“Such interference is a breach of our democratic principles and shows a lack of respect for our self-determination,” Egede told local broadcaster KNR, adding Greenland’s allies needed to be more forceful in their statements.
“We have not yet seen any of our allies make a clear statement. And we need our friends among nations. That is why they must come out more clearly – there is no other way. The vague declarations must end.”
Naalakkersuisut, the Greenlandic government, is now in a caretaker phase following a Mar 11 parliamentary election won by the Democrats, a pro-business party that favours a slow approach to independence from Denmark.
Jens-Frederik Nielsen, leader of the Democrats, called for political unity and criticised the timing of the US visit during coalition talks with municipal elections due next week.
“We must not be forced into a power game that we ourselves have not chosen to be a part of,” Nielsen said on Monday.
Similarly, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Monday the visit was “problematic” and showed “a lack of respect”.
“These are not random tourists. And you sense it is a signal. It is a charm offensive to pull Greenland towards the United States,” Lokke Rasmussen told public broadcaster DR.
