NewKerala.com

Danish Lawmaker Slams US "War" Over Greenland, Calls Trump's Claims "Nonsense"

A Danish parliament member has sharply criticized the U.S. administration's pursuit of Greenland, stating it is "almost starting a war with an allied country." Rasmus Jarlov dismissed President Trump's claims that the U.S. needs Greenland for defense as "complete nonsense," noting the U.S. already has full military access there. European leaders, including those from France and Germany, issued a joint statement affirming that only Denmark and Greenland can decide matters concerning the territory. Greenland's Prime Minister also asserted that the country is not something that can be taken over simply because another nation wants it.

Key Points: US Pursuit of Greenland "Almost Starting a War": Danish MP

  • Danish MP says US is "almost starting a war" over Greenland
  • Calls US defense claims "complete nonsense"
  • European leaders issue joint statement backing Denmark
  • Greenland PM says country "isn't something you can... take over"
  • White House reiterates Greenland's strategic importance
2 min read

US 'almost starting a war with an allied country' in pursuit of Greenland: Danish lawmaker

Danish lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov accuses the US of threatening Greenland, dismissing Trump's defense claims as "complete nonsense" in escalating row.

"They talk about the United States as the only ones that can protect Greenland, but the fact is that they're the only ones threatening Greenland. - Rasmus Jarlov"

Washington, Jan 7

US President Donald Trump's administration is 'almost starting a war with an allied country' in its pursuit of Greenland, Danish lawmaker Rasmus Jarlov said.

"They talk about the United States as the only ones that can protect Greenland, but the fact is that they're the only ones threatening Greenland," the Danish parliament member said during an interview to CNN on Tuesday.

Denmark's ownership of Greenland "may be one of the most well-established ownerships of territory in the world," Jarlov said.

"It is not disputed by anyone. It has never been disputed by the United States themselves."

Jarlov noted that the United States already has "exclusive and full military access" to Greenland, calling Trump's remarks that the United States needs Greenland for defence "complete nonsense."

The White House on Tuesday reiterated that Greenland would be better protected by the United States, ignoring European leaders' support for Denmark's ownership of Greenland.

"President Trump believes Greenland is a strategically important location that is critical from the standpoint of national security, and he is confident Greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States from modern threats in the Arctic region," White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told media outlets in a statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark issued a joint statement: "It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

"Our country isn't something you can deny or take over because you want to," Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Monday in a statement on Facebook.

Trump on Sunday stressed again that the United States 'absolutely' needs Greenland 'for defence,' reaffirming that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to US intervention, according to The Atlantic.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, was granted home rule in 1979. In 2009, Denmark passed the Act on Greenland Self-Government, expanding the island's authority over its domestic affairs. However, Denmark retains authority over Greenland's foreign, defence and security policy, according to information on the website of the Prime Minister's Office of Denmark.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As an Indian, I find this deeply ironic. The US lectures other nations about sovereignty and international law, but then acts like this. The joint statement from European leaders is a strong message. You can't just decide to "protect" someone's land because you want to. 🤦‍♀️
R
Rohit P
The White House statement is pure nonsense, just like the Danish MP said. They already have full military access! What more "protection" do they need to provide? This seems more about projecting power and resources in the Arctic than any real threat.
S
Sarah B
While I understand the strategic concerns about the Arctic, the approach is all wrong. This damages alliances. The Greenlandic PM's statement says it all: "Our country isn't something you can deny or take over because you want to." Respect sovereignty.
V
Vikram M
Reading this from India, it's a reminder that powerful nations often create their own justifications for interference. The colonial mindset hasn't fully disappeared, it just wears a different hat—sometimes called "protection" or "national security."
K
Karthik V
The line about Venezuela not being the last country for intervention is chilling. It shows a pattern. The world should take note. Strong unity among European nations is the only way to counter such unilateral moves. More power to Denmark and Greenland.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50