Diplomatic tensions escalate between Denmark and the United States as the U.S. ambassador is called in for a meeting following disclosures about suspected spying activities.
The Lowdown on the heated Diplomatic Tussle
Tensions are escalating in the diplomatic spat between Copenhagen and Washington, with events unfolding in Warsaw taking center stage. During a meeting of EU foreign ministers on May 7, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated he would summon the acting US ambassador to Copenhagen in response to a bombshell article published in the Wall Street Journal. The article alleged that the US is planning to beef up its espionage activities in Greenland, a desired territory by Donald Trump, sparking concerns in Denmark and Copenhagen.
"This is utterly troubling," Mr. Lokke Rasmussen expressed his concerns, stating he took the newspaper's claims "extremely seriously," particularly the fact that Washington is reportedly interested in gathering intelligence within Denmark and Greenland with the intent to identify and recruit potential sources[2].
According to the Wall Street Journal, directives were issued by high-ranking officials under the authority of the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, to the heads of U.S. intelligence agencies in late April. These directives urged the agencies to obtain more information regarding the independence movement in Greenland and assessing public opinions towards potential U.S. extraction of natural resources on the island[2]. Moreover, the directives aimed to identify people in Greenland and Denmark who support U.S. interests on the island[2].
Spying and Scandal
Reports suggest that U.S. intelligence agencies have been instructed to increase their espionage activities related to Greenland. The CIA, Defense Intelligence Agency, and National Security Agency are believed to be involved, potentially employing spy satellites, communications intercepts, and human intelligence in their efforts[1]. As of now, there is no detailed information regarding Denmark or Copenhagen's official response to these claims.
Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, who is mentioned in the intelligence effort, called the leaked details published by the Wall Street Journal irresponsible, stating they undermine national security and democracy[1].
[1] Enrichment Data[2] Base Article
- The alleged espionage activities in Greenland, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, have stirred concerns among Danish officials, particularly Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who finds Washington's interest in gathering intelligence within Denmark and Greenland troubling.
- In a heated diplomatic tussle, the US is accused of increasing espionage activities in Greenland, a development that, if true, could have significant implications for war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news.
- The Wall Street Journal claims that high-ranking officials, including Tulsi Gabbard, have issued instructions to US intelligence agencies regarding Greenland, instructing them to collect more information about the independence movement and assess public opinions towards potential US extraction of natural resources.
- The escalating diplomatic spat between Copenhagen and Washington over espionage activities in Greenland has become a major focus in global politics, with no official response yet from Denmark or Copenhagen regarding these claims.
