"France is preparing to open a consulate in Greenland next month in a move that it says reflects the semiautonomous island's desire to remain part of Denmark and the European Union. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the broadcaster RTL on Wednesday that the opening of the consulate in the self-governed Danish territory, scheduled for February 6, is a political signal amid the ongoing threats from United States President Donald Trump to take control of the island."
"The French foreign minister's comments came as his Danish and Greenlandic counterparts, Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Vivian Motzfeldt, were due to meet US Vice President JD Vance in Washington, DC, to discuss the island. Trump's repeated statements that the Arctic territory will be brought under US control one way or another have created a crisis inside NATO. European allies have warned that any takeover of the island would have serious repercussions for the relationship between the US and Europe."
"Trump has said the US needs Greenland, where Washington has long maintained military bases, due to the threat of a takeover posed by Russia and China. He claims that Denmark has neglected the territory's security. It's also noted that Greenland has significant mineral riches, including oil and gas as well as rare earths needed for technological products. Denmark's defence minister said on Wednesday that it plans to strengthen its military presence in Greenland and was in dialogue with its allies in NATO."
Washington's threats to seize Greenland have sparked a crisis among NATO states. France will open a consulate in Greenland on February 6 as a political signal and to expand presence, including scientific cooperation. Greenland affirms its choice of Denmark, NATO and the European Union and rejects integration into the United States. Danish and Greenlandic officials were due to meet US Vice President JD Vance to discuss the situation. The United States cites security concerns and competition with Russia and China; Greenland's oil, gas and rare earths increase its strategic value. Denmark plans to strengthen its military presence and coordinate with NATO allies.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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