Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Fredrik Nielsen said Tuesday he was disappointed that U.S. President Donald Trump is stepping up efforts to take control of the autonomous Arctic region.
In a post on his Facebook page, Nielsen said he was “saddened” because Trump had again “brought our country to a question of security and power.”
Nielsen said Greenland is responsible for its own future, and that its territorial integrity and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination “cannot simply be ignored.”
Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but has its own government and parliament.
A poll in January found that the majority of Greenland’s 57,000 people favor independence from Denmark, but do not want to become part of the United States.
Nielsen said, “Greenland is our country. This is where our decisions are made. And at any time I will fight for our independence and our right to self-determination and to shape our future.”
Why does Trump want Greenland?
Since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump has repeatedly said he wants the US to annex Greenland, despite strong objections from Greenlandic and Danish officials.
On Sunday, Trump appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as the new US special envoy to Greenland to “lead the charge”.
Landry has promised to make the region “a part of America”, even though it is part of Denmark – a US ally and fellow NATO member.
Copenhagen has summoned the US Ambassador to Denmark over Landry’s comments.
On Monday, Trump once again insisted that Washington intends to seize Greenland, arguing that the move is to protect US interests, not to exploit the region’s natural resources.
The US leader said, “We need Greenland for national security. Not for minerals.” “We have to do this.”
How have European leaders reacted?
In his Facebook post, Nielsen thanked the people of Greenland for their “peace and dignity”. He also thanked the region’s partners and world leaders who have “clearly and unequivocally” supported Greenland.
“The support confirms that we are not alone at home,” he said.
America’s intentions with Greenland have angered many of its allies in Europe.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said Monday he was “deeply angered” by the move to appoint Landry as he warned the White House to respect Danish sovereignty.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU stood in “full solidarity with the people of Denmark and Greenland”.
French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Greenland belongs to its people. Denmark stands as its guarantor. I join my voice with the European people in expressing our full solidarity.”
Edited by: Roshni Majumdar