Christian Tybring-Gjedde (photo credits: KKN)

If the pressure from the US continues, Tybring-Gjedde suggests that Denmark could launch Greenland as a joint NATO protectorate. – Tybring-Gjedde has had thoughts and opinions for more than 20 years, which were previously considered controversial, but which are now mainstream in Europe, says Oslo pastor Jan-Aage Torp in a comment.

Christian Tybring-Gjedde proposes a compromise solution for Greenland.

– Denmark should present to the US in the planned talks a proposal that Greenland be granted self-determination today, at the same time that Greenland ensures the presence of NATO forces to defend the island, says Christian Tybring-Gjedde to Norge IDAG.

– NATO's presence will increase activity, and secure Greenland's income. Joint responsibility for the protection of Greenland will keep the alliance together. Access to minerals is important for the high-tech defense industry in all NATO countries, he emphasizes.

ABC Nyheter first reported his idea on Tuesday that compromise could strengthen NATO and secure Greenland's autonomy, history and culture.

Christian Tyring-Gjedde represented the Progress Party (Frp) in Stortinget for almost 20 years. Tybring-Gjedde has repeatedly suggested that Donald Trump receive the Nobel Peace Prize.

Calls it constructive

Jan-Aagr Torp (photo credits: KKN)

US expert and pastor of Oslochurch Jan-Aage Torp says in a comment to Norge IDAG that it is this type of constructive input that Christian Tybring Gjedde is making now that will show the way.

– President Trump has good intentions, and at the same time Denmark has the right to rule over Greenland. Contrary to what we see from the Norwegian government and the other Nordic governments that do not seem to accommodate Trump's agenda, I would say that Denmark has nothing to lose from such a solution, and the Greenlanders do not have much to gain by having only a unilateral relationship with Denmark. This provides great opportunities for expanded relationships for Greenland, while at the same time it is a win-win for USA, Jan-Aage Torp tells Norge IDAG.

He underscores that Greenland's future must be secured, and not just by Denmark´s rulership.

– Svalbard is in a somewhat similar situation. The Russians and the Norwegians live well side by side there, and I think we have reason to encourage a bit of the same in Greenland. I think Tybring-Gjedde is masterful, and I'm not just saying that because I know him. I think his assessments are sensible. He is a leader in carving out a course. The only thing I'm sorry about is that he is no longer in Stortinget.

National interest

In an interview with CNN, former Vice President Mike Pence recently said that the United States has a national security interest in controlling and eventually owning Greenland.

- We've had an agreement with Denmark since 1951, and we've had a military base in Greenland. At one point we had 10,000 troops there, now I think it's 200. One thing the administration can do is to send forces into the region. Because the threat we face, with Arctic advances from China and Russia, is real, Mike Pence told CNN.