(Adnkronos) – Hundreds of protesters will gather today in Nuuk for the inauguration ceremony of the new American consular office in Greenland, following controversial statements by US special envoy Jeff Landry, who said it was time for Washington to reassert its presence in the Arctic territory. Many Greenlandic political figures, including the prime minister, will boycott the diplomatic office’s opening ceremony.
The US special envoy arrived in Nuuk on Sunday, uninvited, accompanied by a delegation that included a doctor, in order to “assess Greenland’s health needs,” a statement that sparked outrage among residents. Landry briefly attended a conference with US Ambassador to Denmark, Kenneth Lowery, and left Nuuk last night. During his visit, speaking with AFP, he said it was “time for the United States to leave its footprint on Greenland.” “Greenland needs the United States. I believe the president is talking about stepping up national security operations and repopulating some bases in Greenland,” he added.
Meanwhile, talks between the United States, Greenland, and Denmark continue, despite Copenhagen lacking a fully operational government due to lengthy coalition formation negotiations. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated this week that the largely autonomous territory is not for sale, but also acknowledged that Greenland is “obliged to find a solution” with the United States. The United States already had a consulate in Nuuk, in a modest traditional-style building, but the move to a new location within a modern skyscraper is symbolic of their desire to increase their presence in the country.
“It is very important, now more than ever, to show the American people what we have already said, which is that ‘no’ means ‘no’, and that the future and self-determination of Greenland belong to the Greenlandic people,” said Aqqalukkuluk Fontain, 37, who is organizing the protest to express strong opposition to the US presence in Nuuk. “The protest is not intended to provoke Donald Trump or Jeff Landry, but to show the world that Greenland has its own democracy”.
According to Christian Keldsen, CEO of the Greenland Business Association, Landry did not receive the welcome he expected: “Three months ago, Greenland was threatened by an invasion and occupation, and he was one of the people who supported it,” he stated. “Then, three months later, he shows up here wanting to make friends, handing out chocolates to children and trying to distribute MAGA hats”.
