Conflict over Greenland: talks about the future of the Arctic island

He would like to make a deal, said the US President, "but if we don't do it the easy way, we'll do it the hard way". US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a meeting this week with representatives from Denmark, to which Greenland officially belongs. The conflict over the island is also likely to be part of the talks between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU) and Rubio in Washington this Monday.

Denmark and Greenland strongly oppose Trump's annexation plans. A purchase of the island - specific sums are reportedly already being discussed in the US government - is also out of the question for them. Trump repeatedly justifies his interest with security concerns and a suspected threat from China and Russia in the Arctic. However, Greenland is also rich in natural resources such as rare earths and oil.

Greenland's politicians call for dialog

In Greenland, the broadcaster KNR is now reporting on the threats from the USA and the corresponding reactions from the European Union, NATO and Denmark in particular in a live ticker. In a joint statement, Greenland's political parties reiterated: "We don't want to be Americans, we don't want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders".

The leaders of the parties in the Greenlandic parliament, Inatsisartut, demanded that the USA "cease its disdain for our country". Greenland's future "must be decided by the Greenlandic people." An intensive dialog "with our allies and the countries with which we cooperate" must be ensured.

Greenland was a colony of Denmark until 1953, but has been granted ever greater rights of self-government since 1979 and is now largely autonomous. However, Denmark continues to decide on areas such as foreign and defense policy. The desire for complete independence has existed for years.

"I think we've all had enough of the US president. We have always led a quiet and peaceful life here," BBC quoted a resident of Nuuk as saying. "We just want to be left alone." Asked about the Rubio meeting, a member of parliament told the British broadcaster that she hoped it would end in understanding and a willingness to compromise.

How is Nato reacting?

Greenland's connection to Denmark automatically makes it part of Nato - and therefore an ally of the USA. "We must make it clear to the Americans in diplomatic talks that military action against a small Nato country would destroy the last remaining trust in the alliance," CDU foreign policy expert Armin Laschet told the Funke Mediengruppe.

Several NATO states such as Great Britain had recently spoken out in favor of expanding the alliance's presence in the Arctic. According to diplomats, one proposal envisages a surveillance mission called the "Arctic Sentry". It is intended to dispel the Americans' argument that security in the strategically important region cannot be adequately guaranteed.

The USA already operates the Pituffik Space Base on Greenland on the basis of an agreement with Denmark. Among other things, it supports missile warning systems as well as missile defense and space surveillance missions. The deployment of further armed forces would be possible within the framework of the agreements. The Danish armed forces are primarily present on the island via the Arctic Command in Nuuk.