Denmark to summon US ambassador after Trump appoints special envoy for Greenland: Reports

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The Danish foreign minister said Monday they will summon the US ambassador for an explanation after US President Donald Trump appointed a special envoy for Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, according to media reports.

Denmark will summon Kenneth A. Howery, the US ambassador to Copenhagen, for an explanation after Trump named Jeff Landry, the governor of the US state of Louisiana, as Washington's special envoy to Greenland, DR News reported.

"It is completely unacceptable. That is why I have also decided in consultation with our Greenlandic colleagues that we will call in the US ambassador for talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," Rasmussen told the Danish national broadcaster.

Rasmussen said that Denmark wants an explanation to understand why the US appointed a special envoy to Greenland, although they have an ambassador in Denmark.

Trump renewed his interest in Greenland following his reelection as the US president due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources.

He previously described owning Greenland as an "absolute necessity" for US economic security, comparing the acquisition to a "large real estate deal."

However, neither Denmark nor Greenland is keen to greenlight US ownership of the island, as repeatedly expressed in response to Trump’s overtures.

Formerly a Danish colony, Greenland achieved home rule in 1979 and remains a territory of Denmark.

In 2008, Greenland held a referendum where 75.5% of voters approved the Self-Government Act, which came into effect on June 21, 2009, granting Greenland greater autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark while retaining Danish control over foreign policy, defense, and security.