Donald Trump has not yet taken office, but he has already talked about taking over Greenland, using force in Panama or absorbing Canada. As if old alliances, treaties and international obligations no longer apply. Reactions from world leaders vary. Some downplay it, others calm it down, others warn, still others mock or remain silent.
Greenland is not and will never be for sale – say the authorities of an island seven times larger than Poland, but with only a little over 50,000 inhabitants, a bit surprised that the world suddenly remembered them.
– No, thank you, I don't like this idea – replies Peetaarak Hammond, a resident of Greenland, when asked if he would like to become an American.
– This is our country and we will decide about our future. The purchase or takeover of control over Greenland will never happen, assures Erik Jensen, Greenland's Minister of Finance.
Consternation following Donald Trump's words is not limited to Greenland. The whole world is commenting on the fact that the American president-elect has not ruled out the use of force to protect America's interests in Greenland or Panama. He would also like Canada to become part of his country.
Meloni on Trump: we are dealing with a person who, when he does something, does it sensibly
– During talks with our European partners, a lack of understanding regarding such statements by the United States could be observed. The principle of inviolability of borders applies to every country, regardless of whether it lies to the east or west of us. Every country must adapt to it, regardless of whether it is a small country or a very powerful nation, says German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
– Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Denmark and the United States are two close allies within NATO. They have been cooperating since the alliance was founded in 1949, notes Jens Stoltenberg, former Secretary General of NATO.
– I rule out that in the coming years the United States will try to use force to secure the territories that interest it. Contrary to some opinions that I sometimes hear about Donald Trump, we have already seen him as president and we are dealing with a person who, when he does something, does it sensibly, comments Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
An avalanche of comments from around the world meant that the outgoing head of American diplomacy was de facto forced to speak out. Antony Blinken advises not to attach too much importance to the president-elect's words.
Blinken referred to Trump's idea for Greenland
– The idea expressed in relation to Greenland is clearly not a good one, but, perhaps more importantly, it clearly will not be implemented. So maybe we shouldn't waste too much time talking about it, suggests US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Trump's son, Donald Trump Junior, appeared in Greenland. The locals had the opportunity to hear his conversation with his father. The president-elect said that the island is a strategic place from the point of view of the security of the whole world.
– I don't think we'll encounter any resistance there. Greenland is amazing, look at the people there, we got a round of applause when we landed yesterday. I asked my representatives, my son, Don, to go there, and it was like a celebration of love, said Donald Trump, US president-elect.
What does the visit of Donald Trump's son to Greenland mean? Justyna Zuber/Fakty o Świecie TVN24 BiS
In a completely different tone, Donald Trump talks about the Panama Canal, which was under American jurisdiction for over 75 years and only came under Panamanian control in 1999.
– They got the canal for a dollar and then took more money from our ships, and now China runs the Panama Canal. This cannot be the case, says Donald Trump.
Donald Trump will take office on January 20. Brussels' Politico, citing anonymous sources, reports that a joint delegation of the foreign ministers of Poland, France and Germany would go to Washington immediately after Donald Trump's inauguration. The goal is to show the unity of Europe. The visit is still at the planning stage.
Facts about the World TVN24 BiS
Main photo source: THE WASHINGTON POST POOL