Secretary: U.S. will respect Greenlanders' self-determination; denies U.S. push for independence

The Secretary of State told reporters that any decision on Greenland's status rests with the people of Greenland and that the United States did not instigate independence discussions. "So that's the Greenland Denmark should focus on the fact that the Greenlanders not wanna be a part of Denmark," he said, adding, "That wasn't our idea."

Nut graf: The secretary reiterated comments from a vice-presidential visit that the U.S. would respect Greenlanders' self-determination and said the U.S. would seek to avoid strategic dependence on China should Greenland pursue closer ties with other countries.

He rejected reports that the U.S. had encouraged secession and said the vice president's statement emphasized respect for Greenlanders' choices. The secretary said that if Greenlanders chose independence, the United States could discuss "creating a partnership" in the future but that "we're not at that stage." He also said the administration would be wary if other powers sought to exert influence through financial offers.

Reporters referenced remarks from Denmark; the secretary characterized Denmark as a NATO ally and said the question of Greenland's future is for Greenlanders to decide.