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Greenland is assuming self-rule
last update: Jun 22, 2009 09:39 AM
From a BBC news article: Greenland is assuming self-rule, in the latest step towards independence from Denmark with the newly elected Prime Minister Kleist promising to focus on social problems
This move, following a referendum on greater autonomy in November 2008, will see Greenland take a greater share of revenues from its natural resources.
Greenlandic, or Kalaallisut, will become the official language and the local government is taking control of the police and the courts. However, Denmark has the final say in defence and foreign-policy matters.
The new self-rule system will take the Arctic island and its 57,000 inhabitants closer to independence fromCopenhagen, who has ruled Greenland for three centuries. Limited sovereignty was already granted in 1979.
Greenland hopes that they will be able to increase their revenues from minerals which will help fund a final breakaway from Copenhagen. Currently, Greenland relies heavily on subsidies from the Danish government - which provide 30% of its GDP.
Article:
BBC News, 21st June 2009
