Chagos Islands treaty is now ‘impossible to agree at political level’, UK minister says
A treaty to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has become impossible to agree at the political level due to US withdrawal of support. The UK government had initially negotiated the agreement with the US and Mauritius, but Donald Trump's position appears to have changed.
The story so far
- Apr 11
- Apr 12
- Apr 13
How outlets cover it
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Open questions and key claims
Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US.
Trump said in February that the deal was a “big mistake”.
We have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support.
Trump called a deal to transfer sovereignty of the islands "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY".
Mauritius vows to regain control over the Chagos Islands.
A treaty over ceding sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius has become “impossible to agree at political level”.
Britain has put on hold its deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
The deal to cede the islands to Mauritius needs the backing of Washington.
Who and where
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