BRUSSELS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Parliament's political group leaders on Wednesday condemned statements by the Trump administration on Greenland as a "blatant" challenge to international law and the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark.
"The European Parliament unequivocally condemns the statements made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland, which constitute a blatant challenge to international law, to the principles of the United Nations Charter and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a NATO ally," the leaders said in a statement after the Conference of Presidents.
They added that Trump's statements are "unacceptable and have no place in relations between democratic partners."
The group leaders urged the European Commission and the European Council to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland, in line with EU principles and law, international law and NATO commitments.
They also stressed that decisions concerning Denmark and Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone, in accordance with constitutional arrangements and agreements between Denmark and Greenland.
"External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said.
The statement comes amid heightened transatlantic tension after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed demands that the United States gain control of Greenland, a strategic, mineral-rich autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, prompting Danish and Greenlandic leaders to reject any transfer of sovereignty. ■