What is "uti possidetis"

Uti possidetis \U`ti pos`si*de"tis\ [L., as you possess.]

1. (Internat. Law) The basis or principle of a treaty which leaves belligerents mutually in possession of what they have acquired by their arms during the war.
   --Brande & C.

2. (Roman Law) A species of interdict granted to one who was in possession of an immovable thing, in order that he might be declared the legal possessor.
   --Burrill.

n. 1 (context legal English) The principle of a treaty which leaves belligerents mutually in possession of what they have acquired by force during the war. 2 (context legal historical Ancient Rome English) A species of interdict granted to one who was in possession of an immovable thing, in order that he might be declared the legal possessor.

Uti possidetis ( Latin for "as you possess") is a principle in international law that territory and other property remains with its possessor at the end of a conflict, unless otherwise provided for by treaty; if such a treaty does not include conditions regarding the possession of property and territory taken during the war, then the principle of uti possidetis will prevail. Originating in Roman law, the phrase is derived from the Latin expression uti possidetis, ita possideatis, meaning "may you continue to possess such as you do possess" (lit., "as you possess, thus may you possess"). This principle enables a belligerent party to claim territory that it has acquired by war.