Britain Appoints Jonathan Powell to Negotiate Chagos Islands Ownership

Britain has appointed Jonathan Powell, former chief of staff to Tony Blair, as the negotiator for the ownership of the Chagos Islands, home to a significant U.S. military base. Mauritius claims the islands were illegally separated from its territory. The negotiations aim to balance UK interests with those of Mauritius.

Britain appointed Jonathan Powell, former chief of staff to Tony Blair, as the lead negotiator for the Chagos Islands ownership dispute on Friday. The islands, located in the Indian Ocean, are home to a major U.S. military base. Mauritius, which was a former British colony, is seeking to reclaim the islands.

The islands were detached from Mauritius in 1965 to form the British Indian Ocean Territory, three years before Mauritius gained independence. In 1966, Britain leased the largest island, Diego Garcia, to the United States, leading to the forced removal of around 2,000 inhabitants for the construction of a military base.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy emphasized the necessity of protecting the long-term operation of the military base on Diego Garcia. He highlighted Powell's experience in Northern Ireland peace negotiations as a valuable asset for reaching a settlement that safeguards the interests of both the UK and its partners. Displaced islanders continue to seek the right to return, supported by a 2019 UN General Assembly resolution condemning Britain's occupation.

(With inputs from agencies.)