US Revokes Visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Amid UN Visit Controversy
The US has revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing "reckless and incendiary" remarks made during a pro-Palestinian protest in New York. The decision was announced by the State Department on Friday, just hours after Petro's speech at a rally in Manhattan.
According to sources, Petro urged US soldiers to disobey orders from their American counterpart, President Donald Trump, sparking outrage among US officials. "The comments made by President Petro were unacceptable and demonstrate a disregard for the sovereignty of the United States," said a State Department spokesperson. The spokesperson added that Petro's actions were "reckless and incendiary" and posed a risk to national security.
Petro was in New York attending the UN General Assembly, where he had earlier called for a criminal inquiry into the Trump administration's airstrikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean. His remarks at the protest were seen as a provocative move by some, with critics accusing him of overstepping his diplomatic bounds.
The decision to revoke Petro's visa has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it was an overreach by the US government. "This is a clear attempt by the Trump administration to silence a vocal critic and undermine the democratic process in Colombia," said a spokesperson for the Colombian Embassy in Washington.
However, others see the move as a necessary step to protect national security. "The President's comments were not only inflammatory but also posed a risk to US personnel and interests abroad," said a senior official at the State Department. The official added that the decision was made after careful consideration and consultation with other government agencies.
Petro's visa revocation has left many wondering what this means for his future diplomatic engagements in the US. "This is a significant setback for President Petro, who had been hoping to strengthen ties between Colombia and the US," said a Colombian diplomat. The diplomat added that the decision would likely be appealed by the Colombian government.
The incident has also raised questions about the limits of diplomatic immunity and the role of world leaders in international relations. "This is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and dialogue between nations," said a UN spokesperson. The spokesperson added that the UN was monitoring the situation closely and would continue to support efforts towards peaceful resolution.
As the controversy surrounding Petro's visa revocation continues, one thing is clear: the incident has sparked a heated debate about the role of world leaders in international relations and the limits of diplomatic immunity.
Sources:
BBC World: "US revokes Colombian president's visa after UN visit"
BBC World: "US Revokes Visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro Amid UN Visit Controversy"
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BBC World.
