OSLO, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Thursday condemned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about potentially using military force to gain control of Greenland, warning of the threat to NATO unity and European stability.
"It is unacceptable to suggest the use of military force against an ally or to imply intentions to claim territories under another nation's sovereignty," Store told national broadcaster NRK.
Trump's renewed interest in Greenland comes four years after his 2019 proposal to purchase the autonomous Danish territory, an idea Denmark promptly dismissed. This time, his remarks regarding military options have escalated tensions, drawing widespread condemnation from European leaders.
"Trump communicates politics in a way that differs greatly from traditional diplomacy," Store remarked, referencing lessons learned during Trump's first presidency. "But I must make it clear that such statements are entirely unacceptable."
Trump's remarks also sparked speculation about potential U.S. interest in Svalbard, a strategically important Arctic region. "Norway has full control over Svalbard. It is, and will remain, Norwegian territory," Store stated.
Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of around 60,000, was a Danish colony until 1953, when it became an integral part of Denmark, granting Greenlanders Danish citizenship. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining greater self-governance while remaining under Denmark's authority for foreign and defense policy. Enditem
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