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<p>The United Kingdom value the historic relationship of trust and cooperation that
we share with the Republic of Mauritius. It is therefore with great concern that we
note the intention the Prime Minister of Mauritius expressed to the Parliament of
Mauritius on 17 May to seek a referral by the UN General Assembly to the International
Court of Justice this autumn, in order to obtain an advisory opinion in relation to
the British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago).</p><p>Referral of this matter
to the International Court of Justice would cause lasting damage to Mauritius’ bilateral
relations and we have respectfully sought the Prime Minister of Mauritius’ assurance
that he does not intend to proceed with such action, and that he will return to a
constructive path. Mauritius stands to benefit from friendly relations, including
in relation to the British Indian Ocean Territory, where the UK and Mauritius are
already engaged in talks that aim to implement the United Nations Convention on the
Law of the Sea arbitral award of March 2015 and give due regard to Mauritius’ interests
in matters of marine conservation in the British Indian Ocean Territory.</p>
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