Clear message from Denmark to Washington following threats against Greenland
Following the US's rhetoric regarding military intervention in Greenland, the Danish and Greenlandic administrations have made significant statements concerning the region's territorial integrity and the NATO alliance.
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Following US President Donald Trump's reiteration of his implication of military intervention in Greenland, the Danish and Greenlandic administrations have issued stern statements regarding the matter. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen invited the US administration to remain committed to peace and international legal norms in the region.
Following Washington's comments regarding the possibility of a military operation, Prime Minister Frederiksen stated, "For the United States to attack an ally would mean the end of not only the NATO alliance but also the security architecture established after World War II." Frederiksen's statement came in response to Trump's remark that "there is no army that could stand against us if we wanted to take Greenland by military means."
The Greenlandic administration is also reacting to the US stance. Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen called on Washington to "abandon annexation fantasies," stating, "There is no place for threats, pressure, and talk of annexation among friends. One cannot speak this way to a nation that has repeatedly shown responsibility, stability, and loyalty. We do not want any more pressure. Dreams of annexation must end." In a post on social media, Nielsen underscored that the democratic will and sovereignty of the Greenlandic people cannot be ignored.
Greenland's foreign relations and security policy are still determined by Denmark. The US's move on Greenland, coming shortly after its operation in Venezuela, has escalated tensions in the region. In his statements, Trump argued that his country "desperately" needs Greenland for "national security" reasons.
CONCERNS OF A NEW CRISIS IN THE REGION
The European Union and Scandinavian countries also issued statements of support for Denmark and Greenland. EU Spokesperson Anitta Hipper clarified the matter by saying, "When the territorial integrity of a member state is questioned, the European Union does not cease to defend its fundamental principles." Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that decisions regarding Greenland can only be made by the people of Denmark and Greenland.