Greenland parties reject U.S. takeover bid, insist islanders decide their future

Time reports Greenland’s five political parties issued a joint statement on Friday rejecting President Donald Trump’s attempts to acquire the island, saying, “We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” and that “the future of Greenland must be decided by the Greenlandic people.” The statement was signed by the leaders of the five parties, including Greenland’s prime minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

The move followed renewed pressure from Trump, who told reporters on Friday, “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” and warned that “if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland.” The parties pushed back, saying, “We would like to emphasize once again our desire for the U.S.'s disdain for our country to end,” and said the Inatsisartut would bring forward a meeting to debate the U.S.

threats. The article notes Greenland is an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark and that the island is believed to be rich in oil and hosts 25 of the 34 minerals the European Commission calls “critical raw materials.” European leaders have warned against any U.S. takeover: six countries issued a joint statement supporting Denmark and arguing Arctic security must be ensured “collectively,” and European Union Council President Antonio Costa said Greenland has “full support and solidarity of the European Union.” The article also reports Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said U.S.

Key Topics

Politics, Greenland, Donald Trump, Jens-frederik Nielsen, Denmark, Inatsisartut