Stormer calls on Mauritius to ensure that trade that protects the chagos islands from ‘malignant influence’ | Chagos -Islands

Keir Stormer has called on Mauritius to ensure that the agreement for the Chagos Islands keeps them free of “malignant influence”, in the midst of concern in Mauritius and the United States about the terms of the agreement.

The Prime Minister spoke with his counterpart, Navin Ramgoolam, for the first time Friday afternoon to discuss the agreement on the handover of control over the islands, which was signed last year but has attracted criticism from people close to new US president Donald Trump.

Stormer told Ramgoolam that he would have “strong protection” for the British military base on the island chain.

The trade would see the United Kingdom renouncing its final African colony while keeping control of the military base on the island of Diego Garcia for at least 99 years. British officials say it was signed with the support of the US government, but allies of Trump have since criticized it and warned that Mauritius’ alliance with China posed a risk to US national security.

Downing Street said Friday: “The prime minister spoke with the prime minister in Mauritius, Navin Ramgoolam, this afternoon. The leaders began by reflecting on their first months in office and discussing the strong relationship between Britain and Mauritius, which they looked forward to expanding. “

A spokesman added: “The Prime Minister emphasized the need for an agreement to secure the military base at Diego Garcia, which ensures strong protection, including from malignant influence, and which will allow the base to continue operating. Both leaders repeated their commitment to a deal and they looked forward to talking again soon. “

Stormer agreed with the agreement to extradite the islands last year with Ramgoolam’s predecessor Pravind Jugnauth and with support from the Biden administration. This followed a legal opinion of the International Court of Justice in 2019 that the United Kingdom should end his control of the territory.

However, changes in the government in the United States and Mauritius have since put the agreement at risk.

Ramgoolam has ordered a review of the conditions and argues that they do not represent value to the Mauritian people. After promising to pay £ 90 million. A year for continuous control over Diego Garcia, British ministers now offer to front -loaded these payments.

Even if the two sides reach an appointment, there is an option that the deal could be contradicted by Trump. Although the president has not commented on, his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, is previously warned: “This (agreement) poses a serious threat to our national security interests in the Indian Ocean and threatens critically US military attitude in the region.”