Image: Shutterstock/Hamish Gray
SWEDEN’S DEFENCE MINISTER has demanded that Denmark explain why its foreign secret service allegedly helped the US spy on European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, more than seven years ago.
“We want the cards on the table,” said defence minister Peter Hulqvist, who added it was “unacceptable to eavesdrop on allies”.
Danish legislator Karsten Hoenge, of the left-leaning Socialist People’s Party that is supporting Denmark’s Social Democratic government, said he would quiz the Scandinavian country’s defence and justice ministers in parliament about the case.
“The government must explain how come Denmark has been acting as a willing tool for a US intelligence service, and what it will mean for co-operation with Denmark’s neighbouring countries,” he said.
The US National Security Agency (NSA) spied on European politicians, including German chancellor Angela Merkel, with the help of Denmark’s secret service, according to Danish media reports. The findings are part of an internal investigation by the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE) from 2012 to 2014 into the NSA’s role in a partnership with the intelligence unit, according to Reuters. The investigation was codenamed "Operation Dunhammer".
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