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.
Leaders including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at The Hague on Tuesday to launch an International Claims Commission to compensate Kyiv for hu...
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his diplomatic tour to strengthen bilateral ties with Oman, Ethiopia, and Jordan, the significance of these...
Azerbaijan has long understood the importance of fostering strong relations with its Central Asian neighbours as the country is strategically located ...
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted key developments in the ongoing peace efforts to end the war in Ukraine, stressing the ...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 16th of December, covering the latest developments you need to...
Denmark did not invite the U.S. military to take part in Arctic Light 2025, the largest military exercise in Greenland's modern history, as NATO allies step up defence cooperation in the Arctic amid U.S. interest in the island.
The U.S. has reaffirmed Greenland’s right to decide its own future after reports emerged that private Americans linked to Donald Trump tried to sway political sentiment in the Arctic territory.
Denmark has publicly apologized to Greenland over the administration of birth control on its girls and women over decades as part of plans to fend off growing U.S. interest in the mineral-rich island.
Denmark’s Arctic chief has dismissed concerns over a U.S. takeover of Greenland but says more must be done to deter any Russian attack on the strategically vital Arctic island.
Russia’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, has said that Ukraine has not provided Moscow with a list of thousands of children it alleges were taken illegally to Russia, despite the issue being discussed during talks in Istanbul.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has offered condolences to President Donald Trump following an ISIS attack near the ancient city of Palmyra that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, Syrian and U.S. officials said Sunday.
At least 17 people, including students, were killed and 20 others injured after a school bus fell off a cliff in northern Colombia on Sunday, authorities said.
At least 37 people have been killed in flash floods triggered by torrential rain in Morocco's Atlantic coastal province of Safi, Moroccan authorities said on Monday (15 December).
At least 37 people have died and dozens of others were injured after flash floods swept through Morocco’s Atlantic coastal city of Safi on Sunday, authorities said.
Leaders including Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at The Hague on Tuesday to launch an International Claims Commission to compensate Kyiv for hundreds of billions of dollars in damage from Russian attacks and alleged war crimes.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on his diplomatic tour to strengthen bilateral ties with Oman, Ethiopia, and Jordan, the significance of these relationships cannot be overstated.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted key developments in the ongoing peace efforts to end the war in Ukraine, stressing the importance of a robust peacekeeping force and the alignment between Ukraine, Europe, and the United States.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 16th of December, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Thousands gathered at vigils across Australia on Monday evening to honour the 15 people killed in a terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday. The mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration is being treated as terrorism, prompting the Australian national cabinet to tighten gun laws.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment