Denmark's foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, announced plans to summon the US ambassador following allegations of US espionage efforts targeting Greenland, especially in light of former President Donald Trump's controversial intentions regarding the island.
Denmark Calls US Ambassador to Address Greenland Spying Allegations
Denmark Calls US Ambassador to Address Greenland Spying Allegations
Denmark's foreign minister expresses concern over US espionage activities reported in Greenland, asserting the importance of trust among allies.
The Danish foreign minister has expressed deep concern regarding reports that US intelligence agencies have been instructed to increase surveillance in Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. The issue has garnered significant attention following both the alarming allegations made in a Wall Street Journal article and remarks from President Trump about potentially acquiring the island.
In response to the claims, Rasmussen voiced his dismay, stating, "It worries me greatly because we do not spy on friends." He emphasized the need for confirmation from the US ambassador regarding the reported strategies that target Greenland's independence movement and the region's potential mineral resource development, which the US considers of interest.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, refrained from denying the report but accused the Wall Street Journal of politicizing and leaking classified information in a manner that could jeopardize national security. Rasmussen, as he convened with EU counterparts in Warsaw, highlighted the seriousness of the claims, prompting action to seek clarity from the US.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) has acknowledged the heightened espionage threat due to heightened international attention on Greenland, although they declined to comment on specific allegations. Historically, Greenland has been under Danish control for approximately three centuries and exercises autonomy over domestic affairs while foreign and defense policies remain determined by Denmark.
The matter has complicated an already tense relationship regarding Greenland. President Trump has made assertive declarations regarding his interest in acquiring the island, suggesting he would consider military options. This has been met with resistance from Greenland's local politicians, who have united against perceived external pressure from the US.
Former President Joe Biden also criticized Trump's provocative statements, declaring them not reflective of American values of freedom, democracy, and opportunity. Polls indicate that while a majority of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark, they do not wish to be incorporated into the United States, suggesting resistance to both foreign influence and control.
As Denmark seeks clarity from the US, this situation underscores the importance of diplomatic relations and mutual respect among allies in confronting advancing geopolitical interests.
In response to the claims, Rasmussen voiced his dismay, stating, "It worries me greatly because we do not spy on friends." He emphasized the need for confirmation from the US ambassador regarding the reported strategies that target Greenland's independence movement and the region's potential mineral resource development, which the US considers of interest.
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, refrained from denying the report but accused the Wall Street Journal of politicizing and leaking classified information in a manner that could jeopardize national security. Rasmussen, as he convened with EU counterparts in Warsaw, highlighted the seriousness of the claims, prompting action to seek clarity from the US.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) has acknowledged the heightened espionage threat due to heightened international attention on Greenland, although they declined to comment on specific allegations. Historically, Greenland has been under Danish control for approximately three centuries and exercises autonomy over domestic affairs while foreign and defense policies remain determined by Denmark.
The matter has complicated an already tense relationship regarding Greenland. President Trump has made assertive declarations regarding his interest in acquiring the island, suggesting he would consider military options. This has been met with resistance from Greenland's local politicians, who have united against perceived external pressure from the US.
Former President Joe Biden also criticized Trump's provocative statements, declaring them not reflective of American values of freedom, democracy, and opportunity. Polls indicate that while a majority of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark, they do not wish to be incorporated into the United States, suggesting resistance to both foreign influence and control.
As Denmark seeks clarity from the US, this situation underscores the importance of diplomatic relations and mutual respect among allies in confronting advancing geopolitical interests.
