Denmark Says It Will Defend ‘Every Inch’ of NATO as Trump Eyes Greenland Again - EUROPE SAYS
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark said on Wednesday that the country would defend “every inch” of its territory and reiterated that Greenland was not for sale after President Trump again said that. . .
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark said on Wednesday that the country would defend “every inch” of its territory and reiterated that Greenland was not for sale after President Trump again said that the United States should have control over the island. Ms. Frederiksen once again pushed back against the idea,telling reportersat the NATO summit in Turkey that Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, was not for sale. When asked how she would respond if the island were attacked, she said, “We will defend the kingdom of Denmark,” adding, “We are ready to defend every inch of NATO, including our own territory. ”Mr. Trump on Wednesday expressed frustration with NATO over the issue. “Greenland is a big problem for us,” he said. “We need it for protection of the world, not just the United States, and it’s very important. It doesn’t help Denmark. ”In January, Mr. Trump suggested that hecould use military forceto take control of the island. In response, Denmark developed plans toblow up airfieldsin Greenland in the event of an American invasion, and Ms. Frederiksenopenly wonderedhow long the United States would remain an ally. In recent months, Mr. Trump hasbacked offhis most serious threats, with Washington turning to negotiations to press for more influence — including pushing Denmark for access tothree more military basesthere, demandingeffective veto powerover any major investment deals andopening a bigger consulatein Nuuk, the island’s capital. Mr. Trump’s proposals seem to havedrawn Greenland closer to Denmark, as they try to present a united front against the American advances. “We are a sovereign state and we need everyone to respect our territorial integrity and our sovereignty,” Ms. Frederiksen said. “Article 5 is our insurance,” she added, referring to NATO’s collective defense agreement. The European Union publicly backed Denmark and Greenland after Mr. Trump’s outburst. “Decisions about the future of Greenland are for Greenlanders and Danes to decide,” Olof Gill, a spokesman for the European Commission, the executive arm of the bloc, said on Wednesday. “Territorial integrity, national sovereignty and inviolability of borders are fundamental principles of international law,” he said. Koba Ryckewaert contributed reporting from Brussels.