While Canadian and European officials have offered measured support for the removal of Maduro, an ethical line is being drawn when it comes to the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland.
A growing chorus of European leaders is issuing statements of support for the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland. In a joint statement, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark made clear that while cooperation with the United States as part of NATO is welcome, the future of Greenland is up to Denmark and Greenland alone:
The Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden have also issued a joint statement with similar language:
“As Nordic countries, Arctic States and NATO allies we are collectively committed to preserving security, stability and co-operation in the Arctic. We have all taken steps to increase deterrence and defence in the region, including through new capabilities, activities, presence and increased situational awareness. We support NATO increasing its presence and vigilance in the region. We have substantially increased our investments in Arctic security and we are ready to do even more in close consultation with the United States and other NATO allies.
Security in the Arctic rests on respect for the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, including the inviolability of borders. The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is a founding member of NATO, and has historically worked closely with the United States on Arctic Security, including through The Defence Agreement between the US and Denmark from 1951, which offers opportunities for increased security cooperation.
We collectively reiterate that matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are for Denmark and Greenland to decide alone.”
Other European officials have added their support:
As noted in a previous article, Canada has also reaffirmed support for the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland:
An ethical line
Carney and many European leaders offered carefully-worded support for the removal of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, while also affirming the importance of international law. By contrast, most U.S. allies have been quick to express support for Denmark following renewed U.S. annexationist rhetoric regarding Greenland. In this way, leaders are drawing a clear ethical line, making clear that support for removing Maduro does not in any way translate to supporting the U.S. seizing territory from a democratic NATO ally.
At the same time, Canadian and European officials are indicating support for collaboration with the U.S. in Arctic security and addressing U.S. concerns by reiterating that NATO countries are strengthening their militaries and are committed to working together in the region. This nuanced approach may not be satisfying for those who seek dramatic confrontations, but it is the wiser way to handle what is an unstable and chaotic situation.
Spencer Fernando
Image – YouTube
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