c/o Chairman Mr. L. Olivier Bancoult O.S.K
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Dear All,
First of all, once again, I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have expressed their support to Chagossians worldwide. Furthermore, I would like to reassure all my Chagossians brothers and sisters that the Chagos Refugees Group ‘CRG’ shall continue in its endeavour to ensure that justice ultimately prevails.
As I am sure you are all aware, representatives of the FCO expressed their wish to exchange dialogues with members of the Chagossians’ Community. The Chagos Refugees Group (CRG) once again, showed their good faith and agreed to cooperate with this initiative. Nonetheless, on the 26th of June 2013 during our meeting with Sangeeta Ahuja Team Leader B.I.O.T Review Task Force and Martin Longden Head of Falkland & Southern Ocean Department (O.T.D) both from F.C.O, we honestly stated that while the Chagossians have always expressed their willingness to cooperate in view to find a solution to our plight, more often than not, the FCO has bypassed, ignored and dismissed our views. We cited the unilateral declaration of the Chagos Archipelago as a Marine Protected Area as the perfect example of our views and interests being disregarded despite the fact that we voiced out our concerns and opposition loud and clear.
During our meeting with Dr Sangeetah Ahujah and Martin Longden in the presence of the British High Commissioner Nick Leaks, we were given to understand that this initiative to open dialogues on resettlement is being carried out in light of the fact that the Foreign Secretary expressed his intention in December 2012 to review its policy. Furthermore, we were told that according to the FCO there are essentially two main obstacles that hinder the right to return. The feasibility of resettlement remains a controversial issue according to the FCO. Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner of BIOT has confirmed that the United States remain opposed resettlement as it purportedly threatens their defence interests. However, they proposed that we do not address the defence interests of the United States but to focus on the feasibility of resettlement instead. While we agreed to discuss the feasibility of resettlement, we made it clear that we remain sceptical because we cannot ignore the fact that the FCO could at a later stage conclude that defence interests dictate that resettlement cannot be envisaged. Furthermore, we explained that the feasibility of resettlement is a novel issue as many studies have been conducted. While we are not against a feasibility study, we believe that such initiative should be conducted jointly at every single stage and the Chagossians must be consulted throughout and within a well defined and appropriate timescale. Additionally, during the discussion, issues such as citizenship, scholarships, pensions schemes have also been addressed. The FCO representatives accompanied by the British High Commissioner also visited many houses wherein the Chagossians are living in Mauritius and thus witnessed their abject living conditions.
The very fact that we are participating in this process is proof of our good faith and commitment. Yet, we can only hope that this latest initiative of the FCO is one that is being pursued genuinely. In this regard, we kindly note that on the 9th of July 2013 that is after our meeting with the representatives of the FCO which was held on the 26th of June, Mark Simmons has stated the intention to review the resettlement policy.
We are happy that the meeting was conducted in an honest manner during which both parties have had the opportunity to freely express their positions. We hope that such meetings will be conducted on a regular basis because communication and dialogues are essential in our quest for justice.
Regards,
Olivier Bancoult, OSK
Chairman CRG
Royal Road, Pointe aux Sables, Mauritius - Tel/Fax: +230 234-1024
Email: obancoultcrg@intnet.mu - Website: www.chagosrefugeesgroup.net
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