The Igaliku agreement from 2004 gave Greenland a number of rights in terms of cooperation on the American military presence in Greenland, and former editor-in-chief Poul Krarup believes that one should keep a close eye on whether these rights are preserved in the new agreement that is being signed today.
An important point does not receive enough focus in the run-up to the conclusion of a new agreement between Greenland, the USA and Denmark. This is the view of the former longtime editor-in-chief at Sermitsiaq, Poul Krarup.
– They forget the Igaliku agreement from 2004, which is an upgrade and modernization of the 1951 agreement, he says.
The Igaliku Agreement amended and supplemented the 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark, as the agreement among other things made Greenland a formal partner in the defense agreement, which gave the Self-Government greater influence over American activities in Greenland.
The Igaliku agreement also confirmed Greenland’s active participation in the cooperation with the USA regarding the American presence in Greenland and thus created a platform for the self-government’s participation in defense and security policy, which is of great importance to Greenland.
The agreement means that the US must consult and inform Greenland about defense activities, and that Greenland is consulted to a much greater extent than previously in connection with the US military presence.
On Tuesday, Poul Krarup will keep a special eye on whether the Igaliku agreement from 2004 is respected in the new agreement.
Greenland became a partner and was given the right to be consulted
– With the Igaliku agreement, Greenland became a partner in the defense agreement and was given the right to be heard when and if the United States wants to increase or change its military presence. Back then in 2004, it was about an upgrade of the radar on Pituffik.
– It is important that the rights Greenland got in 2004 will still exist, says Poul Krarup and also refers to Greenland’s increased activities in the foreign policy area within trade and economy.
He points out that, until Trump’s provocations, Greenland had an increasing cooperation with the USA and with the outside world in general.
– Trump’s provocations today mean that many in Greenland do not trust the Americans. So today Greenland is divided. We can hope that the final text of the agreement will ensure Greenland’s self-determination and the right to decide on its own raw materials and partners, says Poul Krarup.
He emphasizes that Greenland and Denmark have so far respected the interests of the United States, which stopped Chinese investments in airports, in mining and in taking over the Grønnedal naval station.
