POLITICS: Greenland looks to US in quest for independence, page 1

Since 1721 Greenland has been a Danish colony. Twenty five years ago, Greenland was allowed internal autonomy and now, they seem to be indicating that they wish true independence. They see a potential ally in the United States. The US recently concluded an agreement to modernize the large military base in Thule. The Deputy Prime Minister of Greenland, Josef Motzfeldt, has pointed out that President Bush sent a letter requesting cooperation from Greenland�s local government regarding the base and other issues, he bypassed the traditional route of going through Copenhagen. The government feels that the United States view them as an equal �partner� and added that Denmark does not.

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NUUK, Greenland (AFP) - After 25 years of internal autonomy, the icy Danish territory of Greenland has set its sights on true independence, hoping that talks on the modernization of a US military base on the island may have helped nudge it closer to its goal.

Greenland, which became a Danish colony in 1721, aspires to "before the 300th anniversary of the colonialization ... be capable of becoming master of its own destiny," deputy prime minister of Greenland Josef Motzfeldt told AFP.

Greenlanders have long felt that along with Denmark, the US, with its military base at Thule in the northwestern part of the island, has too much say over their internal affairs.

Following an agreement on the modernization of the base last month however, Greenlanders have begun seeing the superpower across the Atlantic as a potential ally in their quest for self-determination.

"It was (US Secretary of State) Colin Powell who demanded that we sit at the negotiating table during the (ongoing) overhaul of the 1951 Danish-American Defense Treaty concerning Greenland, to the great surprise of Denmark's foreign minister," Motzfeldt said.

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Denmark has resisted previous efforts at independence. However, it has recently agreed to an "autonomy commission" made up of politicians from both sides. This commission will look into allowing Greenland sovereignty on issues like justice, foreign policy and natural resource management. This last measure may be critical. Currently Denmark supplies 57% of the Greenland budget ($494 Million US) and they will need to be able to cover those expenses if they do gain their independence. There is hopes that oil, along with recently discovered precious minerals, and tourism will help make up the difference. One other looming decision that Greenland faces is the question of allowing the United States to place radar installations that would be critical to its missile defense plans.