« We don’t appreciate the sound at all » – Diepresse.com
Denmark would still see the United States as a narrow ally. « You don’t talk to tight allies, » says Rasmussen after visiting the US Vice President in Greenland.
« So you don’t talk to tight allies ». The Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen Has US Vice President JD Vance Harsch tackled on Saturday. Denmark is open to criticism, said Rasmussen. « But to be honest: We do not appreciate the tone in which this is performed. » Vance had previously explained at the US base Pituffik: « Our message to Denmark is simple: you did not do a good job for people in Greenland ».
« So you don’t talk to tight allies – and I still consider Denmark and the USA as a close ally, » said the Danish chief diplomat in a video on the platform X, which was only uploaded to Greenland hours after Vances. Although he addressed his words to « our American friends and everyone else who listens », he clearly referred to Vances. The faithful of US President Donald Trump had criticized that Copenhagen is doing too little for Greenland’s security in view of the threats of Russia and China.
« If that’s what you want, let’s talk about it »
Rasmussen offered talks about a stronger US military presence in Greenland. The joint defense agreement of 1951 offers extensive options for this. « If it is what you want, let’s talk about it, » said the Liberal Danish politician. It stated how the United States has drastically reduced its military presence on the island belonging to Denmark since 1945. « We can do a lot more within the agreement we have, » said Rasmussen.
Specifically, he replied to Vance’s criticism of Copenhagen: « (…) fact is that we all benefited from peace. We all acted in the assumption that the Arctic was a region of low tensions. But these times are over. The status quo is not an option. » Denmark has therefore already decided one billion US dollars (926.18 million euros) in investments in the security of the Arctic. It should also not be forgotten that Greenland is part of NATO, added Rasmussen.
« Trump will negotiate agreements with Greenland »
Vance had landed on the American military base Pituffik on Friday in the late afternoon (CET). The basis, which was called Thule Air Base until two years ago, is considered the world’s northernmost military facility in the United States. It is about 1,500 kilometers north of the Greenland capital Nuuk and is of great importance for global rocket defense and space surveillance. Officially, there was a briefing for Vance about the security situation in the Arctic and an encounter with the stationed US soldiers.
Vance said at the US base in the direction of Denmark: « You have invested too little in the people in Greenland and you have invested too little in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful land mass. » At the same time, Vance said with regard to the US plans in Greenland: « We do not believe that military violence will ever be necessary. » Instead, US President Donald Trump will be able to negotiate an agreement with Greenland.
Danish head of government rejected US criticism
The Danish head of government Mette Frederiksen rejected the criticism. The remarks by the US Vice President do not apply, she said in the evening. Denmark is ready to « cooperate with the Americans day and night » on the subject of arctic security. She also emphasized: « For many years we have supported the Americans in very difficult situations ». In doing so, she referred to the Danish combat missions at the side of the US troops in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Vance is the highest ranking representative of the Trump camp, who visits Greenland.
Greenland politics has repeatedly spoken out clearly against Trump’s advances. According to a survey, a large majority of the island population itself, as offered by Trump, is also part of the United States.
Greenland complains « lack of respect » on the part of the United States
Greenland’s new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said on Friday that the US visit signal a « lack of respect ». The government parties had declared hours before the arrival of Vance to want to talk to Denmark about the future status of the island. Denmark’s King Frederik made a declaration of support on the Internet: « We live in a changed reality. There should be no doubt that my love for Greenland and my connection with the people in Greenland are unbroken. »
Meanwhile, hundreds gathered in front of the US embassy in Denmark’s capital Copenhagen to demonstrate against the US fantasies of a takeover of Greenland. With slogans like « Greenland is not for sale » and « Back, USA! » they expressed their displeasure.
Trump: « We need Greenland »
US President Donald Trump had previously confirmed that he The idea of incorporating Greenland by America is serious. « We need Greenland, » said Trump in Washington on Friday. « We have no other choice. » For international security and world peace, it is very important « that we have Greenland ». Trump said: « It’s not about the question: Can we do without it? We can’t do that. » “Chinese and Russian ships” are on the road on the waterways around the island in the North Atlantic. You can’t rely on Denmark to take care of it.
The largely autonomous island of Greenland belongs to the Kingdom of Denmark. Greenland is the largest island on earth. From a geographical point of view, it is located on the North American continent and extends to the Arctic. The island is of great importance for the world climate and for the military control of the Arctic, it is also rich in raw materials such as rare earths. Important shipping routes also run in the region.
