In his address to the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, Dr Ramgoolam pointed out how, 40 years after its independence, Mauritius has not been able to exercise its sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, including Diego Garcia.

“The Archipelago was excised from the territory of Mauritius by the former colonial power to be subsequently used for military purposes behind our back, in total disregard to UN Resolutions 1514 and 2066”, said the Prime Minister.
He also recalled the shameful displacement of the inhabitants of the Chagos from their homelands, denying them of their fundamental human rights.

On the question of the sovereignty of Mauritius over Tromelin, he said the  Mauritian and French authorities were discussing the modalities of co-management of the island in a spirit of friendship and trust pending the settlement of the sovereignty issue.
He also indicated that he totally subscribed to the policies of President Barack Obama in the maintenance of international law and the respect of human rights.

The Prime Minister called on the international community to honour the commitment made to developing countries concerning the fight against HIV/AIDS and its support to face climate change.
He made mention of the implementation by Mauritius of “Maurice Ile Durable" an ambitious programme which focuses on the use of renewable energy and the emergence of small power producers. He deplored the persistent poverty prevailing in many parts of the world, in particular in Sub Saharan Africa.

Referring to the question of global peace, the Prime Minister said that the unanimous view in the world today is that the epicentre of global insecurity and instability remains the Middle East. He called for a fair and final settlement of peace in the Israel-Palestine conflict. He also said that Mauritius unreservedly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
He condemned the coups in Madagascar and in Honduras and called for the respect of constitutional rule.

Dr Ramgoolam pointed out that it was politically unacceptable that India, the world's most populous democracy, is still denied a seat as a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council  as well as  Latin America and the  Caribbean.
He also expressed concern over the prolonged house detention of the leader of the Burmese Opposition leader, Haung Sang Suu Kyi, “an emblematic lady who personifies the courage and dignity of her people”.

 As for the Arab-Israeli conflict, with the question of Palestine at its core, “it remains an issue of deep concern not only to the region but also to the world at large,” he said.