Greenland’s prime minister declares decisions are made locally after US President Trump reiterates desire to acquire the territory for national security.
COPENHAGEN: Greenland’s prime minister has firmly stated that decisions about the autonomous territory’s future are made on the island.
This comes after US President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States “needs” Greenland for national security.
“Greenland is our country. Our decisions are made here,” Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a Facebook post.
He expressed sadness after hearing Trump’s renewed desire to take over Greenland, stating such words reduce the country to a question of security and power.
President Trump has repeatedly said the US needs the resource-rich territory since returning to the White House.
He appointed Louisiana governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland on Sunday, a move that prompted anger from Denmark.
“We need Greenland for national security. Not for minerals,” Trump told a news conference in Florida.
Governor Landry immediately vowed to make the Danish territory “a part of the US” following his appointment.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said he was “deeply angered” by the move and warned Washington to respect Denmark’s sovereignty.
The European Union also offered its “full solidarity” to Denmark over the issue.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Tuesday that Greenland “belongs to its people”.
He added his voice to other Europeans in expressing full solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.
Leaders of both Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly insisted the vast island is not for sale.
They maintain that Greenland will decide its own future, with most of its 57,000 people wanting independence from Denmark but not wishing to become part of the United States.
