00:00The long-standing issue of the Chagos Island has taken a significant turn this week
00:06as the British House of Commons voted in favor of a bill supporting the restoration of the
00:11archipelago to Mauritians. On September 9, 2015, the legislation passed with a vote of
00:17330 to 174. This bill affirms Mauritian sovereignty of the islands while allowing for Diego Garcia
00:25to remain under 99-year Anglo-American military lease. In addition, it promises substantial
00:31financial support to both the Mauritian government and the Chagosian community.
00:37Under the May agreement, the UK will pay Mauritians an average of $136 million per year to lease
00:43back the base for at least 99 years. It establishes a trust fund to benefit the Chagosians and
00:50states. However, the deal does not require the residents to be resettled and some displaced
00:56islanders fear it will even be harder to return to their place of birth after Mauritians takes
01:02control.
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