STOCKHOLM, March 25. /TASS/. The upcoming visit to Greenland by US national security advisor Mike Waltz, the country's Energy Department Secretary Chris Wright, and Usha Vance, the wife of the US Vice President, which will take place despite the reluctance of Greenland's politicians, shows Washington's disrespect for the island's authorities, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said.
"When a visit is made in this way and Greenland's politicians clearly state that they do not want the visit, it obviously cannot be interpreted as a sign of respect," she told reporters from TV2 and Danmarks Radio. Frederiksen stressed that the trip "cannot be seen in isolation" from statements by US leaders about their intention to take control of the Danish constituent island.
·"This visit is clearly not in line with Greenland's needs or what Greenland currently wants from foreign visits," the prime minister stressed. At the same time, TV2 noted that the American side characterizes the upcoming trip as unofficial. Thus, according to US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes, the purpose of the visit is to learn more about Greenland, its culture, history, and people.
At the same time, Greenland is currently discussing the results of the local elections held in early March. Against this backdrop, some experts view the visit of the US representatives to Greenland as a "provocation." Frederiksen, in turn, emphasized that Denmark plans to oppose the pressure being exerted by the US authorities on the country's leadership and Greenland's politicians concerning the island's territorial status.
Earlier, the White House press service announced that Usha Vance will visit Greenland on March 27-29. The New York Times reported that Waltz and Wright will also visit the island: they are set to tour the US military base in Greenland. The outgoing head of the Greenlandic government, Mute Egede, assessed that the purpose of the Americans' trip to the island during the election results discussions was a "demonstration of power."
On March 4, US President Donald Trump stated that he would support the decision of the people of Greenland to make their territory part of the United States. The American leader has repeatedly claimed before that the island should become part of the United States. He threatened to impose high trade tariffs on Denmark if it did not relinquish the territory. During his first term as president, Trump proposed purchasing Greenland. Danish and Greenlandic authorities rejected the idea.
Greenland's affiliation and US position
Greenland is part of Denmark as an autonomous territory. In 1951, Washington and Copenhagen signed the Greenland Defense Treaty in addition to their NATO alliance commitments. Under the treaty, the US pledged to defend the island from aggression. It is home to the US Pituffik space base, which is responsible for the missile warning system and the control of the Arctic zone.