On Saturday afternoon, it was the citizens' turn to ask questions to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt (S) and Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen (V).
The two politicians had met with the press twice shortly before and walked together from Kolonihavnen to GUX Nuuk. Vivian Motzfeldt was pleased with the good turnout on a day with beautiful winter weather.
Several of the questions from the audience were about the number of Danish and other European soldiers in Greenland.
– It creates insecurity and confusion, and many are worried about the hunting professions. What will be done to avoid conflicts between the population and the military, was one of the questions.
A changed world order
The politicians had visited soldiers at the Buksefjord power plant earlier in the day. Vivian Motzfeldt emphasized at the citizens' meeting that in her opinion the increased efforts from the Danish defense and some NATO allies are right.
– It is true that we are not used to the new conditions that affect us all. The changed world order requires the best possible cooperation, and the population should see the purpose in the increased presence. To protect Greenland, the protectors must know Greenland, she said.
She also emphasized that consideration is still being given.
– There is a major exercise underway in some specific areas away from residential areas. We have been focusing on the problem, so there is less activity where the animals breed, said Vivian Motzfeldt.
Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen added:
– Greater military activity of course means more presence. That also applies where people live. It is necessary in the situation we find ourselves in. But we try to do it in a smart way.
The Minister of Defense emphasized that Greenland must be involved in the work of the defense.
– We need to become even better at communicating with each other and telling what is happening. Historically, we have probably not been that good at talking to the Greenlandic population, the minister acknowledged.
Therefore, he reminded that there are collaborations underway in various ways. Earlier on Saturday, the two politicians had announced an expansion of Arctic Basic Training and an expected new agreement with Air Greenland.
