- Greenlandic self-government referendum, 2008
A self-government referendum will be held in
Greenland on25 November 2008 . The referendum was announced by Prime MinisterHans Enoksen on2 January 2008 . [ [http://www.nanoq.gl/Nyheder/2008_Nyt%C3%A5rstale.aspx Ukiortaami oqalugiaat 2008] Namminersornerullutik Oqartussat, 2 January 2008 kl icon] On7 January 2008 , following criticism from the Democrats, Enoksen clarified that the referendum would not entail a withdrawal from the Danish state ("det danske rige"). [ [http://www.nanoq.gl/Groenlands_Landsstyre/Landsstyrets_Sekretariat/Nyheder/2008_jan_Selvstyre.aspx Namminersulerniarpugut namminersulivinnianngilagut] Namminersornerullutik Oqartussat, 7 January 2008 kl icon] He further announced the launch of an information and discussion campaign on the issue of self-government. This includedtown hall meeting s throughout the country. [ [http://www.nanoq.gl/Groenlands_Landsstyre/Landsstyrets_Sekretariat/Nyheder/2008_Selvstyre.aspx Namminersorneq pillugu paasititsiniaaneq] Namminersornerullutik Oqartussat, 7 January 2008 kl icon]Options for the future
A 2003 report from the Commission on Self-governance outlined six possibilities for the future of Greenland. [ [http://www.nanoq.gl/upload/selvstyrekomm/tuluttooq_final.pdf Report from the Commission on Self-governance, March 2003] Namminersornerullutik Oqartussat] These were:
*Independence
*Union with another country, similar to the formerKingdom of Iceland (1918 – 1944)
*Free Association, similar to the relationship betweenPuerto Rico and theUnited States
*Federation
*Increased self-government for Greenland, beyond what is guaranteed today by the Home Rule.
*Complete integrationDraft agreement
The final agreement passed a lot of powers from Denmark to Greenland, but not foreign policy, as this was considered to be one of the final stepping stones from self-government to full independence. [http://sermitsiaq.gl/politik/article44775.ece?lang=EN] The anti-independence Democrats called for a renegotiation and a "no" vote on the referendum. [http://sermitsiaq.gl/politik/article51498.ece?lang=EN
References
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