COPENHAGEN, Aug 27 (Reuters) - In a significant diplomatic move, Denmark's foreign minister has summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen following alarming intelligence reports. These reports allege that certain U.S. citizens may have engaged in covert influence operations in Greenland, aimed at inciting opposition against Danish governance. The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this development on Wednesday.
According to a report by public broadcaster DR, which cited unnamed sources, at least three Americans with connections to the Trump administration are suspected of participating in these operations. Their alleged goal was to foster support for Greenland's secession from Denmark and encourage its integration into the United States. The identities of the individuals implicated in these intelligence reports have not been made public.
As of now, the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen has not provided any comments regarding these allegations, leaving many questions unanswered. This incident comes at a time when Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark rich in minerals and strategically located in the Arctic, has attracted significant interest from the United States.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's past ambitions to acquire Greenland highlighted its importance, citing both national and international security concerns. However, his proposal was firmly rejected by both the Danish government in Copenhagen and the local government in Nuuk, Greenland's capital, which retains the right to declare independence through a referendum.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has vehemently condemned any attempts to undermine the relationship between Denmark and Greenland. He stated, "If anyone thinks they can influence it by creating a 'fifth column' or that type of activity, then it is contrary to the way states cooperate," calling such actions completely unacceptable. Rasmussen emphasized the importance of standing firm against any U.S. attempts to interfere in Danish affairs, making it clear that Denmark values its sovereignty and the autonomy of Greenland.
The political landscape in Greenland is shifting. A recent general election in March saw a pro-business party advocating for a gradual independence process secure victory. Meanwhile, a party that supports rapid independence from Denmark and closer ties with the U.S. received about a quarter of the vote, indicating a growing momentum for independence among the Greenlandic populace.
In light of U.S. ambitions in the Arctic, Denmark is actively working to strengthen its relations with Greenland and rally support from European allies. Despite Trump's later comments expressing respect for Greenland's right to self-determination, his earlier remarks about acquiring the territory have created an atmosphere of uncertainty for its approximately 57,000 residents.
Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament, expressed her concerns regarding the U.S. influence in Greenland's future. "The United States should not be allowed to influence our future in this way. It is solely up to the Greenlandic people," she stated. Chemnitz believes that the suspected influence operations are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to gain control over Greenland.
Denmark's national security and intelligence service, PET, has warned that Greenland remains a target for foreign influence campaigns that could exploit divisions or promote specific narratives about both Denmark and the United States.
Currently, the U.S. mission in Copenhagen is led by Charge d'affaires Mark Stroh, following the nomination of PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as the U.S. ambassador to Denmark. As diplomatic tensions rise over these allegations, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold and what implications it may have for U.S.-Denmark relations.
As the situation develops, it is crucial for both Denmark and Greenland to maintain their autonomy and ensure that their future is determined by their own people, free from external manipulation.
