Ignore takeover talk: Senator Murkowski of Alaska urges Arctic collaboration
Senator Lisa Murkowski emphasized that Greenland should be treated as an ally, not as an object to be taken over. She made this statement during the Arctic Frontiers conference in Norway.
During the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø, U.S. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed her stance on Greenland. She stressed that Greenland should be viewed as an ally, not as something to be taken over.
Cooperation instead of takeover
When asked about President Donald Trump's comments about wanting to take over Greenland, the senator from Alaska stated that "only the president knows what he means." She recalled that Trump's proposal to purchase Greenland was initially taken as a joke, but there are now more people in the administration who take this issue seriously.
Murkowski emphasized that the Arctic should not be used to redraw boundaries. The United States must recognize the sovereignty of Greenland's indigenous people. The Senator pointed out that instead of discussing the purchase of Greenland, the focus should be on collaborating with Greenlanders on security, economy, and trade issues.
Does Trump have an imperial approach? "Unfortunately, yes"
Lisa Murkowski highlighted Denmark's role in Greenland and emphasized the importance of respecting its position. Greenland is an autonomous territory dependent on Denmark, making cooperation essential.
When asked about President Trump's aggressive tone, which may suggest a colonial and imperial approach to the Arctic, Murkowski said, "Unfortunately, that's true." As an Alaskan politician, the senator advocates for the state's indigenous people and expressed concern over the rhetoric, underscoring the need to recognize native residents.
