Danish PM: NATO agrees permanent presence around Greenland

BRUSSELS, Jan 22 (KUNA) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have agreed to establish "a permanent presence" for the Alliance in the Arctic region.
"Everybody in NATO agrees on this, the Arctic states as well as the other member states, that we need a permanent NATO presence in the Arctic region, including around Greenland," Frederiksen affirmed upon her arrival in Brussels on Thursday evening for the special European leaders' summit. She made the press remarks one day after US President Donald Trump announced reaching "a framework for a forthcoming agreement" with the European members of NATO on Greenland - the world's largest island, which lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans.
The Danish PM stressed what she described as the "red lines," affirming that Danish sovereignty is nonnegotiable.
"It is clear to everyone that we are a sovereign state and that we cannot negotiate about that. But of course, we can discuss with the United States how we can strengthen our common cooperation on security in the Arctic," she made clear. Frederiksen added that European unity represents a decisive factor in dealing with the current challenges, noting that "when Europe is not divided, when we stand together and are clear and strong in our willingness to stand up for ourselves, then the results will show," in reference to the shift in Trump's statement that he would not resort to military force to annex Greenland.
For his part, French President Emmanuel Macron said, in similar press remarks in Brussels, that the special summit primarily aims to demonstrate European unity in support of Denmark, its sovereignty, and its territorial integrity.
"We are here to affirm the unity of Europeans in support of Denmark, its territorial integrity and its sovereignty, and also to confirm that when Europe is united, strong, and reacts quickly, things return to order calmly," he said. Macron added "We began the week with an escalation marked by threats of invasion and threats of imposing tariffs, but we have returned to a more acceptable situation, even if we must remain vigilant. When Europe acts in a united manner and uses the instruments at its disposal, it is able to command respect." The special European summit aims to discuss tense transatlantic relations following earlier threats by President Trump to impose tariffs on eight European countries opposing his plan to annex Greenland - an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty. (end) arn.gb