MRM calls to appeal Chagos dispute without politicizing

Maldives Reform Movement (MRM), stating the party does not view the ruling delimiting the conflicting Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between Maldives and Mauritius in the claim lodged by Mauritius at the International Tribunal of the Law of the Seas (ITLOS) as a win for the Maldives, has called on those trying to politicize the issue to refrain from so.

ITLOS, on April 28^th, concluded that the conflicting Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between Mauritius and Maldives will be divided between the two using the equidistance formula as argued by Maldives in the case.

Thus, Maldives gains 47,232 square kilometers from the 95,563 square kilometers of maritime territory in dispute while Mauritius gains 45,331 square kilometers. 

The government has argued that Maldives loses no maritime territory in light of the ruling while the opposition claims Maldives is entitled to the entire 95,563 square kilometers of maritime territory in dispute.

MRM, included in the incumbent government coalition, in a statement on Wednesday night, said the ruling deprives Maldivians of many economic benefits they have been heeding since years ago. Therewith, the party urged to appeal the ruling.

“MRM, henceforth, believes the ruling to be a huge loss to the Maldivian state and its citizens,” the statement read.

Underscoring the maritime territory Maldives lost due to the ruling as an area where local fishermen go fishing – MRM said the ruling marks irrevocable losses especially as illegal fishing in southern Maldives is at risk of increasing which could adversely impact the nation’s fisheries stock as a whole.

“This party views the maritime area where Maldivian fishermen fish lost due to the government’s decision as an irrevocable loss. Illegal fishing in southern Maldives is also at risk of increasing which poses higher chances of impacting the nation’s fisheries stock as a whole,” the statement read.

MRM further said that the decision deprives Maldives of benefitting from the seafood, medical ingredients, metals, and fossils which can be found underwater and below the seabed in the lost area as well as the chance to conduct climate and disaster expeditions.

In their statement, MRM also stressed that baseless allegations such as ‘selling the maritime territory’ for the political benefit of a certain party strays the attention of citizens from such issues.

“MRM also believes such acts will pose difficulties in reaching a win in the case. While this case is not political, this party, noting the politicization of the case by some with extreme sadness, urge against politicizing such cases the involves national interest,” the statement read.

The party said they condone any act which, in any way, infringes the sovereign rights of the Maldives, no matter how little. They also called on the government to reverse such a decision it had been made.