Greenland’s government says it cannot accept a US takeover “under any circumstance”, responding to President Trump’s latest threats over the Arctic territory.
NUUK: Greenland’s government has stated it cannot accept a United States takeover of the Arctic island under any circumstance.
The statement on Monday was a direct response to US President Donald Trump’s renewed assertion that America would take the territory “one way or the other”.
Trump has repeatedly argued the Danish autonomous territory is crucial for US national security.
“The United States has once again reiterated its desire to take over Greenland. This is something that the governing coalition in Greenland cannot accept under any circumstance,” the Greenlandic government said.
On Sunday, Trump warned that if the US did not take Greenland, “Russia or China will, and I’m not letting that happen”.
The US leader said he would be open to making a deal but insisted “one way or the other, we’re going to have Greenland.”
Last week, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain and the UK issued a joint statement with Denmark backing Copenhagen and Greenland against Trump’s threats.
“On the basis of the very positive declaration from the six NATO member states regarding Greenland, the Government of Greenland will intensify efforts to ensure that the defence of Greenland is carried out within NATO,” Monday’s statement said.
“Greenland will always be part of the Western defence alliance,” the government added.
Denmark and other European allies have expressed shock at Trump’s threats over the strategic island.
Greenland has hosted a US military base since World War II.
A Danish colony until 1953, Greenland gained home rule in 1979 and is contemplating eventually loosening its ties with Denmark.
Polls show that Greenland’s people strongly oppose a US takeover.
