Chagos Islands deal on hold as US pulls support for transfer

AP News — Apr 11, 10:37 AM

Britain has put its plan to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius on hold after the U.S. administration withdrew support for the deal.

The British government acknowledged Saturday that the legislation has run out of time in Parliament.

The islands are home to a strategic U.K.-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.

Trump initially backed the deal but later called it “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY.” Despite British frustration, officials hope the deal can be revived.

Under the agreement, Britain would pay Mauritius to lease back the Diego Garcia base for at least 99 years.

Displaced islanders worry the deal will hinder their return.