Member of Parliament Qarsoq Høegh-Dam (Naleraq) is pleased that parties in Inatsisartut support the return of the iron meteorite Agpalilik to Greenland.
Thursday has Inatsisartut dealt with a proposal from Naleraq’s Mette Arqe-Hammeken about the iron meteorite Agpalilik, which is today in Denmark.
The politician wants Naalakkersuisut to approach the government in Denmark, with a view to carrying out a technical and logistical preliminary investigation, for a possible repatriation of the iron meteorite Agpalilik, as well as associated meteorites.
The proposal has met with support in Inatsisartut and from Naalakkersuisut.
– A strong mandate
Mette Arqe-Hammeken’s party colleague, Member of Parliament Qarsoq Høegh-Dam, is pleased to that extent. He refers to the support coming shortly after the presentation of the new government foundation in Denmark, where the return of objects originating from Greenland is written in:
– When a united Inatsisartut now stands behind our desire to get the Agpalilik meteorites home, and recognizes the government’s basis for return, then there are no more excuses. Agpalilik is now going home to Kalaallit Nunaat. It is no longer only Naleraq who raises the question. Now a united Inatsisartut stands behind the desire to bring Agpalilik home. It provides a strong mandate that Denmark should listen to, says Qarsoq Høegh-Dam in a press release.
Mette Arqe-Hammeken’s proposal was referred to Inatsisartut’s Culture, Education, Research and Church Committee for consideration on Thursday.
The item, which is a proposal for a resolution, will be seconded at the autumn meeting.
Will Denmark pay
Naalakkersuisut informs the consideration of the proposal that the Agpalilik meteorite weighs approx. 20 tons, and it was found in 1963 at Appalilik in Avanersuaq. It was subsequently transported to Denmark in 1967, where today it is part of the collections at the Statens Natural History Museum.
A repatriation of the meteorite to Greenland will require specialized transport from as well as the establishment of a suitable foundation and security, and that, according to Naalakkersuisut, significant expenses must be expected as a result of the meteorite’s weight and handling requirements.
Naalakkersuisut considers that direct contact can be made with the Danish government about the issue with a view to initiating a process for repatriation. In this connection, Naalakkersuisut will discuss with the Danish government whether Denmark can cover the costs of getting the meteorite home to Greenland.
