The government of Colombia reached an agreement with the administration of Donald Trump to accept the arrival of immigrants deported from the United States, following the imposition of a 25% tariff on Colombian products.
The decision was announced by the White House in a statement detailing that, in less than 24 hours, the government of the leftist Gustavo Petro reversed its latest statements and decisions, accepting without restrictions the return of its nationals, including flights on U.S. military aircraft.
To rectify the course and avoid a collision with the new Trump administration, Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo appeared before the press with a contrite expression, reading a statement that confirms the withdrawal of his previous position, which was prematurely applauded by the Cuban regime, once again leaving it in a state of ridicule.
The crisis originated after Petro refused to accept two planes carrying deportees, arguing that the conditions of the deportation did not guarantee the dignity of those returning. In response, Trump imposed tariffs on Colombian exports, threatening to increase them by up to 50% if he did not receive a favorable response from Bogotá.
This Monday, less than 24 hours after the diplomatic fallout, Murillo announced that the crisis has been resolved and that his government will ensure dignified conditions for the deportees. According to El País, the chancellor, along with ambassador Daniel García-Peña, will travel to Washington in the coming days for high-level meetings to follow up on the agreements reached.
"We have overcome the impasse with the government of the United States. We will continue welcoming Colombians returning as deportees, ensuring they are treated with dignity as citizens entitled to...", Murillo stated at a press conference, failing to finish the sentence with the word "rights."
A statement from the State Department issued this Sunday indicated that "following President Petro's refusal to accept two repatriation flights that had been previously authorized, Secretary Rubio immediately ordered the suspension of visa issuance in the consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá."
"Rubio is now authorizing travel sanctions against individuals and their families who were responsible for interfering with the operations of U.S. repatriation flights. The measures will remain in place until Colombia fulfills its obligations to accept the return of its own citizens," the document stated.
He also expressed that "the Department of State will continue to implement and prioritize the 'America First' agenda" and that "the Secretary of State will not back down when it comes to defending national security interests."
Trump's measure had a significant impact on Colombia's political and financial landscape, as the United States is a key destination for Colombian exports, particularly in sectors like coffee, oil, and flowers. The imposition of tariffs would have dealt a devastating blow to the country's economy.
Despite Petro's initial stance of not accepting deportation flights until conditions of respect and dignity were guaranteed, the economic pressure exerted by the U.S. administration led him to relent. Trump, for his part, made it clear that he will maintain a firm position against other countries trying to obstruct his immigration policy.
The rapid turn of events once again ridiculed the regime in Havana, which took to its social media and state-run press to applaud Petro's confrontation with the Trump administration.
"Our support for President Gustavo Petro in his dignified defense of the rights of Colombians and his response to the discriminatory treatment and the blackmail that seeks to pressure his people and Our America," tweeted the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, on official social media, and titled Granma in its front page.
However, Petro's change in stance has put his allies in Havana in an uncomfortable position, as they will now have to reconcile the Colombian government's decision with their simplistic narrative.
Despite the apparent resolution of the crisis, the economic and banking sanctions imposed on Colombian government officials will remain in effect until the first flight of deportees is realized. This is expected to take place in the coming hours with the arrival of the Colombian presidential plane.
The international community has closely monitored the development of this conflict, with countries like Brazil and Mexico facing similar situations regarding the immigration policies of the Trump administration. Petro's reaction, although initially defiant, has concluded with a negotiation that highlights the pressures Colombia faces in its relationship with the world's largest economy.
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