Danish prime minister: 'Everything is negotiable except Greenland’s sovereignty'

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that in connection with the United States’ plans to annex Greenland, everything except sovereignty is open to negotiation.

In a statement on the 22nd (local time), Frederiksen said, “We can negotiate politically on everything—security, investment and the economy,” adding, “but (Greenland’s) sovereignty is not negotiable.”

Frederiksen stressed that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which has established a framework for talks on Greenland, is fully aware of Denmark’s position. She also said she had confirmed that sovereignty was not discussed at the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Frederiksen added, “On the premise that territorial integrity is respected, we will continue constructive dialogue with allies on how to strengthen security in the Arctic region, including the U.S. Golden Dome (the United States’ next-generation air and missile defense system).”

In an interview with CNBC the previous day (21st), President Trump said the Golden Dome and mineral rights would be part of a Greenland-related agreement. Foreign media projected that negotiations would also include revising the 1951 Greenland Defense Agreement signed between the United States and Denmark. Under the agreement—created in the immediate aftermath of World War II to counter the Soviet Union—the United States still maintains an Air Force and space base at the northern tip of Greenland.

In an interview the same day, Secretary General Rutte said, “NATO commanders will meet to discuss security in the Arctic region, including Greenland,” adding, “I hope we will see results as early as the beginning of this year.”