Concerns around US spying activities aimed at Greenland have prompted Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen to summon the US ambassador for clarification, highlighting the sensitive nature of international relations amid territorial ambitions fueled by Donald Trump's administration.
Denmark's Foreign Minister Calls US Ambassador Over Alleged Spying on Greenland
Denmark's Foreign Minister Calls US Ambassador Over Alleged Spying on Greenland
Denmark's government expresses concern about US intelligence operations in Greenland as tensions rise over potential territorial threats from Washington.
In a troubling development for Denmark-U.S. relations, the Danish government has reacted strongly to reports suggesting that American intelligence agencies have been tasked with focusing on Greenland, particularly amidst fears linked to former President Donald Trump's controversial statements regarding the island. Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen confirmed he would call in US Ambassador to Denmark to address the situation, articulating his discomfort with what appears to be espionage against an ally.
Rasmussen's comments came in response to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which alleged that US agencies have been directed to monitor Greenland's independence movement and seek access to its mineral resources. The report also sparked fierce reactions, with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accusing the publication of undermining national security by leaking classified information. While Gabbard did not deny the claims, she urged against politicizing such sensitive matters.
“The situation is somewhat disturbing,” Rasmussen said during an EU ministers' meeting in Warsaw. He stated that the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) had acknowledged US interest in Greenland but chose not to comment further on the Journal's report. "We will seek to confirm this information," he added.
The backdrop of these tensions is Trump's assertion that the US wants control of Greenland, which he has claimed is vital for international security due to its geographical significance and potential natural resources. Such assertions have been met with strong disapproval from Danish officials and Greenland's politicians, who have united against the notion of US acquisition of the island.
In a broader context, Biden criticized Trump's rhetoric surrounding Greenland as uncharacteristic for a democratic leader, emphasizing the importance of freedom and cooperation between nations rather than aggression and confiscation of territory.
Greenland, which has been under Danish control for over three centuries, operates with autonomy in domestic affairs, while foreign policies are managed from Denmark. Here, public sentiment leans strongly towards independence from Denmark, which is coupled with an aversion to becoming part of the United States.
This incident highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as global powers navigate their interests concerning the strategically important Arctic region.
Rasmussen's comments came in response to a report by The Wall Street Journal, which alleged that US agencies have been directed to monitor Greenland's independence movement and seek access to its mineral resources. The report also sparked fierce reactions, with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accusing the publication of undermining national security by leaking classified information. While Gabbard did not deny the claims, she urged against politicizing such sensitive matters.
“The situation is somewhat disturbing,” Rasmussen said during an EU ministers' meeting in Warsaw. He stated that the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) had acknowledged US interest in Greenland but chose not to comment further on the Journal's report. "We will seek to confirm this information," he added.
The backdrop of these tensions is Trump's assertion that the US wants control of Greenland, which he has claimed is vital for international security due to its geographical significance and potential natural resources. Such assertions have been met with strong disapproval from Danish officials and Greenland's politicians, who have united against the notion of US acquisition of the island.
In a broader context, Biden criticized Trump's rhetoric surrounding Greenland as uncharacteristic for a democratic leader, emphasizing the importance of freedom and cooperation between nations rather than aggression and confiscation of territory.
Greenland, which has been under Danish control for over three centuries, operates with autonomy in domestic affairs, while foreign policies are managed from Denmark. Here, public sentiment leans strongly towards independence from Denmark, which is coupled with an aversion to becoming part of the United States.
This incident highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play as global powers navigate their interests concerning the strategically important Arctic region.
