U.S., Denmark reach security deal on Greenland...

Sept. 18 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Friday said the United States reached an agreement with Denmark and Greenland for "permanent control over security" of the island. U.S. and Danish officials said they expect to sign the agreement at the United Nations General Assembly next week. "At my direction, we worked with representatives of Denmark and Greenland to guarantee that the United States will FOREVER have the complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland in order to secure and defend the security of Greenland, and the United States of America," Trump said in a statement on Truth Social. "Additionally, from now on, no U.S. adversary can EVER have a base in Greenland, have a military presence in Greenland, or make sensitive investments in Greenland, without our express written approval." Trump has expressed his desire to annex Greenland for years, claiming the United States needs it "for defense." The president said the agreement announced Friday is "completely addressing ALL of our many U.S. concerns." The United States already has a military presence in the island and an agreement that allows for the expansion of its bases there. "It is gratifying that we are about to enter into an agreement that ensures and strengthens the security of Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark, the United States and the Western alliance," said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, chairman of Greenland's government, in a statement. "The agreement recognizes Greenland's interests and our place in international cooperation. It is to the benefit of us all." Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she is "pleased that there is a prospect of a good agreement for Greenland, the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States." "An agreement that strengthens our common security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic area and is therefore also good for NATO and Europe," the prime minister added in a statement. "And an agreement that at the same time recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination."