Trump ramps up Greenland rhetoric; Denmark, Europe defiant

by · UPI

Jan. 12 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Sunday that the United States will take Greenland "one way or another, and Europe is stepping up in defense of the island nation.

Trump has said that the United States must control the territory, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from taking it.

"I am not going to let that happen," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Sunday.

But the United States and Denmark are both part of NATO. It's also rich in minerals.

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Trump said he would prefer to make a deal with Denmark or Greenland. "It's easier. But one way or the other, we're going to have Greenland," he said.

Greenland issued a statement Monday.

"Based on the very positive statement from the six NATO member states regarding Greenland, the Government of Greenland will increase its efforts to ensure that the defense of Greenland takes place under the auspices of NATO," it said.

"All NATO member states, including the United States, have a common interest in the defense of Greenland, and the government coalition in Greenland will therefore work with Denmark to ensure that the dialogue on and development of the defense in Greenland takes place within the framework of NATO cooperation."

Denmark is at a "crossroads" with the Trump administration, said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

"Disagreements and conflicts between the United States and Europe only benefit our adversaries. They weaken us and strengthen them," she wrote on Facebook.

"Denmark is a loyal and strong ally. We are in the midst of a significant rearmament, and we are ready to defend our values - wherever it is necessary - also in the Arctic," Frederiksen added.

"We believe in international law and in peoples' right to self-determination. That's why we uphold the principles of sovereignty, self-determination and territorial integrity."

Danish and Greenlandic envoys are expected to be in Washington this week. Denmark's foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland's Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt plan to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also posted a statement on Facebook Monday reiterating Greenland's position.

"I know a lot of people are following the situation closely," Nielsen said on Facebook. "And I understand if there is concern. That is why it is important to be absolutely clear: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and part of NATO through the Commonwealth. This means that our security and defense belong in NATO. That is a fundamental and firm line."

"We are a democratic society that makes our own decisions. And our actions are based on international law," he added.

NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte, responding to criticism, said, "I believe that Donald Trump is doing the right things for NATO by encouraging us all to spend more" on defense.

He didn't address the Greenland issue, but said the Arctic is a key strategic location.

"You have seen some announcements by the Brits and the Germans today; we are working now together to see how we can basically [come] together as an alliance, including our seven members, allies bordering on the high north, on the Arctic, to work together to indeed build that next step, which is crucial," Rutte said.