Lithuania does not take sides on Greenland issue: Foreign minister

​​​​​​​By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - The Lithuanian foreign minister said Wednesday that his country does not take sides on the Greenland issue, according to media reports.

“Lithuania is not taking either side. Lithuania says that we are all allies, bound by both long-standing cooperation and firm commitments to each other, and it is in that spirit that we resolve all issues that arise between us,” Kestutis Budry told reporters, public broadcaster LRT reported.

Remigijus Motuzas, the chair of parliament’s foreign affairs committee remarked, however, that Lithuania will stick to a common EU position on Greenland.

He underlined that the situation is complicated and sensitive for Lithuania as Denmark and the US are close allies of the country.

“We are certainly aware of the situation, which is why we are not taking any position today. But of course, Lithuania will be involved, mediate, and stick to a common EU position,” said Motuzas.

He emphasized that any decision on Greenland should, first and foremost, take the opinion of its population into account.

-Tensions over Greenland

Greenland, a territory under Danish sovereignty since 1953, has drawn the interest of US President Donald Trump due to its strategic location and vast mineral resources.

The Financial Times reported last week that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Trump engaged in a tense 45-minute telephone call about the issue, leaving officials deeply concerned in Copenhagen.

Trump first floated the idea of acquiring Greenland during his first term in office, an idea Denmark rejected outright. His return to the White House, however, has revived fears of a more aggressive push to secure control over the island.