Synopsis
Danish leaders express their worries about ongoing tensions related to US activities in Greenland, highlighting the diplomatic challenges that persist despite the scaled-back visit of Vice President JD Vance. The leaders emphasize Greenland's sovereignty and the need for a united front against US pressure.Key Takeaways
- Danish leadership concerns over US activities
- Greenlanders assert their identity and sovereignty
- Diplomatic tensions remain unresolved
- Criticism of the US's limited itinerary
- Historical context of Greenland's governance
Nuuk, Greenland, March 27 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, along with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, voiced their apprehensions regarding the persistent tensions connected to US activities in Greenland, even after the recent cancellation of Vice President JD Vance's extensive visit.
In a post on Facebook, Frederiksen pointed out that Denmark is in a "difficult situation" and hinted that the diplomatic standoff might persist. "There’s a visit planned, then it’s not happening, and then there’s yet another change the following day," she remarked.
Frederiksen emphasized that while the US interest in Greenland is not likely to wane, Americans understand that "Greenland is not for sale" and that the people of Greenland do not aspire to become Americans. She commended the Greenlanders for their resilience. "You have not been intimidated. You have asserted your identity - and demonstrated your values. That earns my utmost respect," she stated.
Foreign Minister Rasmussen supported her sentiments, cautioning that the fundamental issues remain unresolved. "We should be relieved that the US plan for a significant visit to Greenland - amidst a time when Greenland lacks a government - has not proceeded," he stated during a televised interview.
"However, this does not alter the reality that we are still facing a challenge," he continued, calling for solidarity in the face of US pressure.
Rasmussen criticized the updated US itinerary - which is now limited to a visit to the US Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland - as a strategic rebranding, according to a report from Xinhua news agency.
The White House announced on Tuesday that Vice President Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, will visit the Pituffik Space Base on Friday to engage with US troops and assess the security landscape. Previous arrangements for Usha Vance to participate in cultural events in Nuuk and Sisimiut, including a dog sled race, have been called off.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, when it was integrated into Denmark. In 1979, Greenland attained home rule, receiving greater self-governance, while Denmark maintained control over its foreign and defense policies.
