A majority of Greenlandic lawmakers have signalled support for the Arctic island’s recent security agreement with US President Donald Trump during a parliamentary debate.
The United States, Denmark and Greenland signed the agreement last month to ease tensions following President Trump’s repeated threats to take control of the strategically located and mineral-rich island.
The agreement is subject to a second reading in parliament before being put to a vote, with lawmakers expected to pass the legislation.
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The deal expands the US military’s role in Greenland, paving the way for two new military bases and President Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile defence system, while reaffirming Danish sovereignty and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.
However, opposition party Naleraq Chairman Pele Broberg noted that many details remained unclear regarding how the agreement would work in practice.
“The US is granted extensive rights in our country. The people of Greenland are not guaranteed any fixed payment for those rights,” Broberg said during the parliamentary debate in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk.
The governing parties, which hold a majority of seats in parliament, defended the agreement.
Former Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt of the governing coalition’s Demokraatit party maintained that Greenland had secured substantial protection without having to pay for it, while gaining recognition as an autonomous nation.
Foreign Minister Mute Egede described the agreement as a major step forward that could not be measured in monetary terms.
Siumut Chairman Erik Jensen also confirmed his party’s support for the deal.
“For several years, Siumut has been campaigning to ensure that agreements concerning Greenland are no longer concluded without Greenlandic participation… That is why we are satisfied,” Jensen said.
Reuters
