US opens new consulate in Nuuk amid protests

The United States opened its new three-storey, 3,000-square-metre consulate in Nuuk on Thursday, with a festive reception inside and a large demonstration outside, Danish broadcaster DR reported.

Inside the consulate

Guests were served musk ox hotdogs and treated to a Hawaiian ensemble, while both the American and Greenlandic national anthems were sung. US Ambassador to Denmark Ken Howery gave the opening speech, praising Greenland’s strong community and saying there was much to learn as the partnership grows. He stated that it was up to Greenland to choose its future and that the US and Greenland would always be neighbours, “no matter what future you decide on.”

Greenlandic media KNR asked Howery directly whether the US still intended to take over Greenland. He replied that the president had ruled out the use of force and that Greenland’s future was for Greenlanders to decide.

Outside the consulate

Outside, a large group of protesters gathered to show dissatisfaction with the US government. Demonstration organiser Aqqalukkuluk Fontain addressed the Americans directly, saying “Listen to the Greenlandic people. We are not for sale.” Protesters turned their backs on the building and stood in silence for two minutes.

DR reporter Cecilie Kallestrup said the demonstration was much larger than expected. Some people felt it was acceptable that the US was moving closer, while others found it uncomfortable given the current situation. One protester, Malik Gert Fredriksen Dollerup-Scheibe, questioned why the US needed 3,000 square metres in Nuuk and suggested it indicated a plan for significant future influence. Previously, the US consulate was located in a small red wooden house on the harbour.