Greenland votes to extend autonomy from Denmark

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Official results show that more than 75 percent of people living in Greenland have voted “Yes” in a national referendum to extend their autonomy from Denmark.

Greenland was granted semi-autonomy from Copenhagen in 1979. A self-rule proposal hammered out with Denmark earlier this year gives Greenland rights to potentially lucrative Arctic resources, as well as control over justice and police affairs and, to a certain extent, foreign affairs.

Voter turnout was almost 72 percent – higher than the 63 percent registered at the last referendum almost 30 years ago.

The ‘Yes’ camp hopes to bring independence a step closer, although Greenland will remain part of Denmark so for the time being.

tags: Denmark, Greenland, Independence