The United States will revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The decision was announced by the State Department on Friday. It follows the president’s speech at a pro-Palestinian protest in New York.
President Petro was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The State Department described his actions as “reckless and incendiary.”
State Department Cites “Incendiary Actions” as Reason for Visa Revocation
The US State Department made the announcement on social media. It stated that President Petro urged American soldiers to disobey orders. This call to action occurred during a street protest outside the UN headquarters.
According to Reuters, a video showed Petro speaking to a large crowd. He used a megaphone to address the demonstrators. His translator relayed his comments in English.
Petro called on nations to form an army larger than that of the US. He directly asked US soldiers not to point their rifles at humanity. He told them to disobey President Trump’s orders.
A source from the president’s office confirmed the visa revocation to AFP. The source stated Petro was traveling back to Bogota on Friday night. Petro has previously stated he holds Italian citizenship and would not need a US visa.
Strained Relations Between Historical Allies Worsen
This incident deepens a growing diplomatic rift. The US and Colombia have been historical allies. Relations have soured since Petro, Colombia’s first leftist leader, took office.
Tensions were already high before the protest. Last week, the Trump administration decertified Colombia as an ally in the drug fight. This move stopped short of imposing economic sanctions.
Petro also used his UN speech to criticize US policy. He rebuked the Trump administration fiercely. He called for a criminal inquiry into recent US strikes on boats in the Caribbean.
Washington says the strikes targeted drug trafficking operations. Petro claims unarmed “poor young people” were killed. He suspects some of the dead were Colombian.
The visa revocation marks a significant low point in US-Colombia relations. This diplomatic move underscores the serious nature of the US government’s concerns. The fallout from this decision will be closely watched by international observers.
Info at your fingertips
Why did the US revoke President Petro’s visa?
The US State Department cited his speech at a pro-Palestinian protest. Officials said he urged US soldiers to disobey orders. They labeled his actions as reckless and incendiary.
Where did the protest speech happen?
President Petro spoke at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza in New York City. The protest occurred during the UN General Assembly meeting. The plaza is located outside the UN headquarters.
Can President Petro still travel to the United States?
President Petro has claimed he holds Italian citizenship. If true, he may not need a US visa for travel. The specifics of his travel status remain unclear.
What was the US and Colombia’s relationship before this?
The two nations were long-standing allies. The relationship has deteriorated under President Petro’s leadership. The US recently decertified Colombia as a partner in anti-drug efforts.
How has Colombia’s government reacted to the visa revocation?
Colombia’s Interior Minister criticized the US decision. He suggested Israel’s leader should have been targeted instead. The minister stated Petro was telling the US “the truth to his face.”
Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, AFP
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