Rome, Jan 9, (dpa/GNA) – A US military assault on Greenland for the purposes of annexation is unlikely, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni said during her annual press conference in Rome on Friday.
“I do not believe in the hypothesis that the United States will launch military action on Greenland – an option that I would not support,” Meloni said.
A move of this kind would be in no one’s interest and would help no one, she said. “I think it would not even be in the interests of the US, to be clear,” she said.
Regarding a possible European reaction to a US military operation, Meloni said: “Should this eventuality arise, we will talk about it.” Meloni is seen as close to US President Donald Trump personally and ideologically.
The US military assault on Venezuela under a week ago has increased international concern regarding US intentions regarding Greenland, as Trump has said repeatedly that the US needs the island, which extends into the Arctic Circle, for its own security.
Greenland, with its population of under 57,000, is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but enjoys considerable autonomy, except in the areas of defence and foreign policy. Many Greenlanders support full independence.
Meloni noted that Greenland was strategically significant for the US, and many foreign players were active in the region.
She expressed comprehension for US concerns. “I think the message from the US is that they will not accept excessive intervention by foreign players,” she said.
GNA