OSLO, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Political leaders across Greenland have unequivocally rejected U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's renewed interest in acquiring the Danish territory, emphasizing their commitment to greater self-determination and firmly opposing the idea of becoming part of the United States (U.S.).
All five parties in Greenland's parliament, Inatsisartut, have dismissed Trump's recent statements suggesting Greenland could be transferred to U.S. control for strategic purposes, Danish broadcaster DR reported on Saturday.
"I do not want to be part of the United States, as Trump suggests," said Mariane Paviasen, spokesperson for the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) party. "I want an independent Greenland."
Erik Jensen, chairman of the Siumut party and Greenland's finance minister, reiterated the island's aspiration for self-governance. "We should not be transferred to the United States or any other country," he said.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the Demokraatit party, shared similar sentiments, expressing openness to stronger cooperation with the U.S. but firmly rejecting the idea of U.S. annexation.
Aqqalu Jerimiassen, head of the Atassut party, also voiced opposition to Trump's proposal, highlighting Greenland's existing relationship with Denmark. "We should maintain good relations with the U.S., but Greenland should not become part of the U.S., either now or in the future," he said.
Pele Broberg, leader of the opposition Naleraq party, said Greenland is not a commodity to be traded. "Trump's statements simply show how much he desires Greenland," he said.
Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede, speaking in Copenhagen on Friday, reaffirmed that the people of the mineral-rich Arctic territory do not wish to become Americans.
Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of around 60,000, was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral part of Denmark, granting Greenlanders Danish citizenship. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining greater self-governance while Denmark retained authority over foreign and defense policy. ■
