Danish PM tells BBC that international rules must be followedpublished at 20:59 Greenwich Mean Time 28 March
The BBC has received a statement from Danish Prime Minister
Mette Frederiksen, which we have translated to English.
“The US vice-president has made it clear that the US respects
Greenland’s sovereignty and the Greenlanders’ right to self-determination. It
was important that this was made clear,” Frederiksen says.
The PM says “Denmark is a good and strong ally. For everyone in the NATO
alliance”.
“We have significantly increased defense spending. For many years we have stood side-by-side with the Americans in very difficult situations. Therefore, it is not an accurate way for the vice-president to refer to Denmark.
On the other hand, it is right that security in the Arctic must be given higher priority.
That is why Denmark is now strengthening our efforts. With, among other things, more surveillance, new Arctic ships, long-range drones and satellite capacity. More capabilities will come later. And we can strengthen security more quickly if we can get the necessary supplies, among other things, from the US.
Greenland is part of NATO, and therefore there is also a need for NATO to significantly increase its presence in the Arctic.
Security in The Arctic is a matter for NATO and for all Arctic allies.
We are ready – day and night – to cooperate with the Americans. A cooperation that must be based on the necessary international rules of the game. And in an increased defense for all parts of the NATO alliance.”
Editor’s note: While many Greenlanders favour independence from Denmark, polls suggest that the vast majority – 85% – of the territory’s residents do not want to be part of the US.
