Lithuanian president: Joint security agreement could end Greenland dispute

Gitanas Nuseda, the Lithuanian president, said that an agreement on the sharing of responsibility for security in the 'Arctic and North Atlantic' could be a solution to the standoff between Europe and the United States over Greenland.

Nauseda said in an interview at the World Economic Forum annual meeting, that the Greenland dispute was overshadowing and playing into Russia’s hands the war in Ukraine. She urged Washington de-escalate the tensions.

The best outcome for the Arctic and North Atlantic regions would be to just agree on a common responsibility. Is it achievable? He said, "We should try to follow this path because it is the best."

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that there is "no turning back" in his goal of acquiring Greenland. He refused to rule out the possibility of taking the Arctic Island?by force, and rounding up allies.

Trump's desire to take Greenland away from NATO member Denmark threatens to tear apart the alliance which has supported Western security for decades.

Nauseda says that the EU leaders will discuss their options on Thursday at an emergency summit. This will show if Europe can be united in its approach to Greenland. He said that the next two week's will probably reveal how the dispute is settled.

Nauseda said that he hoped that countries who are sceptical of supporting Ukraine would understand that Europe is at a crucial juncture. He argued that NATO's future was at stake.

Nauseda, who is a member of the Greenland delegation to Davos, said that he hoped Trump would give a signal towards deescalating tensions in Greenland.

Nauseda described territorial integrity as an "untouchable principal" and said that there is always room for de-escalation.

"But, of course, the precondition is both sides wanting this de-escalation. And?now I am not sure. Europe is clearly willing to deescalate. "I hope the United States will also be."

The Lithuanian President said that the Greenland dispute diverted attention from Russia's invasion in Ukraine, which posed additional challenges for Europe's east flank.

He said that Washington's continued support was crucial as Europe took on its own responsibility for security.

Nauseda stated that "Europe needs more time to achieve this strategic autonomy not just on paper but also in reality."

He added, "We'll need between 10 and 15 years." (Reporting and editing by Dave Graham)

(source: Reuters)