24 December
Credit: Sermitsiaq.gl
NUUK, Greenland — Greenland’s Naalakkersuisut Chairman Jens-Frederik Nielsen called for greater clarity from his government on Tuesday following renewed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump expressing a desire for the United States to take control of Greenland.
“We are a people with a long history, a strong culture, and a living democracy. We are a country responsible for our own territory and our own future,” Nielsen said in a Facebook post. “Our territorial integrity and our right to self-determination are anchored in international law and cannot simply be ignored.”
Trump reiterated his interest in Greenland during a press conference late on Sunday, citing U.S. national security concerns. Nielsen described the remarks as “sad” and criticised the reduction of Greenland to a matter of security and power.
“It is not how we see ourselves, and that is not how Greenland can or should be spoken about,” he said.
Nielsen also addressed reports about U.S. diplomatic intentions, noting that no plans have been mentioned to appoint a special envoy to Greenland, including during a recent visit by the U.S. ambassador to the territory.
Greenland has received growing international support in recent months. Leaders and representatives from France, Iceland, Germany, and the European Union have visited the country to show solidarity, Nielsen said.
“I would also like to thank heads of government and partners around the world who have clearly and unequivocally expressed their respect for Greenland, our democratic institutions, and the fundamental principles of international law. This support confirms that we are not standing alone,” he added.
Sermitsiaq.gl writes that Greenland’s right to self-determination is firmly rooted in international law.
