In a rare display of political unity, all five parties in Greenland’s parliament have come together to reject US President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for the annexation of the strategically significant Arctic island.
In a joint statement posted on Facebook, the party leaders expressed their strong disapproval, stating, “We, all party leaders, cannot accept the repeated statements on annexation and control of Greenland. We find this conduct unacceptable to friends and allies in a defence alliance.”
The condemnation followed Trump’s reaffirmation of his interest in assuming control of Greenland during a meeting with NATO Chief Mark Rutte. The island, which has a population of nearly 57,000—predominantly indigenous Inuit—remains the territory of Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States.
Greenland’s outgoing Prime Minister, Mute Egede, articulated a particularly strong rejection of Trump’s remarks, declaring, “Our country will never be the USA, and we Greenlanders will never be Americans. Greenland is one country. We are united.” Egede continues to lead the territory while awaiting the formation of a new government following his party’s electoral defeat earlier this week.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen also denounced Trump’s comments, asserting that Greenland could not be claimed by another country. “If you look at the NATO treaty, the UN charter, or international law, Greenland is not open to annexation,” Rasmussen stated.
While Greenland is a self-governing territory, it remains heavily dependent on Denmark for finances, with foreign affairs and defence managed from Copenhagen. The island, although largely covered by ice, holds vast natural resources, including 25 of the 34 minerals classified as critical by the European Union, which enhances its economic appeal. Furthermore, Greenland’s location hosts a significant US military base and serves as a strategic link between Russia and North America.
Source : DW
