Dwell updates: Trump’s international insurance policies criticized by Macron and EU leaders as Greenland tensions loom over Davos

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US President Donald Trump accused the UK of “stupidity” over its plan handy over possession of the Chagos Islands , together with the US air base on Diego Garcia, to Mauritius.

He cited the transfer as one more reason for Washington to grab management of Greenland.

What are the Chagos Islands?

The Chagos Islands make up an archipelago within the heart of the Indian Ocean. The UK took over the islands together with Mauritius in 1814 below the Treaty of Paris after the defeat of Napoleon.

In 1965, a Chilly Struggle settlement between the US and UK cut up the Chagos Islands from Mauritius, preserving management of the archipelago and renaming it because the British Indian Ocean Territory.

Over time, many Chagossians have been faraway from the island to create area for a army base, with most resettling in Mauritius. Though Mauritius gained independence in 1968, the Chagos Islands stay below British management.

Hoping to stave off Soviet army affect within the area, the US and UK constructed a serious base on Diego Garcia in 1971. Certainly one of America’s most essential — and secretive — abroad property, Diego Garcia has helped launch two invasions of Iraq, served as a significant touchdown spot for bombers that fly missions throughout Asia, and has been linked to US rendition efforts.

Why is the UK relinquishing management of the islands?

Mauritius has for many years claimed sovereignty over the islands and pursued the case by way of worldwide courts. In 2019, the Worldwide Courtroom of Justice — the United Nations’ highest court docket — ruled that the UK should return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius “as quickly as attainable.” In its ruling, the court docket mentioned the transfer would allow Mauritius to “full the decolonization of its territory in a way per the appropriate of peoples to self-determination.”

Though the judgment was non-binding, the UK has confronted rising worldwide strain to surrender management of the islands. Successive British governments — each Conservative and Labour — have argued it's a take a look at of the UK’s dedication to worldwide regulation.