Washington Labels Petro’s Conduct Unacceptable
The United States has officially revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro after his recent activities in New York during the United Nations General Assembly. The State Department described his behavior as “reckless and incendiary,” expressing concern over actions taken outside formal diplomatic engagements.
Outspoken Remarks at Pro-Palestinian Rally
At a protest near the UN headquarters, Petro encouraged American soldiers to disregard orders and called for a multinational military force exceeding the size of the U.S. armed forces to intervene in Palestine. His speech quickly drew attention and criticism from U.S. officials, who warned that such rhetoric could exacerbate international tensions.
Strain on Bilateral Relations
The visa cancellation marks a significant escalation in U.S.–Colombia relations, which have historically been grounded in security and economic cooperation. The move also raises questions about Petro’s ability to attend future diplomatic meetings or international summits in the United States. The Colombian government has not yet released an official response.
