Trump’s ‘permanent control’ claim prompts Greenland and Denmark to reaffirm sovereignty

President Donald Trump’s claim that a new agreement would give the United States “permanent control” over Greenland’s security has prompted Greenland and Denmark to reiterate that the Arctic island’s sovereignty will remain unchanged.

President Donald Trump’s claim that a new agreement would give the United States “permanent control” over Greenland’s security has prompted Greenland and Denmark to reiterate that the Arctic island’s sovereignty will remain unchanged.

Trump said the agreement “gives the United States permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland, completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns.”

On Friday, the Trump administration reached an agreement with Greenland and Denmark under which the United States would establish a significant military presence on the island. The agreement would also prevent hostile states from establishing their own military bases in Greenland.

However, Trump’s description of the deal raised questions about Greenland’s sovereignty. Greenland and Denmark subsequently reaffirmed that sovereignty over Greenland would remain with the Kingdom of Denmark, while the Greenlandic people retain their right to self-determination.

Denmark and Greenland have repeatedly stressed that the United States must respect Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and that Greenland is not for sale.

On Saturday, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a Facebook post that he was pleased that the parties were nearing an agreement.

“I am pleased on Greenland’s behalf that we are nearing the conclusion of an agreement — an agreement that benefits not only our collective security but also the continued development of this country,” Nielsen said.

“The agreement recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination,” he added.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also said the agreement “recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.”

Both Greenland and Denmark expressed hope that the agreement would help resolve the dispute triggered by Trump’s previous threats to take control of Greenland.

The agreement is expected to be signed next week during the United Nations General Assembly.