Greenlanders protest as US opens larger consulate in Nuuk

NUUK: The United States opened a bigger diplomatic mission in Greenland on Thursday, but the event drew protests from residents angered by President Donald Trump’s stated aim of expanding US influence over the Arctic island, while senior local officials stayed away.

The new US consulate has moved from a wooden cabin on the outskirts of Nuuk to a larger office in the city centre. The upgraded mission has become a rallying point for Greenlanders opposed to Trump’s declared desire to control the island, which is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and several other politicians said they had turned down invitations to attend the opening ceremony. Speaking to local daily Sermitsiaq, Nielsen said:

We haven't ​made a decision in principle, but I won't participate

Outside the consulate, several hundred demonstrators gathered carrying Greenland’s red and white flag and placards reading USA, stop it. Protesters also chanted No means no and Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders.

Diplomatic opening amid tensions

A spokesperson for the US State Department said the new premises would allow more room for diplomatic activity in Greenland and described the office as offering an outstanding space for US diplomatic engagement in Greenland.

The opening came against the backdrop of heightened tensions over Washington’s interest in the territory. In January, the White House said Trump was considering ways to acquire Greenland, including the possible use of the US military. That statement raised concern among NATO allies in Europe, although the discussions have since shifted onto a diplomatic track.

Earlier this week, Greenland’s government said progress had been made in the sensitive talks over the territory’s future despite US threats of annexation. It also said the island belongs to its people and would never be for sale.

According to Greenlandic public broadcaster KNR, US Ambassador to Denmark Kenneth Howery told the opening ceremony that Washington would continue to support Greenland regardless of the choices made by its people. He said:

We will always be neighbours and stand by you, whatever future you decide ​for yourselves, as your allies and partners

Strategic importance of the island

Trump has described Greenland as strategically important in the Arctic, particularly in relation to Russia and China. The island has a population of 57,000.

The United States currently maintains one active military base in Greenland. Number is down from around 17 facilities in 1945.

The consulate opening underscored the continuing diplomatic sensitivity surrounding Greenland, where public opposition to any suggestion of outside control remains visible even as contacts between local authorities and Washington continue.