Washington Cites “Reckless and Incendiary Actions”
The United States announced the revocation of Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa, citing what it called “reckless and incendiary actions” during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The State Department said the decision followed Petro’s participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration near the UN headquarters, where his remarks were deemed unacceptable for a visiting head of state.
Petro’s Remarks at Protest Spark Backlash
During the protest, Petro urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders and called for the creation of a “global army” larger than that of the United States to “liberate Palestine.” The statements, delivered in Spanish, quickly spread across international media and drew sharp criticism in Washington. Officials described his intervention as undermining diplomatic norms and inflaming tensions at a sensitive moment.
Diplomatic Fallout and Next Steps
The revocation raises questions about the immediate and long-term impact on U.S.–Colombia relations. Petro had already faced criticism in Washington for his sharp rhetoric on foreign policy, but this measure marks an escalation in diplomatic pressure. It remains unclear how the decision will affect his ability to travel to the United States for official or international events, or whether Colombia will issue a formal response challenging the move.
