Greenland –– As the diplomatic tug-of-war over the strategic and mineral-rich Arctic island of Greenland escalates, military personnel from European countries are beginning to arrive there. The deployment comes after high-level talks in Washington between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials failed to resolve “fundamental differences.” The controversy has intensified after US President Donald Trump insisted that Greenland should be taken under US control, describing it as important for national security.
Meanwhile, France, Sweden, Germany and Norway have announced they will send military personnel to Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, for a reconnaissance and monitoring mission. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that his troops have departed for Greenland, while Germany has also sent a 13-member strong team. Greenland’s Deputy Prime Minister Mute Igede said the presence of NATO troops, military flights and ship movements would increase in the coming days. He has made it clear that these activities will be conducted as ‘training’.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has made it clear that US control over Greenland is not necessary after meeting with the US Vice President and Secretary of State. Stating that the US has not changed its position, he said that serious disagreements still exist between the two sides. Meanwhile, President Trump has argued that Denmark would be powerless if Russia or China tried to take control of Greenland, arguing that only the United States could defend it.
Local residents of Greenland have expressed concern about becoming a center of international geopolitics. Public figures have raised the flag in the capital Nuuk to reflect national unity, but some have expressed fear that their peaceful life could be disrupted due to the interests of major powers. Following the recent political changes in Venezuela, President Trump has become more active on the issue of Greenland, further increasing the security sensitivity of the region.
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