Thousands protest against US plans to take control of Greenland

Thousands of protesters gathered in Copenhagen on Saturday to show support for Greenland and reject US President Donald Trump’s repeated threats to take control of the self-governing Danish territory.

The rally, which was part of a nationwide demonstration across Denmark, featured thousands of people waving flags bearing the colors of Denmark and Greenland. The protesters chanted “Kalaallit Nunaat,” the name of Greenland in Greenlandic, as they expressed their opposition to Trump’s stance.

Julie Rademacher, chair of Uagut, an organization for Greenlanders in Denmark, stated that the demonstration was a call to action for the world to wake up. She also acknowledged that Greenland and its people have become a focal point in the fight for democracy and human rights.

Trump announced plans to impose 10 percent tariffs on several European allies opposing US control of Greenland, starting from February 1. The tariffs would increase to 25 percent by June 1 if an agreement is not reached for the US to purchase Greenland.

Greenland and Denmark have rejected the idea of the island being “owned” by the US. However, efforts to persuade the US administration to change its stance have been unsuccessful so far.

The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC, this week, but failed to alter the American position. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that it is clear the president wants to take control of Greenland.

According to a recent poll, 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose joining the US, while only 6 percent were in favor. The rally in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, is expected to be large, with many residents expressing their desire for independence from Denmark and the US.

Some US lawmakers have expressed opposition to Trump’s push, citing concerns over global stability and NATO commitments. A bipartisan group of US Congress members visited Denmark on Friday, led by Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who stated that there was no security threat to justify the Trump administration’s stance.

Source: Al Jazeera