Greenland Part of Denmark "For Now", Rubio Says

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that negotiations between the US, Denmark and Greenland on the use of the strategic Arctic island for collective defense purposes are progressing positively. Testifying before the House of Representatives, he expressed optimism and said talks are taking place on a monthly basis.

Rubio drew attention with his response to a question from Democratic congresswoman Sarah McBride, who asked whether he was aware that Greenland is part of Denmark. "For now", he replied.

The comment follows repeated claims by President Donald Trump that the United States needs to acquire or control Greenland for security reasons.

Rubio stressed the island's importance to NATO's missile defense system, while noting that current agreements on the presence of US forces there are insufficient. He added that from Washington's perspective, it would be easier to defend a territory the US directly owns.

(reuters, max)