Greenland dispute does not hinder Finland-US defence tie: Def body Chair

Chair of the Parliamentary Defence Committee Heikki Autto on Tuesday said that the diplomatic dispute surrounding Greenland did not undermine the foundations of the bilateral defence relationship between Finland and USA.

Talking to journalists after receiving a briefing from Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen in the parliament on current security policy issues, Autto said that Finland's bilateral defence cooperation with the United States continues on a stable footing, said an official press release.

The Defence Committee Chair also expressed support for Denmark's sovereignty and the people of Greenland.

Autto and committee's Vice Chair, Mikko Savola pointed out several ways to ease the tensions that have arisen around Greenland and to strengthen Arctic security.

Autto said that Finland's starting point is international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

“Only the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark can decide on Greenland's constitutional status. Finland supports international law and Denmark's sovereignty," said Autto.

Speaking on the occasion Savola proposed a continuous, rotational military presence in the Arctic region as an instrument of stability and deterrence.

Both of them stressed open diplomacy towards the United States to resolve misunderstandings and help defuse the situation.

Autto also said that Finland is not likely to send more soldiers to Greenland, reported national broadcaster Yle.

For the time being, no further troops are planned, said the Yle report, quoting Autto as saying.

Finland sent two liaison officers to Greenland to familiarise themselves with training activities.

Finland took the decision following a request from Denmark as the government of Greenland and the Danish Ministry of Defence decided to continue training programme of Danish Defence Forces in Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies.

Earlier on January 18, eight European countries including Finland expressed full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.

Responding to the tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump, the countries- Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom in a joint statement also said that the trade threats undermine transatlantic relations and risk a dangerous downward spiral, said a press release issued by the Finnish government.

The United States announced to impose 10-percent tariffs on all goods from Finland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain and the Netherlands over Greenland starting on February 1.