Trump says US, Denmark reach deal on military presence in Greenland

KABUL (Pajhwok): US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States and Denmark have reached an agreement to expand the US military presence in Greenland, while the Arctic territory will remain under Danish sovereignty, according to the Associated Press.
Trump said in a social media post that the emerging agreement “gives the United States permanent control over security” and other security needs in Greenland.
He added that his administration would “immediately” begin the process of developing a larger US military presence on the island.
The agreement follows months of negotiations among officials from the United States, Greenland and Denmark over Washington’s security concerns regarding the strategically located territory.
The office of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Greenland and Denmark, as well as the right of their peoples to self-determination.
The governments of Greenland, Denmark and the United States are expected to sign the agreement next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. It will require parliamentary approval in Denmark and Greenland before taking effect.
A US State Department official, speaking to AP on condition of anonymity, said the agreement would prevent countries outside NATO from establishing military bases in Greenland, specifically ruling out military bases by China and Russia. The official also said investment by US adversaries would be restricted in certain parts of Greenland.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the agreement as “historic,” saying Greenland would remain part of North America’s strategic defense area.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the agreement would strengthen the security of Greenland, Denmark, the United States and their Western allies while recognizing Greenland’s interests.
The United States has maintained a military presence in Greenland for decades and currently operates Pituffik Space Base in the northwest. The base supports missile-warning, missile-defense and space-surveillance missions.
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is strategically located for the defense of North America and security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
Trump has repeatedly called for the United States to acquire Greenland since returning to the White House and has previously refused to rule out the use of military force. Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly said the territory is not for sale.
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