“We don't want to be Americans or Danes, we want to be Greenlanders.”

We do not want to be Americans or Danes, we want to be Greenlanders, wrote the leaders of all five parties in the Greenlandic parliament in a joint statement.

Politicians from both the ruling coalition and the opposition emphasized that the future of the island – currently dependent on Denmark, but with autonomy – should be decided by its inhabitants. “No pressure for a quick decision, delay or interference from other countries,” they stressed.

They recalled that Greenland has intensified its activity in international politics in recent years. “We do this guided by international principles, based on mutual respect and dialogue. We will continue to do so,” they declared.

Greenlandic party leaders said they were open to “dialogue with allies and countries they cooperate with,” including the US, but on the principles of respect for diplomacy and law. They announced that they would organize a debate on this topic in parliament. The details of this initiative are not known yet.

Greenland has been governed by a coalition cabinet of four parties since last spring, with Jens Frederik Nielsen from the Democrats as prime minister. This party supports the island's independence from Denmark, but only after gaining economic independence, which seems difficult to achieve. Greenland currently depends on government subsidies from Copenhagen.

A statement regarding American pressure was also signed by Pele Broberg, the leader of the only opposition party, Naleraq, which supports cutting off ties with Denmark as soon as possible and is considered the most pro-American political force in Greenland.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday in Washington, during a White House meeting on the future of the Venezuelan oil sector, that he wants an agreement with Greenland – “if not kindly, then in a more difficult way.” He stressed that if the US does not do it, Russia or China will do it. (PAP)

profit/ rtt/