Port Louis, Feb 14 (Agency) Britain’s ownership of the Chagos achipelago was formally challanged when Jagdish Koonjul, Mauritian ambassador to the UN, raised his country’s flag above the atoll of Peros Banhos on Monday. According to The Guardian, Mauritian officials sang their country’s national anthem and the red, blue, yellow and green standard was raised up the flagpole in a ceremony.
Koonjul said: “We are performing the symbolic act of raising the flag as the British have done so many times to establish colonies. We, however, are reclaiming what has always been our own.” On the occasion, Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth via broadcast told the Chagossians and the Mauritian officials: “This is the first time Mauritius has led an expedition to this part of its territory. I feel sad that I have not been able to be part of this historic visit. “I’m delighted that our Chagossian brothers and sisters are able to travel to their birthplace without any foreign (ie British) escort.
“The message I wish to give out to the world, as the state with sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, is that we will ensure a wise stewardship of its territory – over its maritime security, conservation of the marine environment and human rights, notably the return of those of Chagossian origin.” A metal plaque secured beneath the flagpole said: “Visit of the Mauritius delegation to Peros Banhos archipelago, Republic of Mauritius, in the context of the scientific survey of Blenheim Reef,” The Guardian reported.