U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his statement that the United States should take control of Greenland from Denmark, calling it essential for international security.
This statement has reportedly raised concerns among the small population of the island.
Covered in ice and frequently affected by storms, Greenland is currently in the Arctic winter season. However, the eyes of the world are focused on it.
Donald Trump Jr., the president’s son, recently traveled to the capital, Nuuk, in an attempt to secure support for his father’s idea, during a visit that lasted only a few hours.
During a speech at the White House, hours after his inauguration, Trump reiterated his stance that the U.S. should take control of Greenland.
“My son and my officials went there two weeks ago, and they like us. We’ll see what happens. Greenland is necessary. Not for us. It’s necessary for international security,” said Trump.
The island’s population of 57,000 enjoys a high degree of autonomy. Greenland’s government has a simple message for the world.
“We are not a commodity, we are not for sale,” said Greenland’s government minister Naaja Nathanielsen.
President Trump has not ruled out the use of economic or military pressure to bring Greenland under U.S. control, and his comments alarmed European allies.
However, Greenland says it is open to finding common ground with Washington.
“If you look beyond the rhetoric, I hear two messages from the United States: One is the need to consider the national security aspect, and we fully agree with the American message on that point. The other message I hear is that we want to be more involved in Greenland’s mineral sector. That’s like knocking on an open door,” said Minister Nathanielsen.
Greenland will hold elections no later than April. The government plans to simultaneously hold a referendum on independence from Denmark, according to VOA.
