The head of the US diplomatic mission in Denmark has confirmed Greenland's right to determine its own future after statements by Danish intelligence accusing American citizens of trying to influence political attitudes on the Arctic island, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
US Chargé d'Affaires Mark Straw met with Danish and Greenlandic officials in Copenhagen yesterday. Denmark summoned him for an explanation in response to a report by public broadcaster De Air that said at least three Americans with ties to US President Donald Trump were suspected of promoting anti-Danish sentiment on the island in an attempt to trigger its secession.
The US State Department said in a statement last night that Straw had a "productive conversation" and reaffirmed the US commitment to close ties with both Denmark and Greenland. "The US respects the right of the people of Greenland to determine their own future," the State Department said. He added that the US government does not control or direct the actions of private individuals, and declined to comment on the Danish intelligence statements.
The semi-autonomous Danish territory of Greenland enjoys the right to declare independence, Reuters points out.
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland for strategic purposes and does not rule out achieving this aspiration by force.
Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen commented on the issue to De Eer: "We are a partner and an ally and we expect that diplomatic rules will be respected. We expect international law and sovereignty to be respected".