Denmark summoned the highest U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen on Wednesday after Danish media reported that People with ties to President Donald Trump had carried out covert affect operations in Greenland.
Danish broadcaster DR reported that no less than three U.S. residents linked to the U.S. authorities had been concerned in actions that, reportedly, authorities concern could possibly be used covertly to help Trump’s want to make Greenland a part of america.
Overseas Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen mentioned the U.S. chargé d’affaires — at present its most senior diplomat in Denmark — had been summoned in response. He referred to as any interference in Danish affairs “unacceptable,” and emphasised that Copenhagen “will after all not settle for covert operations on our territory,” in a press release emailed by his ministry, in response to the AP.
“It worries me significantly as a result of we don’t spy on buddies,” Rasmussen additionally mentioned in response to a report in The Wall Road Journal.
In accordance with DR, one of many males compiled lists of Greenlanders supportive of, or important towards, U.S. affect, whereas others maintained political and enterprise contacts on the island. It was unclear whether or not they acted independently or beneath route from U.S. officers.
The transfer comes amid ongoing tensions over Greenland, a mineral-rich, self-governing Danish territory. Earlier this yr, Trump instructed CNN that Washington would “100%” achieve management of Greenland, even repeatedly threatening to make use of army drive.
Greenland is strategically essential for U.S. army and Arctic safety pursuits. Contacted by DR, Denmark’s safety and intelligence service, generally known as PET, mentioned the territory “is the goal of affect campaigns of assorted varieties” and had strengthened monitoring in cooperation with Greenlandic authorities.