A cliché is the image of a politician holding a canister of gasoline in one hand and a fire extinguisher in the other. In the case of Donald Trump and Greenland It's hard to avoid that cliché.
“The United States will FOREVER have the full capability to do What is needed in Greenland?"Trump announced triumphantly. And he underlined that it apparently won't cost the Americans a cent.
The news that the agreement was reached was also confirmed from Denmark, to which this territory formally belongs.
What was agreed?
But for Trump, this was not just a propaganda spectacle, but the United States is really gaining an increased presence on the big island. Key points of the agreement:
- The US gets permanent access, bases and overflight rights over Greenland.
- Non-NATO countries will not be able to build military bases in Greenland.
- "Sensitive investments" of foreign countries will be under US supervision.
- The agreement should also apply if Greenland becomes independent from Denmark.
- Denmark and Greenland insist that the agreement does not call into question their sovereignty.
From the crisis that started when Donald Trump first wanted to market Greenland, and then threatened military occupation, something has now been born that saves face for both sides.
photo: ap photoPrime Ministers of Greenland and Denmark: Jans Frederik Nielsen and Mette Fredriksen
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen could not have said better than that the agreement "strengthens the security" of the Arctic and North Atlantic, but respects Danish sovereignty and the right of Greenlanders to self-determination.
"This benefits all of us," Frederiksen announced.
Why is Greenland so important to Trump?
Greenland is located between North America and Europe and is a key control point for the Arctic. The Americans already have a large Pitufik base there, which is important for anti-missile defense and early warning.
Trump has expressed concern over alleged Russian and Chinese presence in the Arctic. The new agreement virtually closes the possibility of China or Russia gaining a military or strategic foothold in Greenland.
All the time, experts reminded that Greenland has significant reserves of rare minerals and other raw materials.
Photo: APNuuk in Greenland
In the end, the assessment of the world's leading agencies, Reuters and the Associated Press, indicates that Trump mostly got what he wanted, but that it was still a "compromise".
According to information from Denmark, the agreement should be signed next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
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