News - World: European leaders condemned US President Donald Trump’s comments about annexing Greenland, insisting the Arctic territory’s future rests solely with its own people and no outside power has the right to impose its will.

In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Britain and Denmark said, “It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland.”

They emphasized the region’s strategic importance, noting that “Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe, and it is critical for international and transatlantic security.” 

“Security in the Arctic must be achieved collectively … by upholding the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. These are universal principles, and we will not stop defending them,” the statement concluded.

The announcement comes after Trump said on Monday that Greenland’s annexation was imminent, insisting he wanted the Arctic territory “right now.”

His remarks have raised alarm in Denmark, which is responsible for Greenland’s defense, especially given Washington’s recent military aggression against Venezuela, including the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Trump’s comments on Greenland follow a series of threats aimed at other countries over the weekend.

He also warned Mexico to “get its act together” or face military action and suggested Colombian President Gustavo Petro could face a similar fate as Maduro.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Monday, “I believe that the US president should be taken seriously when he says that he wants Greenland.”

She added, “But I also want to make it clear, that if the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops. That is, including our NATO.”

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen also pushed back, warning Trump to abandon “fantasies of annexation” and stressing that his country was “not for sale.”

Greenland, like Venezuela, holds largely untapped natural resources, including oil, natural gas, minerals like zinc, copper, nickel, and graphite.

Its strategic location between the North American Arctic and Europe makes it particularly appealing to US ambitions.

Source: Press TV