UK's Chagos Islands deal 'significant victory', says Pope
Summary
The UK has agreed to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while allowing the UK and US to operate a military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years. Pope Leo XIV calls this decision a "significant victory" for Chagos refugees, although some UK opposition leaders and Chagos residents in the UK have criticized the agreement.Key Facts
- The UK agreed to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
- The US and UK can keep using a military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years.
- Pope Leo XIV met with Chagos refugees and praised the deal.
- The agreement includes payments of £101 million a year to Mauritius for 99 years.
- The UK retains power to veto access and control a 24-mile buffer zone around Diego Garcia.
- The treaty must be approved by both UK and Mauritian parliaments to take effect.
- In 1965, the Chagos Islands were separated from Mauritius for a military base.
- Opposition in the UK complains the deal could weaken the UK's security position against China.
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