Greenland’s government issued a firm rejection Monday of any attempt by the United States to take control of the Arctic territory, insisting such a move would be unacceptable under all conditions and calling on NATO to ensure its defense amid renewed interest from President Trump.
“The United States has once again reiterated its desire to take over Greenland. This is something the government coalition in Greenland cannot accept under any circumstances,” said a statement released by the prime minister’s office.
“Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark,” the statement continued. “As a part of the Realm, Greenland is a member of NATO, and the defense of Greenland must therefore be insured through NATO.”
Trump, who has long spoken about acquiring Greenland, said last week that the United States intends to secure control of the territory for national security reasons and suggested that outcome would occur regardless of resistance.
“We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor,” Trump said.
“I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if we don’t do it the easy way, we’re going to do it the hard way. And I am a fan of Denmark,” he added.
Senior administration officials have not ruled out the possibility of using force, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying last week that military action “is always an option.”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Monday that alliance members are actively discussing Arctic security, though not in the context of defending against the United States.
“All allies agree on the importance of the Arctic and Arctic security,” Rutte said during a press conference in Croatia. “With sea lanes opening up, there is a risk that the Russians and the Chinese will be more active.”
Rutte said conversations on Arctic defense have been underway since last year and that NATO members are now “discussing the next step to that, how to make sure that we give practical follow up on those discussions.”
Greenland’s statement mirrored concerns raised by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) during an appearance Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
“I mean, NATO would have an obligation to defend Greenland,” Murphy said, referring to a hypothetical U.S. annexation attempt. “And so query whether we would be at war with Europe, with England, with France.”
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned that a forced takeover would fundamentally shatter the transatlantic alliance.
“If [Trump] were to take an action against Greenland, that would completely destroy NATO,” Warner said on “Fox News Sunday.”
{Matzav.com}
