Khaberni - The US Trade Representative, Jameson Greer, stated that it would be best for European nations to separate the commercial relationship file with Washington and the situation surrounding Greenland island.
Reuters quoted the American official as saying, "It is up to Europe to decide whether it wants to discuss the new threats from Trump regarding imposing tariffs on some European countries because of Greenland."
He added: "If I were in the Europeans’ place, I would try to separate this matter as much as possible. But if they want to make that part of a trade deal, that’s their business and not ours."
This statement follows President Donald Trump’s announcement today, Saturday, imposing tariffs of 10% on Britain, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Finland, France, and Sweden.
Trump explained that the tariffs on the European countries will take effect on the first of February next, to rise to 25% by the first of June, and will remain in effect until an agreement is reached that allows the United States to purchase Greenland, pointing out that Washington's need to "fully and finally" acquire the island has become more urgent amid the development of defense systems, especially the "Iron Dome" and modern weapons systems.
The American President confirmed that the United States is still open to negotiations with Denmark and the concerned European countries regarding the acquisition of Greenland, despite the escalation of tension around this file.
Commenting on Trump’s decision, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said at a press conference after the European Union signed a free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, that the European Union is "very firm in defending international law", adding that it is "coordinating a joint response from the EU Member States on this issue."
Meanwhile, thousands demonstrated across Denmark and the island of Greenland today, Saturday, protesting against Trump's demand to annex the island, calling for respect for the rights of its inhabitants to determine their destiny.
In recent days, European countries have sent limited numbers of military personnel to the island at the request of Denmark, and Trump described these moves as "a very dangerous game".
The countries mentioned by Trump announced their support for Denmark, warning that any American military seizure of land within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization "NATO" could lead to the collapse of the military alliance led by Washington.
It is worth noting that Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953, and it is still part of the Kingdom to this day, but it was granted autonomy in 2009, allowing it to manage its affairs and determine its internal policies.
