ALBAWABA - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's remarks expressing his desire to seize Greenland and Canada have drawn harsh criticism from France and Germany. Both countries underlined their commitment to defending international boundaries and rejecting any forcible territorial expansion.
In an interview with "France Inter" radio, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot reiterated the European Union's position, saying, "The EU will not tolerate any attempts by other nations to violate its sovereign borders." Additionally, Barrot dismissed the possibility of the United States conquering Greenland, an independent region governed by Denmark, calling it "extremely unlikely."
A representative for Germany's Foreign Ministry also said that the country was aware of Trump's remarks. Citing the UN Charter and the Helsinki Accords, which prohibit changing borders by force, the spokeswoman underlined the need of abiding by international accords at a news conference. The official would not speculate as to whether Trump's comments were taken seriously in Germany.
Trump has often mentioned his desire to impose authority over Greenland and the Panama Canal since winning the election in November. Additionally, he has suggested that Canada become a U.S. state. Trump declined to rule out using economic or military tactics to accomplish his objectives at a news conference on Tuesday.
Control of Greenland is a "absolute necessity" for the strategic interests of the United States, according to Trump, who will formally take office on January 20.
Growing European worries over Trump's foreign policy ambitions and the possible geopolitical repercussions of his claims are reflected in France's and Germany's answers.
