Ahead of the NATO summit, a senior US official said that bringing Greenland under US control is currently “the only way to address the long-term security risks” associated with the ice-covered island belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark.<\/p>\n
Source: European Pravda, citing dpa<\/p>\n
Details: US President Donald Trump previously openly threatened to seize the strategically important Arctic island, alienating Denmark \u2013 a NATO partner \u2013 and raising doubts about the cohesion of the world’s largest military alliance and mutual loyalty within its ranks.<\/p>\n
He justified this by arguing that the Danish territory would otherwise not be protected from Russia and China and therefore posed a threat to US security interests.<\/p>\n
“We still think that’s (seizing the land \u2013 ed.) the best way to meet the defence needs of NATO with respect to Greenland,” he said.<\/p>\n
However, he added that other options are being considered, though he did not specify which.<\/p>\n
The official pointed to intense naval activity in the region around Greenland and noted that Trump is seeking a solution that will remain relevant beyond the end of his presidential term.<\/p>\n
“And as of now, the only solution that we found as to how to solve that is with the United States acquiring Greenland,” the official added.<\/p>\n
Background:<\/p>\n
The governments of Denmark and Greenland categorically reject<\/a> annexation by the US. Negotiations with the Trump administration are currently ongoing to find a compromise.<\/p>\n The head of the Joint Arctic Command in Greenland said<\/a> the Arctic island has sufficient bases and permanent troops to support NATO operations and deter Russian threats.<\/p>\n