Greenland says it cannot accept US takeover under any circumstances'

"Greenland's government has said it cannot under any circumstances accept Donald Trump's desire to take control of Greenland, as Nato's secretary general, Mark Rutte, said the organisation was working on ways to bolster Arctic security. At the start of a critical week for the vast Arctic island, a largely self-governing part of Denmark, the US president restated his interest in the strategically located, mineral-rich territory, saying the US would take it one way or the other."

"Greenland's government said on Monday that the island was part of the kingdom of Denmark and as part of the Danish commonwealth, a member of Nato. It would increase its efforts to ensure its defence took place in the Nato framework, it said. The statement added that the territory's ruling coalition believes Greenland will for ever be part of the western defence alliance, and that all Nato member states, including the US, have a common interest in the island's defence."

Greenland's government rejects any US attempt to take control of the island. The US president restated interest in the strategically located, mineral-rich territory and said the US would take it one way or the other, refusing to rule out military force. Denmark noted a 1951 treaty that allows significant US military presence but has repeatedly said Greenland is not up for grabs and seeks a diplomatic solution. Greenland will increase efforts to ensure its defence operates within the NATO framework. NATO's secretary general said allies are working on steps to bolster Arctic security. Greenland's and Denmark's foreign ministers are due to meet the US secretary of state in Washington.

Read at www.theguardian.com