Greenland's incoming prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, has dismissed any discussion of annexing the semi-autonomous territory as "unacceptable."
His remarks come after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Denmark should consider the fact that Greenlanders do not wish to remain part of Denmark—a comment reflecting ongoing tensions between Washington, Copenhagen, and Nuuk following U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated assertions that the Arctic island should join the United States.
Speaking to TV2, Nielsen asserted, "We are human beings up here; we are not a piece of property that can be bought. Partnerships and cooperation can always be discussed, but talk of annexation is unacceptable." He further refuted Rubio's claim that Greenland might soon secede, emphasizing that while many Greenlanders are eager for greater autonomy, they do not want to become part of the U.S.
Rubio, addressing reporters in Brussels after a meeting with other NATO foreign ministers, stated that "Greenlanders are going to make a decision," underscoring the belief that the people of Greenland will determine their own future. However, Nielsen countered that, "He is not right that Greenland wants to secede tomorrow. He is right that Greenland does not want to be Danish, but Greenland certainly doesn't want to be American either."
As Greenland works toward establishing a stronger foundation for self-governance, Nielsen stressed that the island is still in the process of building the capacity to stand on its own. "We work every day to build a foundation so that we can stand on our own in the future, but we are not there yet. What he says doesn't hold water," he added.
Nielsen’s new coalition is scheduled to formally take office on April 7, marking a significant moment in the island’s journey toward greater self-determination.
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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday (3 June) that ongoing discussions with Denmark and Greenland over the use of the island for collective defence are “in a good place.”
Denmark’s Social Democratic leader Mette Frederiksen said on Monday (1 June) she has agreed to form a new centre-left coalition government, securing a third consecutive term as prime minister amid heightened diplomatic tensions with the United States over Greenland.
European Union leaders were set to discuss the bloc’s mutual assistance clause at a summit in southern Cyprus on Thursday, as U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of traditional allies raises concerns over his commitment to NATO.
Greenland’s prime minister has appointed his predecessor to oversee foreign affairs, as pressure from Washington intensifies over the Arctic island’s future.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a preliminary pact that sent oil prices falling but leaves the fate of Iran's nuclear program to further negotiations.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on French wine and champagne unless France removes its digital services tax on major American technology companies.
The Court of Appeal in London ruled on Monday (15 June) that the government's decision to ban pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was lawful, handing ministers a victory in a closely watched legal battle over protest rights and national security.
Leaders of the world's leading industrialised democracies are gathering in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains for the latest Group of Seven (G7) summit on Monday, with the wars in Ukraine and Iran, economic tensions and artificial intelligence expected to dominate discussions.
The UK has become the latest country to annouce a social media ban for children under 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on Monday, adding that he will impose restrictions on gaming and livestreaming platforms as well.
The stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon has been found guilty of two counts of rape as well as domestic violence and other crimes and is sentenced to four years in prison, an Oslo court ruled on Monday.
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