n at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay
borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal
narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organizations;
uncontested dispute with Uruguay over certain islands in the
Quarai/Cuareim and Invernada boundary streams and the resulting
tripoint with Argentina; in 2004 Brazil submitted its claims to
UNCLOS to extend its maritime continental margin
British Indian Ocean Territory
Mauritius and Seychelles claim the
Chagos Archipelago and its former inhabitants, who reside chiefly in
Mauritius, but in 2001 were granted UK citizenship and the right to
repatriation since eviction in 1965; the UK resists the Chagossians'
demand for an immediate return to the islands; repatriation is
complicated by the exclusive US military lease of Diego Garcia that
restricts access to the largest island in the chain
British Virgin Islands
none
Brunei
in 2003 Brunei and Malaysia ceased gas and oil exploration in
their disputed offshore and deepwater seabeds and negotiations have
stalemated prompting consideration of international legal
adjudication; Malaysia's land boundary with Brunei around Limbang is
in dispute; Brunei established an exclusive economic fishing zone
encompassing Louisa Reef in southern Spratly Islands in 1984 but
makes no public territorial claim to the offshore reefs; the 2002
"Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea" has
eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally
binding "code of conduct" desired by several of the disputants
Bulgaria
none
Burkina Faso
two villages are in dispute along the border with
Benin; Benin accuses Burkina Faso of moving boundary pillars;
Burkina Faso border regions remain a staging area for Liberia and
Cote d'Ivoire rebels and an asylum for refugees caught in local
fighting; the Ivoirian Government accuses Burkina Faso of sheltering
Ivoirian rebels
Burma
over half of Burma's population consists of diverse ethnic
groups with substantial numbers of kin beyond its borders; despite
continuing border committee talks, significant differences remain
with Thailand over boundary alignment and the handling of ethnic
rebels, refugees, and illegal cross-border activities; ethnic Karens
flee into Thailand to escape fighting between Karen rebels and
Burmese troops, in 2004 Thailand sheltered about 118,000 Bur
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