The opening of a new US consulate in Nuuk on Thursday sparked protests against the US president. Donald Trumpaccused by some Greenlanders of wanting to strengthen Washington's grip on the Arctic island.
Several protesters gathered in the Greenlandic capital as American diplomats inaugurated this new diplomatic center, much larger than the old premises previously housed in a simple wooden house on the outskirts of the city.
The new consulate, now located in the heart of Nuuk, has become a symbol of Donald Trump's stated ambitions regarding Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory belonging to Denmark.
For several years, the American president has openly displayed his strategic interest in this immense Arctic island, rich in natural resources and located in an area that has become crucial for military, climate and commercial issues.
According to Reuters, several Greenlandic government ministers chose not to attend the consulate's inauguration, a sign of the political tensions locally caused by the increased American presence.
The protesters denounced what they consider an attempt at interference and an increased desire by Washington to control the territory. Some held signs stating that Greenland "is not for sale," a slogan that had already appeared during previous controversial statements by Donald Trump on the island.
Greenland occupies an increasingly strategic place in international rivalries in the Arctic, where the United States, Russia and China seek to increase their influence as melting ice opens new sea routes and facilitates access to mineral resources.
Community
Comments
Comments are open, but protected against spam. Initial posts and comments containing links undergo manual review.
Be the first to comment on this article.