Khaberni - A delegation from the US Senate visited Greenland, on Monday, with the aim of "rebuilding trust" that was undermined by President Donald Trump's intentions to acquire the island.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said at a press conference, "In a few sentences and a few words, the trust that was established since World War II has eroded and collapsed, and we have to work on rebuilding it."
She added, "We are here, members of Congress, to remind you that while our president can make some statements, we also have a role to play as members of Congress."
The delegation, in addition to Murkowski, includes Independent Senator Angus King and Democrats Gary Peters and Maggie Hassan. They specifically visited the American military base in Thule and met with Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen, and are also scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt.
Trump caused outrage in Greenland in January with his announcement to take control of the autonomous island under Danish sovereignty, even if it required the use of force. However, he later backed down from his threat and announced reaching a "framework" for negotiations with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, aiming to give Washington a broader influence on the island.
Subsequently, a task force was formed including representatives from Greenland, Denmark, and the United States to discuss the issue.
Meanwhile, Senator Gary Peters stated on Monday, "We have a president who has betrayed this trust, in a significant way, and now we need to regain it."
He added, "We consider you friends. We want you to also consider us your friends."
Denmark and Greenland confirmed that they share the concerns expressed by Donald Trump regarding security issues, but they emphasize that sovereignty and territorial integrity are a "red line" in the tripartite talks.
