ISTANBUL
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday rejected the notion of any sale or appropriation of global commons, declaring that territories such as Greenland, Antarctica, and the high seas "are not for sale."
Speaking at the opening of the UN Ocean Conference in the southern French city of Nice, Macron made the remarks in apparent reference to US President Donald Trump’s oft-stated interest in acquiring Greenland.
"The (ocean) abyss is not for sale," said Macron, adding that neither is Greenland or Antarctica.
Macron’s remarks come in the runup to his visit to Greenland later this week in what officials have described as a symbolic gesture of support for the autonomous Danish territory.
Since returning to Oval Office in January, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland despite Denmark's firm rejections.
Greenland has been part of Denmark since the 18th century and was granted home rule in 1979.
Situated between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, it is rich in minerals and strategically located.
Both Denmark and Greenland have rejected any proposal to sell the territory. A January survey found an overwhelming 85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the US.
In March, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen urged European countries to stand with the territory to help make clear that it “is not and will never be for sale,” adding: “Greenland is run by the Greenlandic people, and that will never change.”
