Is the Greenland Crisis Turning Around? Trump Abandons the Decision to Raise Tariffs on 8 European Countries on the 21st
After the EU President and the French President expressed clear positions on the Greenland issue the day before, US President Trump excluded the possibility of using military force to control Greenland Island during his speech at the Davos Forum on Wednesday. He also emphasized that no other country can ensure the security of this Danish autonomous territory. However, later that evening, it was suddenly reported that Trump had abandoned the request to increase tariffs on 8 European countries because a basic agreement was reached on Greenland and Arctic issues.
It is shocking that Trump changed his mind just hours after delivering his speech at the World Economic Forum, but the united stance of Nordic countries and France is considered to have achieved results. However, due to Trump's unpredictable style, all parties believe that they still need to remain calm.
Trump announced this decision on his social media, saying that he had reached an agreement with NATO Secretary General Rutte on the foundation of the agreement on Greenland and Arctic security issues, so he decided not to implement the tariff increase on 8 European countries on February 1st,
NATO Secretary General Rutte said on the morning of the 21st: The tension caused by the handling of the Greenland issue must rely on "prudent diplomacy." At this time, the US President was heading to Switzerland Davos to promote the US position on Greenland.
AFP reported that Rutte (Mark Rutte) said: "There is no doubt that these tensions currently exist. I am not going to comment on this, but I can assure you that the only way to resolve it in the end is prudent diplomacy."
Rutte then emphasized: "Please rest assured, I am actively working behind the scenes, but I cannot do it publicly."
According to AFP, Rutte tried to turn Trump's interest in Greenland into a broader discussion within NATO about strengthening Arctic security. He said: "When it comes to the Arctic, I think Trump is right, and the other leaders of NATO are also right. We need to defend the Arctic."
In response to concerns that the Greenland crisis could lead to the collapse of the 76-year-old NATO, Rutte denied it at the time. He said: "NATO is extremely important, not only for European defense, but also for American defense. For America to be safe, Arctic security, Atlantic security, and European security are all indispensable."
Rutte also responded to Trump's repeated questioning about whether Europe would assist the US when requested. Rutte said: "I will tell him yes, Europe will assist the US. I also have no doubt that the US will reach out to Europe, and similarly, we will assist the US."
At the same forum in Davos, Finnish President Stubb (Alexander Stubb) also stated that he believed the Greenland issue would eventually find a diplomatic solution.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1855007220854090/
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