Greenland's leaders reject Trump's bid for US control of island | AP News
NUUK, Greenland (AP) — Greenland’s political leaders have firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s persistent attempts to seize control of the island, emphasizing that the future of Greenland must be determined by its people. In a statement released on Friday, Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and four other party leaders expressed their unwavering stance.
"We do not desire to be Americans or Danes; we aspire to be Greenlanders," they stated. This sentiment underscores the island's desire for autonomy and self-governance.
Trump's latest proposal, made on Friday, aimed to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous territory within the realm of NATO ally Denmark, through a "deal." He suggested that if the U.S. doesn't take control, either Russia or China would step in, and the U.S. would prefer to avoid them as neighbors. Trump's approach has been described as "the easy way," but the White House has also hinted at more aggressive methods, including the use of military force.
Greenland's party leaders, in their statement, reiterated their stance: "Greenland's future must be decided by the Greenlandic people."
"As Greenlandic party leaders, we urge the United States to cease its disregard for our nation," the statement continued. This sentiment highlights the importance of Greenland's sovereignty and the need for international respect.
The political tension surrounding Greenland's future has sparked discussions among officials from Denmark, Greenland, and the United States, who met in Washington on Thursday and will reconvene next week. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has issued a stark warning that an American takeover of Greenland would spell the end of NATO.
The party leaders' statement emphasized the importance of dialogue and adherence to international laws in shaping Greenland's future. "The work on Greenland's future takes place in dialogue with the Greenlandic people and is prepared on the basis of international laws," they said. "No other country can interfere in this."
"We must decide the future of our country ourselves, without pressure for quick decisions, delays, or interference from other countries," they added, underscoring the island's determination to maintain its autonomy.
The statement was signed by Nielsen, along with Pele Broberg, Múte B. Egede, Aleqa Hammond, and Aqqalu C. Jerimiassen, reflecting the collective voice of Greenland's political leadership.
