Mayor Jón Gnarr plans to make Reykjavík a military-free zone before he leaves office in the spring, fearing that foreign warships in the capital’s harbour could attract terrorism.
“I want to make Reykjavík the peace capital of the world – that when people think about peace they think about Reykjavík,” the mayor said in an interview with Vísir.
Gnarr has strongly opposed the arrival of warships and military aircraft in Reykjavík since he took office in 2010.
“There is a real possibility that someone could get the idea to commit a terrorist act in Reykjavík.” Gnarr said, “I do not think we should take that risk.”
Gnarr has already reduced the arrival of military aircraft in recent years. According Isavia, 54 military aircraft landed in Reykjavík in 2011 and 21 the following year.
When asked about possible loss of income for the city, Gnarr said that he did not believe that the move to deny foreign military ships access to Reykjavík Harbour would result in a significant loss of revenue. He also said that he had run his idea for a military-free Reykjavík past Russell Brand and Bono who both supported it.
“This is a great idea.” Gnarr concluded, “There are plenty of opportunities in peace. Peace is not just an idea – there is also money in peace.”