US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced he will hold talks with Denmark next week amid concerns over America's desire to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland.
Marco Rubio's statement to reporters follows a closed-door briefing with US senators and comes a day after the White House indicated that US President Donald Trump had discussed various options, including military action, to acquire Greenland.
Concerns regarding the future of the territory have resurfaced following Trump's recent unilateral military interactions with Venezuela aimed at addressing its leadership, suggesting heightened tensions around US territorial ambitions.
The Trump administration has cited Greenland's strategic importance, claiming it is vital to US national security, while Denmark has warned that any attack on the territory would jeopardize NATO's stability.
In a statement, Rubio remarked, If the president identifies a threat to the national security of the United States, every president retains the option to address it through military means. He added that diplomacy is preferred in resolving such issues.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot commented that Rubio has negated the idea of an invasion of Greenland in their communications.
European leaders issued a unified statement, reaffirming support for Denmark's position, emphasizing that Greenland belongs to its people, and only Denmark and Greenland can decide on matters concerning their relations. They also advocated for a collective approach to Arctic security through NATO without undermining sovereignty principles.
Recent comments by Trump administration officials suggest an overt interest in Greenland, leading to alarm among residents and international leaders. Morgan Angaju, an Inuit from Greenland, expressed concern over the apparent dismissiveness toward Greenland’s autonomy.
