The leaders of the five political parties in Greenland’s parliament have issued a firm message to U.S. President Donald Trump: they seek independence and do not want to become part of America.
“We do not want to be Americans, we do not want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders,” the party leaders stated in a joint declaration on Friday.
This declaration follows Trump’s increasing assertions regarding his interest in acquiring Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. His claims have gained traction particularly in light of recent U.S. actions in Venezuela.
During an event at the White House, Trump stated, “We’re going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor.” He added that he would prefer a simple negotiation but was prepared to take more forceful actions if necessary.
Greenlandic leaders demand respect for their sovereignty
In response, Greenland’s political leaders reiterated their call for autonomy and self-determination, insisting that the future of Greenland should be determined by its own people. “We would like to emphasize once again our desire for the U.S.’s disdain for our country to end,” they asserted, underlining their commitment to managing their own affairs.
The leaders also highlighted their growing involvement in international dialogue, stating, “We must again call for that dialogue to continue to be based on diplomacy and international principles.”
International support for Greenland’s position
In a show of solidarity, eight European leaders expressed their support for Greenland earlier this week, asserting that Arctic security should be achieved collectively and with full respect for the desires of its inhabitants. They emphasized that any attempts to take over Greenland could have serious implications for NATO, as warned by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
To address these significant concerns, Greenland’s parliament, the Inatsisartut, plans to convene sooner than scheduled to ensure a thorough political discussion that protects the rights of its citizens.