**The Pope has expressed his satisfaction with the decision to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, highlighting it as a win for the Chagossian people and their quest for justice.**
**Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Historic Agreement on Chagos Islands Sovereignty**
**Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Historic Agreement on Chagos Islands Sovereignty**
**A treaty between the UK and Mauritius marks a significant milestone in the Chagos Islands dispute, according to Pope Leo XIV.**
The Pope has expressed his contentment regarding the recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius, signaling a new chapter in the ongoing struggle for the Chagos Islands. Speaking to a group of Chagos refugees at the Vatican, he described the development as a "significant victory" in their relentless pursuit for justice and return to their homeland.
The treaty, established in May, stipulates that Mauritius will regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while simultaneously permitting the continued operation of a military base by the US and UK on Diego Garcia for a 99-year period. The Pope expressed his hope that this arrangement would facilitate the refugees’ return to their native islands.
Highlighting the importance of the decision, he advocated for the respect of identity and rights, emphasizing that no one should be compelled to live in exile. The Chagos Islands were originally ceded to the UK in 1968 for £3 million, as Mauritius seeks to rectify what they consider a forced concession in exchange for their independence.
The uprooting of the Chagossians, who were relocated to Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK to make way for military operations, has fueled discontent. The recent agreement, which includes a financial arrangement of approximately £101 million annually for the next 99 years, aims to create a 24-mile buffer around Diego Garcia, restricting unauthorized construction and military access by foreign powers.
The deal has elicited concern from UK opposition leaders, who argue that it compromises national security and could expose the UK to greater risks, especially concerning Chinese influence in the region. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has defended the agreement as necessary for maintaining national security and preventing other nations from establishing bases in the vicinity.
While the agreement has been greeted with enthusiasm in Mauritius, with officials expressing relief after decades of struggle, challenges remain. Legal contests have emerged, including recent attempts by Chagossians wishing to return to Diego Garcia, which were dismissed by the courts.
The treaty awaits ratification by both parliaments, marking a pivotal moment in the historic issue surrounding the Chagos Islands.
The treaty, established in May, stipulates that Mauritius will regain sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, while simultaneously permitting the continued operation of a military base by the US and UK on Diego Garcia for a 99-year period. The Pope expressed his hope that this arrangement would facilitate the refugees’ return to their native islands.
Highlighting the importance of the decision, he advocated for the respect of identity and rights, emphasizing that no one should be compelled to live in exile. The Chagos Islands were originally ceded to the UK in 1968 for £3 million, as Mauritius seeks to rectify what they consider a forced concession in exchange for their independence.
The uprooting of the Chagossians, who were relocated to Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the UK to make way for military operations, has fueled discontent. The recent agreement, which includes a financial arrangement of approximately £101 million annually for the next 99 years, aims to create a 24-mile buffer around Diego Garcia, restricting unauthorized construction and military access by foreign powers.
The deal has elicited concern from UK opposition leaders, who argue that it compromises national security and could expose the UK to greater risks, especially concerning Chinese influence in the region. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has defended the agreement as necessary for maintaining national security and preventing other nations from establishing bases in the vicinity.
While the agreement has been greeted with enthusiasm in Mauritius, with officials expressing relief after decades of struggle, challenges remain. Legal contests have emerged, including recent attempts by Chagossians wishing to return to Diego Garcia, which were dismissed by the courts.
The treaty awaits ratification by both parliaments, marking a pivotal moment in the historic issue surrounding the Chagos Islands.
