In Denmark, surprise and fury after Trump cancels visit over Greenland

Source: The Washington Post

August 21, 2019 at 12:26

Jensen said Danish lawmakers felt misled and “appalled” by the president, who “lacks even basic diplomatic skills,” he said. “There was no word [ahead of time] about: ‘I want to buy Greenland and that’s why I’m coming.’”

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Wednesday she was surprised that President Trump canceled a planned two-day state visit to Copenhagen next month over her refusal to entertain the sale of Greenland to the United States.

The Danish leader also lamented the missed opportunity to celebrate the historic alliance between Denmark and the United States, saying preparations for the visit had been "well underway."

Speaking at a news conference in Copenhagen, Frederiksen said Trump's response would not "change the character of our good relations," adding that an invitation "for stronger cooperation on Arctic affairs still stands."

Her measured remarks stood in strong contrast with Danish lawmakers from across the political spectrum and former government ministers who slammed the president’s behavior as juvenile, undiplomatic and insulting.

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