos archipelago back to the UK for 99 years, with an estimated annual fee of around £90 million. Ramgoolam stated that the new terms would link payments to inflation and would need Mauritian approval for any future lease extensions, contrasting with the previous deal that permitted unilateral extensions by the UK. The Foreign Office clarified that there had been no change in extension terms under the treaty, emphasizing their intent to pursue national interests.
During a recent dialogue with Ramgoolam, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was accused of yielding to Mauritius. Conservative Party members have criticized the deal, suggesting Starmer should address Parliament regarding what they called a “foolish deal.” Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel has accused him of compromising national security and demeaning the UK’s stance in relation to its allies, especially the US.
Ramgoolam noted that the new US administration is reviewing the deal, expressing concerns about the implications of ceding control of the islands for Western influence in the region. He indicated that this reassessment signals that the British side recognizes the importance of the situation regarding US engagement. Despite Mauritius’s ties with China, it is strategically aligned with India, which has complicated relations with Beijing.
The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, have been at the center of a longstanding dispute between the UK and Mauritius. The UK has maintained a military base on Diego Garcia, a part of the archipelago, which is crucial for international security. The recent developments arise after the UK agreed to transfer administrative control back to Mauritius while ensuring its strategic military presence.
The UK government has firmly denied claims from Mauritius regarding the financial implications of a new deal on the Chagos Islands, emphasizing that the figures cited by Mauritius are misleading. The ongoing negotiations and recent criticisms highlight the sensitivities involved as the UK navigates its military interests and its relationship with both Mauritius and the US. Ultimately, the successful conclusion of this deal will reflect a balance between regional power dynamics and historical injustices.
Original Source: www.thisisthecoast.co.uk
