Intelligence services in Denmark have warned that the upcoming elections in the Danish autonomous territory of Greenland may become the subject of foreign interference, DPA reported, quoted by BTA.
The increased competition between world powers for the Arctic, combined with debates about international security and territorial independence, has led to the spread of false information, especially on social networks, the domestic and foreign intelligence services warned in a joint assessment.
The current situation can be used by foreign powers to advance their own interests, the services believe. The interest in the territory shown by US President Donald Trump, as well as the spread of false information, can be used by foreign powers for the purpose of disinformation, they emphasize.
Their assessment mentions Russia by name, saying that Moscow has a great interest in sowing division among NATO members and weakening Western countries. It adds that the strengthening of American influence in Greenland, where Washington maintains an important military base, is not in Russia's interest.
Elections for a new parliament will be held in Greenland on March 11. Trump has repeatedly expressed the US interest in taking control of what is considered the largest island in the world, and does not rule out the use of military or economic means.
The Greenland government has repeatedly stated that it seeks greater autonomy from the Kingdom of Denmark without becoming part of the United States. The territory governs its own internal affairs, while defense and foreign affairs are handled by Copenhagen. Greenland is heavily dependent on Copenhagen for economic support, Reuters notes.