The United Kingdom's recent agreement to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius poses significant challenges to the Maldives' maritime claims, Attorney General Ahmed Usham stated at a press conference today.
The British and Mauritian governments confirmed that the Chagos Islands would be handed over to Mauritius, allowing former inhabitants to return to their islands. This decision follows a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that supported Mauritius' claims over the disputed territory, which spans approximately 95,000 acres.
Attorney General Usham emphasized that this development impacts the Maldives' maritime strategy, particularly in light of the government's promise to appeal the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) decision regarding the acquisition of the contested sea territory.
"The UK's decision comes as we are preparing a report to submit to the Cabinet, assisted by international experts," Usham noted. "This decision has created challenges for our acquisition strategy, necessitating a complete reevaluation of how the Maldives approaches maritime claims."
He revealed that discussions are underway with international experts and lawyers to determine the best course of action following the British decision. "We are currently revising our strategy and will submit our updated report to the Cabinet once we receive recommendations," he added.
To address the implications of the Chagos issue, the Maldivian government has established a committee led by former Attorney General Mohammed Anil. This committee aims to investigate the matter further and develop a coherent response to the evolving situation.
The British and Mauritian governments confirmed that the Chagos Islands would be handed over to Mauritius, allowing former inhabitants to return to their islands. This decision follows a ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that supported Mauritius' claims over the disputed territory, which spans approximately 95,000 acres.
Attorney General Usham emphasized that this development impacts the Maldives' maritime strategy, particularly in light of the government's promise to appeal the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) decision regarding the acquisition of the contested sea territory.
"The UK's decision comes as we are preparing a report to submit to the Cabinet, assisted by international experts," Usham noted. "This decision has created challenges for our acquisition strategy, necessitating a complete reevaluation of how the Maldives approaches maritime claims."
He revealed that discussions are underway with international experts and lawyers to determine the best course of action following the British decision. "We are currently revising our strategy and will submit our updated report to the Cabinet once we receive recommendations," he added.
To address the implications of the Chagos issue, the Maldivian government has established a committee led by former Attorney General Mohammed Anil. This committee aims to investigate the matter further and develop a coherent response to the evolving situation.