Greenland’s prime minister stated Friday that the mineral-rich Arctic territory’s individuals do not wish to be Americans, however that he understands U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s interest in the island given its strategic location and he is open to better cooperation with Washington.
The feedback from the Greenlandic chief, Múte B. Egede, got here after Trump stated earlier this week that he would not rule out utilizing drive or financial stress to be able to make Greenland — a semiautonomous territory of Denmark — part of the United States. Trump stated that it was a matter of nationwide safety for the U.S. Melting sea ice has opened up new shipping routes through the Arctic, and Western powers have already voiced concern about Russia and China utilizing it to spice up their presence within the North Atlantic.
Egede acknowledged that Greenland is part of the North American continent, and “a spot that the Americans see as a part of their world.” He stated he hasn’t spoken to Trump, however that he is open to discussions about what “unites us.”
“Cooperation is about dialogue. Cooperation implies that you’ll work in the direction of options,” he stated.
Egede has been calling for independence for Greenland, casting Denmark as a colonial energy that hasn’t at all times handled the Indigenous Inuit inhabitants properly.
“Greenland is for the Greenlandic individuals. We don’t wish to be Danish, we don’t wish to be American. We wish to be Greenlandic,” he stated at a information convention alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.
Trump’s need for Greenland has sparked nervousness in Denmark in addition to throughout Europe. The United States is a powerful ally of 27-nation European Union and the main member of the NATO alliance, and lots of Europeans have been shocked by the suggestion that an incoming U.S. chief may even think about using drive in opposition to an ally.
But Frederiksen stated that she sees a optimistic facet within the dialogue.
“The debate on Greenlandic independence and the newest bulletins from the U.S. present us the big curiosity in Greenland,” she stated. “Events which set in movement numerous ideas and emotions with many in Greenland and Denmark.”
“The U.S. is our closest ally, and we are going to do every thing to proceed a powerful cooperation,” she stated.
Frederiksen and Egede spoke to journalists after a biannual meeting of Denmark and two territories of its kingdom, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. The assembly had been beforehand scheduled and wasn’t known as in response to Trump’s latest remarks. Trump’s eldest son also made a visit to Greenland on Tuesday, touchdown in a aircraft emblazoned with the phrase TRUMP and handing out Make America Great Again caps to locals.
The Danish public broadcaster, DR, reported Friday that Trump’s workforce inspired homeless and socially deprived individuals in Greenland to seem in a video sporting the MAGA hats after being provided a free meal in a pleasant restaurant. The report quoted a neighborhood resident, Tom Amtof, who acknowledged a few of these in a video broadcast by Trump’s workforce.
“They are being bribed, and it’s deeply distasteful,” he stated.
Greenland has a inhabitants of 57,000. But it is a huge territory possessing pure sources that embrace oil, gasoline, and uncommon earth components, that are anticipated to turn out to be extra accessible as ice melts because of climate change. Greenland could have important reserves of as much as 31 totally different minerals, together with lithium and graphite. These uncommon supplies are wanted to supply electrical car batteries. China at the moment produces about 65% of the world’s graphite.
While Copenhagen is liable for its international affairs and protection, the U.S. additionally shares duty for Greenland’s protection
and operates a base there, Pituffik Space Base, which to at the present time stays the American navy’s northernmost set up.
contributed to this report.
