Greenland celebrates era of self-rule

Inuit choirs gathered around the port of Greenland's capital sang traditional songs yesterday to welcome a new era of self rule after 300 years under Danish authority.

The prospect of global warming opening up access to Greenland's potentially rich oil and mineral wealth put an international spotlight on the ceremonies which saw thousands of the island's 57,000 citizens pack the port of Nuuk for the day.

Denmark's Queen Margrethe and her husband, Prince Henrik, were strongly applauded as they walked in Inuit traditional costume to a church that overlooks the port for a service of commemoration.

The Queen was to hand over the decree setting out the Greenland government's new powers to the head of the local parliament, the Landsting.

Greenland's Prime Minister Kuupik Kleist said in a speech, "From today we are starting a new era in the history of our country, a new era full of hope and possibilities."

He added that "other countries have obtained self-determination often through making a lot of sacrifices," but Greenland has secured it "through dialogue, mutual comprehension and reciprocal respect" with Denmark.

The new status took effect as Greenland celebrated its national day, six months after 75 per cent of voters approved a referendum demanding more power for the local government and control of the island's vast natural resources - gas, gold, diamonds and oil.

Denmark granted Greenland limited sovereignty when its Parliament approved home rule in 1979.

US scientists believe Greenland's northern tip is especially rich in oil and gas and they say global warming could help unlock the untapped wealth under the ice-cap and provide a solid foundation for an independent economy.

If it proves to be "sufficiently large to prop up the island's economy", Greenland will be well on the road to full independence from Denmark, said Lars Hovbakke Soerensen, an historian at the University of Aarhus in Denmark.

Greenland, which holds 10 per cent of the world's freshwater reserves, is one of the areas most under threat from global warming, which in turn will affect its lucrative fishing industry.