Greenlanders remain uncertain over Greenland agreement

Greenlanders remain uncertain about a new agreement on Greenland, although Iceland’s foreign minister says it could strengthen cooperation and security in the North Atlantic, mbl.is reports.

“I have yet to see the details, as they are not available, but it is of course promising if agreements appear to be reached and there is consensus on an outcome that ultimately strengthens cooperation and security in the region,” Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir told mbl.is.

She was responding to a new agreement on Greenland announced on Friday by US President Donald Trump.

Trump said the agreement with Denmark and Greenland would ensure “permanent control” by the United States over security matters in Greenland.

Gunnarsdóttir said uncertainty still remained among Greenlanders over the situation.

“We are of course following the development of the matter and the final details, but it is crucial that this is an outcome that Greenland and Denmark are satisfied with,” she said.

She said she hoped the agreement would demonstrate respect for international law, the inviolability of borders and the right of nations to self-determination.

“This is an absolutely crucial principle in all international law,” the minister said. “If that is achieved through this agreement, it is important. Hopefully, Greenlanders will not have to experience the uncertainty they have faced in recent weeks and months.”

Asked whether the agreement would ease tensions in Greenland, Gunnarsdóttir said her sources there indicated that people remained uncertain and wanted to see the details. She added that she also had yet to see how the agreement would be implemented.

She reiterated that Iceland stood firmly with Greenland and Denmark on the matter, adding that it was positive if agreements were being reached and consensus could be achieved.

According to Gunnarsdóttir, an agreement on Greenland would benefit Iceland by signalling continued close cooperation among NATO countries to increase monitoring and security in the region.

She welcomed the continuation of joint military operations such as Arctic Sentry, which NATO launched to strengthen security in the Arctic following statements by the US president about taking over Greenland.

“Although the Russians are not happy about it, it is important that NATO countries continue to have a deterrent effect in this region. At the same time, it means increased security and monitoring for us Icelanders,” she said.

Gunnarsdóttir said she hoped the development would also mark improved relations between Europe and the United States after a turbulent period.