Scholz on Trump’s Greenland Comments: “Borders Cannot Be Changed by Force”
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commented on U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland, asserting that the inviolability of borders is a principle enshrined in international law and that “borders are not changed by force.”
In a press conference held in Berlin on Wednesday, Scholz stated, “The sanctity of borders is a fundamental principle in international law… borders cannot be changed by force.”
Scholz noted that he had “exchanged views on this issue today with several heads of state and government of European countries,” adding, “During my discussions with our European partners on this topic, there was clear expression of astonishment regarding the recent statements coming from the United States.”
He continued:
“The principle of border inviolability applies to all countries, regardless of whether they lie to our
east or west.”
Scholz emphasized that “every country must adhere to this principle, whether it is a small state or
a very powerful one.”
At the same time, Scholz expressed his “commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(NATO),” considering the alliance “the most important instrument for defense and a central pillar
of the transatlantic relationship, that is, the relationship between Europe, Canada, and the United
States.”
He concluded by saying, “It is clear that the security situation in Europe will remain tense in the
near future,” indicating that Germany will work closely with its partners to enhance its defense
capabilities, calling in this context for “unity and reason.”
Trump had previously stated during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on
Tuesday that he could not guarantee against resorting to coercive solutions, either by force or
economic pressure, to address issues concerning the Panama Canal and Greenland.
Trump has mentioned that the U.S. needs to regain control of the Panama Canal and suggested
the possibility of annexing Greenland, an autonomous region under Danish sovereignty, into
American territory.
He also claimed that many Canadians support their country becoming the 51st state of the United
States.
The incoming U.S. President believes such a union would not only bring economic stability to
Canada but also protect it from external threats, which, according to Trump, come from “Russian
and Chinese ships.”
Trump Challenges Traditional Diplomatic Norms, Stirring Widespread Controversy with His Statements
