During the debate on “The Chagos Issue and Fundamental Human Rights” organized by the local branch of Amnesty International on Tuesday 9 February 2010 at the Municipality of Port Louis, in my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, I stated loud and clear that a common front of all stakeholders is essential if Mauritius is to successfully claim back its full rights on the archipelago. I also stated that the Government of Mauritius is considering several strategies in this regard and that the issues of sovereignty, resettlement and military base must go hand in hand.

Illegal excision

Let me reiterate that Mauritius does not recognize the so-called British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Under the Mauritius Constitution, the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia, is under Mauritian sovereignty. Our Government has consistently and persistently pressed the British Government at bilateral and multilateral levels for the early and unconditional return of the excised archipelago and we have continuously received the support of the international community.

Since there is an on-going bilateral Mauritius-UK mechanism for talks and consultations on issues relating to the Chagos Archipelago, it is inappropriate for the British Government to pursue consultations globally on the proposal for the establishment of a ‘Marine Protected Area’ (MPA) around the Chagos Archipelago outside this bilateral framework. This position was brought to the attention of the British Government by way of Notes Verbales issued by my Ministry to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Offi ce. The public consultations were launched in total disregard of the discussions at the second round of bilateral talks during which it was agreed that a team of experts would examine all the implications of the UK proposal so as to inform the next round of talks. Mauritius is not averse to pursuing bilateral talks with the UK, but this can only be done if the trust between the two sides is restored, especially in the light of the undertaking given by the British Prime Minister to our Prime Minister. Mauritius is not being treated as an equal partner by the UK and the Government believes that the legitimate interests of Mauritius should not be taken lightly. The third round of bilateral talks, scheduled for early 2010, has indeed been called off because Mauritius has expressed its displeasure at the ongoing public consultations on the MPA outside the bilateral framework. Thus, our stance has been firm and unequivocal.

The British Government is trying – in a very Machiavellian way – to project an image of a great environment protector and an ecological Messiah with this MPA project, which is being endorsed by some ‘conservative’ environmentalist groups and NGOs in the UK. But there are many scientists and respected environmentalists like Dr. Mark Spalding, Dr. Lynda Rodwell andeven Dr. Peter Sand, as well as groups such as the Marine Education Trust and the Nature Conservancy and Conservation Science Group who are resolutely against the MPA.

Violation of Human Rights and of Mother Nature

Should the Chagossians continue to be denied their right to return to the Chagos Archipelago in favour of the expense of the so-called vision of the UK for the world environment? The human rights of the Chagossians have been grossly violated and this MPA proposal is adding insult to injury. In his moving and densely documented book “Island of Shame”, David Vine recalls how in 1971 Diego Garcia’s reef was blasted with explosives to excavate coral rock and how fuel sludge fouled the pristine waters of the atoll. Bulldozers and chains were used to rip coconut trees from the ground and the pet dogs of the Chagossians were shot, poisoned or gassed to death, under the eyes of their traumatized owners. Do not forget also how marine resources in the archipelago’s waters were gluttonously collected over the years.

It is now public knowledge that the Chagos has also been used for rendition fl ights and such an act is in breach of the UN Convention against Torture.

Our Government is aware of its obligations under International Human Rights treaties, and thus has a duty to ensure that the Mauritian territory is not used for activities which are contrary to the provisions of these treaties. Mauritius was the first African country to ratify the Pelindaba Treaty which prohibits the stationing and testing of any nuclear explosive device on the signatories’ territory.

Under the guise of environment protection, the UK is eager to allow eco-imperialism to rule over justice and basic human rights. There can be no legitimacy to any MPA project without the issues of sovereignty and resettlement being addressed to our satisfaction. Mauritius is a small country, but also a great little nation. The history of the Chagos is one of unfinished decolonization and of how imperial objectives of powerful nations flout the very notion of peace and humanity in their actions.

Arvin BOOLELL

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade

(Extract from : ‘Diego Garcia : No to hypocrisy and eco-imperialism’)
l’express Weekly – Friday 19 February