Press Releases: The United States Recognizes the United Kingdom's Continued Sovereignty Over the British Indian Ocean Territory

Press Releases: The United States Recognizes the United Kingdom's Continued Sovereignty Over the British Indian Ocean Territory
Press Statement

Morgan Ortagus
Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

May 6, 2019

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The United States supports the U.K.’s continued sovereignty over the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) and the April 30 statement by the U.K. Government. The joint U.S.-U.K. military base on Diego Garcia plays a critical role in the maintenance of regional and global peace and security.

The United States views the BIOT issue as a purely bilateral dispute between the U.K. and Mauritius, which can and should be addressed through efforts by both parties to negotiate a solution.

The United States remains concerned about the precedent the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case could set for all UN member states. UN General Assembly advisory opinion requests should not be used to litigate bilateral disputes, particularly when a State directly involved has not consented to the jurisdiction of the ICJ.

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Published May 06, 2019 at 09:48PM
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