US visit to Greenland is unacceptable, Danish prime minister says
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Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen disputed the notion of a private visit with official representatives.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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COPENHAGEN - The United States is exerting “unacceptable pressure” on Greenland, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on March 25, ahead of an unsolicited visit by a high-profile US delegation to the semi-autonomous Danish territory this week.
The visit, which runs from March 27 to March 29, will be led by Mrs Usha Vance, wife of US Vice-President J.D. Vance, and include White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
President Donald Trump on March 24 reiterated his suggestion that the US should take over Greenland
“I have to say that it is unacceptable pressure being placed on Greenland and Denmark in this situation. And it is pressure that we will resist,” she told Danish broadcasters DR and TV2.
Greenland’s acting head of government Mute Eged has labelled the visit a “provocation”, as it coincides with government coalition talks and municipal elections scheduled for the following week.
Since Mr Donald Trump Jr’s private visit to the mineral-rich island in January, Mr Trump has consistently discussed US annexation of Greenland.
On March 24, Mr Trump said that his administration was working with “people in Greenland” who want something to happen, but did not elaborate.
“The visit is clearly not about what Greenland needs or wants,” said Ms Frederiksen. “President Trump is serious. He wants Greenland. Therefore, (this visit) cannot be seen independently of anything else,” said Ms Frederiksen.
Mr Brian Hughes, spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said the delegation aimed to “learn about Greenland, its culture, history, and people”.
Mr Frederiksen disputed the notion of a private visit with official representatives. She said Denmark did not oppose ties with the United States, citing a 1951 bilateral agreement which established US rights to move freely and construct military bases in Greenland, given Denmark and Greenland are notified.
“We are allies,” she said, adding: “There is no indication either in Denmark or Greenland that we do not want cooperation with the Americans.”
Mr Egede has called for more robust support from allies against the US.
“There is massive support from the Nordic countries and the EU, so we have our allies and close partners with us,” said Ms Frederiksen. REUTERS
