(Adnkronos) – “I believe there are incredible opportunities that can truly lead Greenlanders from dependence to independence.” This was stated by the American envoy to the island, Jeff Landry, speaking with the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq. From Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, where he is visiting, Landry praised the desire for independence of the autonomous Danish territory in the interview published today. “I believe the President of the United States wants to see the country become economically independent. And I think that’s possible,” added the Louisiana governor, emphasizing that he had met former Greenlandic political leaders and entrepreneurs.
Landry, who arrived for a visit on Sunday, met the following day with Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who described the meeting as a “courtesy visit,” with no significant progress reported. “We have a red line,” insisted Foreign Minister Mute Egede, who was present at the meeting.
For Americans, the only dividing line is “red, white, and blue,” Landry stated, referring to the US flag. “The president is firmly committed to ensuring that countries in the Western Hemisphere have the appropriate security agreements and economic opportunities to create and strengthen ties with the United States,” he added during his interview. “The question now is whether you want a more independent Greenland. More autonomy? More opportunities for your children? Better access to healthcare?” he continued. His visit will be the subject of a report to President Trump.
Since the beginning of the year, meetings focused on the Arctic island have been held within a group of high-ranking Danish, Greenlandic, and American officials to “find a solution,” particularly on security issues, Nielsen recently reminded the press.
Some Greenlandic politicians fear that the president will soon turn his aggression against them again. Particular caution is needed for June 14, declared former Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, because it is Donald Trump’s birthday.
