GENEVA: Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has rejected claims that the Arctic territory could face a sudden takeover, dismissing comparisons with Venezuela and calling for direct communication instead of public exchanges through the media.
“Our country is not the right one to compare with Venezuela,” Nielsen told reporters. “We have a country that is democratic. It has been so for many, many years.”
His remarks come amid renewed controversy following statements by US President Donald Trump, who has again expressed interest in taking control of Greenland, citing American security concerns, a day after a US military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
Seeking to calm public anxiety, Nielsen said there was no reason for alarm. “The situation is not such that the United States can take over Greenland. That is not the situation. We should therefore not panic,” he said, adding that cooperation with partners should be restored and maintained.
The prime minister acknowledged concerns among Greenland’s population and said the government understood the unease. “I can fully understand that the population looks to Naalakkersuisut and is worried,” he said, referring to the territory’s government.
Nielsen also pushed back against speculation about military scenarios. “I do not think it is appropriate to talk about possible or potential military operations in this country,” he said, reiterating that there was no scenario in which Greenland could be taken over “overnight”.
However, he warned that the government could harden its stance if the current situation persisted. “We are not satisfied with the situation we are in,” Nielsen said, signalling that Greenland may respond more forcefully if rhetoric continues.
Criticising indirect messaging, he stressed that dialogue should not be conducted through the media. “Now it must be enough that communication takes place through the media and via various roundabout channels. That is not respectful,” he said.
Calling for unity, Nielsen urged cohesion within Greenland and solidarity with allied countries. “We must show that we stand together in society. The countries we are allied with, we must also show our unity,” he said.
Trump has repeatedly stated his desire for the United States to acquire Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and has not ruled out the use of military force. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has urged him to “stop the threats”.
On Monday, several European countries and the European Union voiced strong support for Denmark and Greenland, rejecting any suggestion that the island’s future could be determined by external powers and stressing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
