Greenland and Denmark: Security Agreement with U.S. Does Not Involve Surrendering Sovereignty

Al-Taj News – Denmark and Greenland said on Saturday that any agreement with the United States would not affect Greenland’s sovereignty, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the agreement would give Washington “permanent control” over the security of the Arctic island, leaving its exact scope unclear.

The United States, Denmark, and Greenland said late Friday that they had reached an agreement allowing the United States to develop a significant military presence in Greenland, while banning the establishment of military bases by Washington’s adversaries on the island.

Key details of the agreement were not disclosed, including the size of the U.S. military presence in the autonomous Danish territory and whether any formal powers related to foreign policy or resources would be transferred to Washington.

Denmark and Greenland expressed hope that the agreement, which is expected to be signed during next week’s United Nations General Assembly meetings, would bring an end to months of uncertainty sparked by Trump’s threats to take control of Greenland.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in a statement posted on Facebook on Saturday: “Next week could be a good week for Greenland, Denmark, and the United States.”

He explained: “We hope the period of uncertainty will give way to a binding agreement that strengthens security in the Arctic and North Atlantic, and therefore our shared security within NATO and Europe, while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark.”