By James Kunda
LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Mauritius has suspended diplomatic relations with the Maldives in a move it attributed to the Maldivian government's non-recognition of Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.
According to a statement by the Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Ministry, the decision follows Maldives' stand that "it no longer recognizes the sovereignty of the Republic of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, its territorial integrity and is now objecting to the Agreement between Mauritius and the United Kingdom."
The decision "reflects the commitment of Mauritius to safeguard its national interest and uphold the principles of sovereignty and respect to the United Nations Charter, international law, peace and stability in the region," read the statement issued after a Cabinet meeting late on Friday.
The UK and Mauritius signed last year an agreement to settle the future of the contested Chagos Islands, officially known as the British Indian Ocean Territory, but US President Donald Trump recently urged London to scrap the deal.
The deal would see the UK cede sovereignty of the territory to Mauritius, and lease back a joint UK-US military base on the largest island.
Maldives has raised concerns and objections regarding the proposed transfer, and has sought direct discussions with the UK.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu recently said Maldives holds a stronger historical and legal claim to the territory than Mauritius.