Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has sparked a diplomatic stir by announcing he will summon the U.S. ambassador to Denmark over alarming espionage claims. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. intelligence agencies have been instructed to identify individuals in Denmark and Greenland who support American strategic objectives in the Arctic.
Rasmussen expressed his concerns on Danish broadcaster DR, saying, "I have read the article, and it worries me a lot, because we do not spy between friends." This statement highlights Denmark's firm stance against intelligence gathering among allies and emphasizes the need for clarification on these reports.
The controversy deepens diplomatic tensions between the two nations, already strained by previous incidents such as U.S. interest in purchasing Greenland—a proposal that triggered a significant political backlash throughout Denmark and among Greenland residents.
In response to the growing concerns, Denmark’s domestic intelligence agency PET issued a statement describing an elevated espionage threat and a surge in foreign influence targeting both Denmark and Greenland. Such developments have fueled debates across political and diplomatic circles.
Greenland, once a Danish colony and now an integral part of the Kingdom since 1953, has enjoyed expanded autonomy since home rule was granted in 1979. Despite this, Denmark retains control over its foreign affairs and defense, making any espionage activities in the region particularly sensitive.
Keep your eyes peeled as this story unfolds – a reminder that even among good friends, transparency in international relations remains key. 🚀
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Danish FM to summon U.S. ambassador over Greenland espionage report
cgtn.com