NATO 'far from being in crisis' after Trump's remarks, alliance's top military commander says
US General Alexus Grynkewich, Commander of NATO Forces in Europe (SACEUR). Photo credit: Michael Brochstein / Zuma Press / Profimedia
The supreme commander of allied forces in Europe, US General Alexus G. Grynkewich, on Friday rejected views that the alliance was in a “crisis” because of US President Donald Trump's threats over Greenland.
“There has been no impact on my work at the military level up to this point… I would just say that we are ready to defend every inch of the alliance's territory even today,” NATO's top military commander said Friday in press statements during a visit to Finland.
“So I see us far from being in a crisis right now,” the official added.
On Wednesday, the White House told Reuters that US President Donald Trump and his team were discussing “options” for “acquiring Greenland, which the US leader considers “a national security priority”.
Greenland, an autonomous territory that belongs to NATO member Denmark, had been mentioned by Donald Trump after last weekend's operation in Caracas, when US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife to bring them to US justice.
On Tuesday, leaders of major European powers voiced their support for Denmark and Greenland in a joint statement, saying the Arctic island belongs to its people.
“Greenland belongs to its people. Only Denmark and Greenland, and no one else, can decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland,” said the statement signed by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Great Britain and Denmark, according to Reuters.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said a US takeover of Greenland would mean the end of NATO.
