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The tension between the United States and Colombia intensified following the revocation of the American visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, which occurred following his participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York on the margins of the 80th UN General Assembly. In response, the Colombian Head of State publicly appealed to Donald Trump, accusing him of supporting those he described as « genocidal » responsible for the violence in Gaza.
« Free yourself from the absurdities of your advisers. Look at humanity with clarity »Petro said, referring to Israel's war in Gaza. He claims that the perpetrators of what he considers a genocide seek refuge behind Trump, convinced that he will protect them. « Do not surround yourself with genocidaries », he added on his social networks.
Petro also denounced the American strikes targeting innocent civilians: children in Gaza, young Colombians forcibly recruited by drug traffickers, impoverished farmers and exiled migrants. « They're victims, not criminals. Killing them is a crime against humanity »He insisted.
In a symbolic message, Petro compared the current authoritarian drifts to the dark hours of Nazism, calling Trump to « not kill freedom ». He mentioned the American soldiers who died to defend this freedom in Italy during the Second World War, claiming to have prayed for them in a military cemetery near Florence.
On the question of his visa, Petro wanted to be calm: « I am Colombian, proud of my country, its nature and its diversity. I am also a European citizen. I do not need a visa to travel, but I will only travel elsewhere by invitation. » In conclusion, he said: « Colombia is the centre of the world. Its inhabitants carry in them all humanity. »
W.E.
