MNP expresses concern over new stance on Chagos Islands sovereignty.
Maldives National Party, has expressed concern over the country's new stance acknowledging Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.
In a letter addressed to the President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, His Excellency Judge Albert J. Hoffman, the party has requested a stay on the decision of the Tribunal in Case No: 28. The case concerns the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Mauritius and the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Tweet by Maldives National Party
The party has highlighted that the Maldivian government's stand on the matter is not in accordance with the country's constitution and laws. The Maldives' Maritime Zones Act declares 200 nautical miles beyond the archipelagic baselines as the Special Economic Zone of the Maldives.
The government has not engaged in any dialogue with the People's Majlis, the country's Parliament, on the issue, contravening the constitutional requirements and laws of the Maldives.
Additionally, the party has raised concerns about a confidential letter reportedly sent by Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to the President of Mauritius, which was used to argue in favor of Mauritius in the case. The government has blocked efforts by the public, media, and the People's Majlis to verify the contents of the letter, claiming national security privileges.
The party has also highlighted that the departure from the previously held position and the adoption of the new stand of acknowledging the sovereignty of Mauritius over Chagos could affect the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Maldives.
The Maldives National Party has requested a stay on the decision of the Tribunal in Case No: 28, to allow the people of the Maldives time and space to seek domestic solutions and international redress to the very grave situation.
The decision on Case No: 28 was announced on April 28, 2023, potentially leading to the Maldives losing territory without legal and constitutional concurrence. The opposition party's concerns have raised national significance, and the international community's response is awaited.
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