Løkke: Greenlanders would say no to millions

TT

Updated 12.05 | Published 11.44

 

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenland's regional foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt (obscured) in the US Congress on Wednesday. Photo: Mads Claus Rasmussen/AP/TT

- You can trade with people but you can't buy people.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen dismisses the idea that Greenlanders would initiate a process that could lead to the US taking over the area - even if they received half a million dollars (4.5 million kronor) each.

The issue came up in an interview with conservative Fox News, which is considered close to the Trump administration. It was made just hours after Løkke Rasmussen's high-profile meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In the television interview, the Dane repeatedly emphasized that the US and Denmark are close allies and that he understands and shares President Donald Trump's concerns about the "challenges" with Russia and China in the Arctic.

Expensive welfare?

- But we do not agree that the only solution is for the US to conquer Greenland.

So host Bret Baier asked if Løkke Rasmussen believes that the US will take over Greenland, by giving the inhabitants money and thereby getting a vote on independence that paves the way for the US to take over.

- It is possible that the US is trying, but it is unlikely that the Greenlanders will buy it. The latest opinion poll shows that only 6 percent want to become Americans, Løkke Rasmussen replied.

- And there is no chance that the US would pay for a Scandinavian welfare system in Greenland.

Common cause

In the interview, the Dane emphasized that there are no Chinese investments in Greenland and that no Chinese warships have been seen there in the past decade. He also stated that the Danish state is making heavy investments to strengthen the area and warned the US against invading.

– That would be the end of (the defense alliance) NATO.

At the meeting with Rubio and Vance, the participants agreed to form a high-level working group that will try to find a way forward that addresses President Trump's concerns while respecting Denmark's territorial integrity and the Greenlanders' right to self-determination, according to Løkke Rasmussen.

– The way forward should be that we make common cause.