Greenland’s parliament ratified on Tuesday a security agreement reached earlier this year with US President Donald Trump, Reuters has reported. The deal, which is backed by Denmark, provides for an expansion of the US military presence on the Arctic island.
Trump started threatening to annex Greenland last year, claiming that the US needs it “for the purpose of national security” and for its rare-earth minerals.
The rhetoric sparked outrage in Copenhagen and prompted European NATO members to rally behind Denmark. The dispute eventually led to an agreement announced by the US, Denmark, and Greenland in September. Trump said at the time that it would give Washington “permanent control” over the Arctic territory’s security.
Backed by a majority of lawmakers in Greenland, the deal stipulates broadening the US military’s role on the island, paving the way for two new military bases, as well as Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system, while reaffirming Danish sovereignty and Greenlanders’ right to self-determination.
Greenlandic Foreign Minister Mute Egede described the ratification as an important step for the island. However, Pele Broberg, head of the opposition Naleraq party claimed that Greenland gained no economic benefits from the deal, as cited by Reuters.
Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that Europe had given the US “the greatest gift we were ever given,” referring to Greenland and the military deal.
The executive agreement is expected to receive its first reading in the Danish parliament next week, followed by a second reading and a final vote on November 19. The deal will enter into force once Denmark and Greenland have ratified it, and does not require approval from the US Senate.
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