Synopsis
Danish FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen dismissed rumors that Greenland might join the US, following Trump's comments on potential annexation. He emphasized the island's continued ties with Denmark and its role in the Danish Commonwealth.Key Takeaways
- Danish FM Lars Lokke Rasmussen denies Greenland's potential US annexation.
- Greenland's elections do not indicate a desire for independence.
- Rasmussen emphasizes strengthening Greenland's economy.
- Trump's comments on annexation deemed inappropriate by NATO's Rutte.
- Greenland remains a vital part of the Danish Commonwealth.
Oslo, March 14 (NationPress) The Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Friday refuted the rumors surrounding the possibility of Greenland becoming a part of the United States. This came after comments made by US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential US annexation of the island.
Regarding the recent elections in Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, Rasmussen stated that it would be misleading to interpret the outcomes as a sign of any immediate independence or a desire to align with the United States.
"If I interpret the Greenlandic election correctly, I am convinced that Greenland will stay part of the Danish Commonwealth for the foreseeable future," Rasmussen remarked. "This is a Commonwealth that needs modernization and renewal, and I am hopeful that we will collaborate to further enhance the Greenlandic economy."
He also rejected the notion that Greenlanders have an inclination to sever ties with Denmark. "I do not observe any signs from the Greenlandic election indicating a desire to exit the Commonwealth in favor of becoming American," he stated.
During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump expressed his belief that the United States would eventually annex Greenland, describing Denmark as "very far away" from the territory despite its status as an autonomous area within the Danish Kingdom.
In his response, Rutte distanced himself from the matter, asserting that discussions regarding Greenland's status were beyond his jurisdiction and that NATO should not be involved, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Greenland, recognized as the world's largest island, has a population of approximately 60,000. It was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral part of Denmark, granting Greenlanders Danish citizenship. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining increased self-governance while Denmark maintained control over its foreign and defense policies.
