NUUK, Greenland (AP) — The Danish international minister on Saturday scolded the Trump administration for its “tone” in criticizing Denmark and Greenland, saying his nation is already investing extra into Arctic safety and stays open to extra cooperation with the U.S.
Overseas Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, make the remarks in a video posted to social media after U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit to the strategic island.
“Many accusations and plenty of allegations have been made. And naturally we’re open to criticism,” Rasmussen stated talking in English. “However let me be fully trustworthy: we don’t admire the tone by which it’s being delivered. This isn’t the way you converse to your shut allies. And I nonetheless contemplate Denmark and the US to be shut allies.”
Vance on Friday stated Denmark has “underinvested” in Greenland’s safety and demanded that Denmark change its strategy as President Donald Trump pushes to take over the Danish territory.
Vance visited U.S. troops on Pituffik Space Base on mineral-rich Greenland alongside his spouse and different senior U.S. officers for a visit that was finally scaled again after an uproar among Greenlanders and Danes who weren’t consulted concerning the unique itinerary.
“Our message to Denmark could be very easy: You haven’t finished job by the individuals of Greenland,” Vance stated Friday. “You might have underinvested within the individuals of Greenland, and you’ve got underinvested within the safety structure of this unimaginable, stunning landmass full of unimaginable individuals. That has to vary.”
Trump on Friday launched a video on his social networking web site Truth Social entitled “America Stands With Greenland,” exhibiting footage of U.S. troops there throughout World Conflict II.
In Greenland, Vance stated the U.S. has “no choice” however to take a big place to make sure the safety of the island as he inspired a push in Greenland for independence from Denmark.
“I believe that they finally will accomplice with the US,” Vance stated. “We might make them way more safe. We might do much more safety. And I believe they’d fare quite a bit higher economically as nicely.”
The response by members of Greenland’s parliament and residents has rendered that unlikely, with anger erupting over the Trump administration’s makes an attempt to annex the huge Arctic island. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pushed again on Vance’s declare that Denmark isn’t doing sufficient for protection within the Arctic, calling her nation “ and robust ally.”
And Greenlandic lawmakers on Thursday agreed to form a new government, banding collectively to withstand Trump’s overtures. 4 of the 5 events elected to Greenland’s parliament earlier this month have agreed to type a coalition that may have 23 of 31 seats within the legislature.
The next day, Danish King Frederik X posted on Facebook: “We dwell in an altered actuality. There ought to be little question that my love for Greenland and my connectedness to the individuals of Greenland are intact.”
A whole bunch of protesters demonstrated Saturday exterior the U.S. Embassy within the Danish capital Copenhagen with some lifting indicators saying, “again off, USA” Danish broadcaster TV2 reported.
Even Greenland’s nationwide dogsled race – Avannaata Qimussersu – which kicked off Saturday with some 37 mushers and 444 canines was not left unaffected. Usha Vance, the vp’s spouse, who was initially scheduled to attend the race opted out when her husband determined to affix the journey and go to the army base as an alternative, decreasing the chance that they’d cross paths with Greenlanders.
Løkke Rasmussen, in his video, reminded viewers of the 1951 protection settlement between Denmark and the US. Since 1945, the American army presence in Greenland has decreased from hundreds of troopers over 17 bases and installations on the island, he stated, to the distant Pituffik Area Base within the northwest with some 200 troopers at present.
The 1951 settlement “gives ample alternative for the US to have a a lot stronger army presence in Greenland,” the international minister stated. “If that’s what you would like, then allow us to talk about it.”
We Do not Work For Billionaires. We Work For You.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Løkke Rasmussen added that Denmark has elevated its personal funding into Arctic protection. In January, Denmark introduced 14.6 billion Danish kroner (US$2.1 billion) in monetary commitments for Arctic safety overlaying three new naval vessels, long-range drones and satellites.
Grieshaber reported from Berlin and Madhani from Washington. Related Press author Stefanie Dazio in Berlin contributed to this report.
