Mauritius defends its sovereignty over Chagos islands after Trump criticises UK deal

Mauritius has defended its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago and said that the territory has been "unequivocally recognised by international ‍law" in response to US President Donald Trump's social media post, wherein he criticised the UK's deal to cede the islands to Mauritius. In a written statement, Mauritius Attorney General Gavin Glover said he still expects the agreement to go ahead despite Trump calling the UK's deal with Mauritius an act of “great stupidity” and “total weakness”. Mauritius' Glover said it is “important to remember” that the deal was “negotiated, concluded and signed exclusively between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Mauritius”. This image realeased by the US Navy shows an aerial view of Diego Garcia. (U.S. Navy via AP/ File) Adding to the statement, Mauritius attorney general said, "The sovereignty of the Republic of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago is already unambiguously recognised by international law and should no longer be subject to debate. We expect the treaty to be implemented as soon as possible, in accordance with the commitments made." What Trump has said Washington had last year endorsed the deal which gave the Chagos islands to Mauritius but the UK retained the control of Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean under a 99-year lease. Trump, in a Truth Social post on Tuesday said, "Shockingly, our “brilliant” NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital US Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER.” The US president added, "There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness…The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired.” Chagos islands is known for the Diego Garcia military base which played a vital role in US military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam.