Danish PM calls Greenland showdown a decisive moment as Germany and Sweden back Denmark against Trump’s threats to seize the Arctic territory.
COPENHAGEN: Denmark’s prime minister says her country faces a “decisive moment” in its diplomatic dispute with the United States over Greenland.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made the statement after President Donald Trump again suggested using force to seize the Arctic territory.
“There is a conflict over Greenland,” Frederiksen said ahead of meetings in Washington on critical raw materials.
She added that the stakes go beyond the immediate issue of Greenland’s future during a debate with other Danish political leaders.
Frederiksen posted on Facebook that Denmark is ready to defend its values in the Arctic, believing in international law and self-determination.
Germany and Sweden have backed Denmark against Trump’s latest claims to the self-governing Danish territory.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned US “threatening rhetoric” after Trump’s comments.
He said Sweden and other European nations stand together with Denmark at a defence conference in Salen.
Kristersson stated a US takeover of mineral-rich Greenland would violate international law and risk encouraging other countries.
Germany reiterated its support for Denmark and Greenland ahead of the Washington discussions.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the future of Greenland must be decided by its people and Denmark.
He added that Germany is ready to assume greater responsibilities for Arctic security within NATO.
German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said allies are strengthening Arctic security together, not against one another.
European nations have scrambled to coordinate a response after the White House refused to rule out military action.
Leaders of seven European countries signed a letter saying only Denmark and Greenland can decide the territory’s future.
Trump says controlling the island is crucial for US national security due to rising Russian and Chinese military activity.
NATO Supreme Allied Commander General Alexus Grynkewich said alliance members were discussing Greenland’s status.
He told the Swedish conference there was “no immediate threat” to NATO territory, but the Arctic’s strategic importance was growing.
Grynkewich said dialogues on Greenland continue at the North Atlantic Council in Brussels.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 and gained home rule in 1979.
Polls indicate that Greenland’s population strongly opposes a US takeover.
The general noted Russian and Chinese vessels have been seen patrolling together to gain greater Arctic access.
