Veterans stage silent protest outside US embassy in Denmark amid Greenland dispute

Lots of of Danish veterans and supporters staged a silent march on Saturday from Kastellet to the US Embassy in Copenhagen as a part of the “No Phrases” demonstration to protest latest US rhetoric about exerting management over Greenland and different statements organizers stated demean Denmark’s fight contributions alongside American forces.

Organizers linked the march to Greenland’s authorized standing and the precept of self-determination. US overtures concerning Greenland have stirred a way of betrayal for a lot of in Denmark, notably those that fought alongside US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The march started on the Monumentet for Danmarks Faldne inside Kastellet, included one minute of silence earlier than departure, and concluded with 5 minutes of silence on the embassy. Organizers suggested attendees to put on approved service medals and acknowledged that flags and banners had been welcome.

In printed remarks, organizers acknowledged that 52 Danish flags bearing the names of Danes killed in US-led post-9/11 operations could be planted in entrance of the embassy following the speech. Individuals then confronted the embassy in silence to honor the fallen and acknowledge the establishments that contributed personnel to these operations.

In a separate English-language tackle ready for supply exterior the embassy, organizers reiterated how Denmark “instantly” joined the worldwide response after the invocation of NATO Article 5 following the World Commerce Middle assaults. Over 27,000 Danish service members served in US- and NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, with over 200 wounded and 52 killed. Denmark’s Armed Forces individually famous that 44 Danish troopers died in Afghanistan whereas serving in NATO-led missions.

Greenland is ruled underneath Denmark’s 2009 Act on Greenland Self-Authorities, which acknowledges Greenland residents as a “folks” underneath worldwide legislation with a proper to self-determination and units out procedures for any future change in standing. The march invoked core worldwide legislation constraints, together with the UN Constitution prohibition on threats or use of power towards the territorial integrity or political independence of states and the centrality of self-determination to the UN system.

In a January 14 assertion, UN consultants urged the US to respect worldwide legislation and Greenland’s proper to self-determination, warning that rhetoric suggesting plans to “take” or management the territory undermines the UN Constitution and worldwide legislation. Protesters equally accused the US of failing to respect alliances and the rule of legislation, emphasizing Denmark’s sacrifices in post-9/11 coalition missions and Greenlanders’ proper to find out their political future.

Denmark and Greenland leaders have adamantly refuted US designs on the territory following the US appointment of a particular envoy to Greenland in December. Final month, US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on EU and Nordic nations that don’t help his efforts to regulate Greenland, however has since walked again from his menace.