‘Not for sale’, says Mute Egede as the US leader reiterates interest in acquiring the island, painting a picture of prosperity for its ‘incredible people’.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede says the Greenlandic people will determine their own future and do not want to be Danes nor Americans.
Egede made his comments on Wednesday in reaction to United States President Donald Trump, who has reiterated his desire to make Greenland – currently a semi-autonomous territory of the kingdom of Denmark – a part of the US.
“We do not want to be Americans, nor Danes, we are Kalaallit [Greenlanders]. The Americans and their leader must understand that,” Egede wrote. “We are not for sale and cannot be taken. Our future is determined by us in Greenland.”
During his annual speech to the US Congress on Tuesday night, Trump said he wanted to take the island “one way or the other”, promising financial gain and security to its “incredible people”.
“We will keep you safe, we will make you rich, and together, we will take Greenland to heights like you have never thought possible before,” Trump said. “It’s a very small population, a very, very large piece of land, and very, very important for military security.”
Trump has been drumming up his vision to take Greenland, citing its strategic and economic importance.
But Greenland’s ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party has said it will not rush an independence vote after a March 11 general election, cautioning of possible economic and welfare implications.
Opinion polls also suggest that most Greenlanders oppose joining the US, although a majority favour eventual independence from Denmark.
Even before starting his second term as president, Trump said he hoped to make Greenland a part of the US, even though NATO ally Denmark says it is not for sale.
Greenland’s strategic location and rich mineral resources could benefit the US. It lies along the shortest route from Europe to North America, vital for the US ballistic missile warning system.
“We strongly support your right to determine your own future, and if you choose, we welcome you into the United States of America,” Trump said in his speech.
But he made clear he would not give up if persuasion fails, saying: “One way or the other, we’re going to get it.”