US revokes visa for Colombian president Gustavo Petro after ‘reckless’ actions in New York

US Revokes Visa for Colombian President Gustavo Petro After 'Reckless' Actions in New York The US State Department announced on Friday that it would revoke the visa of Colombian leftist President Gustavo Petro, citing his "reckless and incendiary actions" during a pro-Palestinian street protest in New York. According to sources, Petro stood on a NYC street and urged US soldiers to disobey orders and incite violence. The State Department said in a statement that Petro's actions were unacceptable and would not be tolerated. "We will revoke Petros visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions," the department stated. Petro shared video of himself speaking Spanish to a large crowd through a megaphone on Friday, with his translator then relaying his comments calling on nations of the world to contribute soldiers for an army larger than that of the United States. The State Department said this was a clear attempt to undermine US authority and incite violence. The decision to revoke Petro's visa has been met with mixed reactions from officials and experts. Colombian Foreign Minister, Álvaro Leyva Durán, expressed disappointment at the move, stating that it would damage relations between the two countries. "We are surprised by this decision, which we believe is disproportionate and unjustified," he said. However, some US lawmakers have welcomed the move, citing concerns over Petro's rhetoric and its potential impact on regional stability. Representative Mark Green (R-NY) stated, "President Petro's actions in New York were a slap in the face to our nation and our allies. We are right to take action to protect our interests." The incident has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the role of foreign leaders in US cities. Some argue that Petro's actions were protected by the First Amendment, while others see them as a clear attempt to undermine US authority. As for next developments, it is unclear what impact this decision will have on bilateral relations between the two countries. The Colombian government has announced plans to review its diplomatic ties with the US and consider possible retaliation. Meanwhile, Petro's office has released a statement denying any wrongdoing and accusing the US of "political persecution." Background context: Gustavo Petro was elected as President of Colombia in 2022, marking a significant shift towards the left in the country's politics. His presidency has been marked by controversy over his stance on issues such as US-Colombia relations and regional security. Additional perspectives: The move to revoke Petro's visa has been criticized by some human rights groups, who argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing free speech. Others have pointed out the hypocrisy of the US in condemning Petro's actions while maintaining close ties with other countries whose leaders have made similar comments. The incident highlights the complexities of international relations and the challenges of balancing national interests with global cooperation. Current status: The visa revocation is effective immediately, and it remains to be seen how this will impact bilateral relations between Colombia and the US. *Reporting by Theguardian.*