New step for Greenland’s independence
Güncelleme Tarihi:
AFP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Haziran 22, 2009 00:00
NUUK - The Arctic territory of Greenland started a new era of self-rule Sunday after 300 years under Danish authority, moving closer to independence with a potential oil bonanza below its icecap.
The new status took effect as Greenland celebrated its national day, six months after 75 percent of voters approved a referendum to hand more power to the local government and take control of the island's vast natural resources.
Festivities began with a flag-raising ceremony, while Denmark's Queen Margrethe and Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen marked the event with local leaders. Denmark granted Greenland limited sovereignty when its parliament approved home rule in 1979. But the self-rule status, agreed after years of negotiations, gives the island of more control over its gas, gold and diamond reserves. U.S. scientists believe Greenland's northern tip is especially rich in oil and gas and they say global
Festivities began with a flag-raising ceremony, while Denmark's Queen Margrethe and Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen marked the event with local leaders. Denmark granted Greenland limited sovereignty when its parliament approved home rule in 1979. But the self-rule status, agreed after years of negotiations, gives the island of more control over its gas, gold and diamond reserves. U.S. scientists believe Greenland's northern tip is especially rich in oil and gas and they say global