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The U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on his social media calling himself "the remover of visas" in reference to the decision to revoke it from Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Landau also shared an image of a beam of light in Batman style featuring the logo of the Department of State.
Expulsion of Petro
Petro was expelled from the United States this Friday after the State Department announced the revocation of his diplomatic visa.
The measure came after the South American leader participated in a pro-Palestine demonstration in New York and directed strong criticism at the government of Donald Trump, particularly regarding Washington's role in the Gaza conflict and its support for Israel.
Petro, who traveled to the United States to participate in the United Nations General Assembly, attended a political event on a street in New York on Friday morning, accompanied by demonstrators whom he urged to use force to "free Palestine."
"This global force must be greater than that of the United States. Therefore, from here, from New York, I ask all soldiers of the U.S. Army not to point their rifles at humanity. Disobey Trump's orders. Obey the orders of humanity," said the Colombian president in a video circulating on social media.
The State Department responded swiftly.
Through its official account on X, the institution stated: "Earlier today, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stood on a street in New York and urged American soldiers to disobey orders and incite violence. We will revoke Petro's visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions."
This post by X was the one Landau cited to refer to himself as the "quitavisas."
International media such as CNN reported that the decision to revoke the visa further strained the already complicated relations between Bogotá and Washington.
In his speech at the UN, Petro urged the West and the United States to suspend their support for Israel due to the bombings in Gaza, and directly called Trump "an accomplice of genocide" in the Palestinian city.
His accusation came days after the release of an independent United Nations report that concluded, for the first time, that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinians, a claim firmly denied by the Israeli government.
During his speech at the General Assembly, the Colombian leader also called for the initiation of "criminal proceedings" regarding the attacks by the United States against alleged drug traffickers in international waters of South America.
His departure from U.S. territory happened swiftly. According to Caracol Radio from Colombia, he boarded a return flight just before the State Department officially revoked his visa.
The president also shared a snippet of his street speech in New York on his X account, where he asserted that Latin Americans, including Colombians, are descendants of Arabs who arrived in America on Columbus's ships in 1492.
Petro has had constant confrontations with the Trump administration regarding issues of migration and drug trafficking, where he has shown resistance to the White House's policies.
In January, he blocked the landing of two military flights carrying deported Colombians, accusing Washington of criminalizing migrants. He later agreed to receive them, although he sent his own planes for their transfer.
His abrupt expulsion marks a turning point in the bilateral relationship.
Colombia had been considered Washington's most reliable ally in South America in terms of security and defense, but the open confrontation between the Colombian president and Donald Trump jeopardizes that historic strategic relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gustavo Petro's Expulsion from the United States
Why was Gustavo Petro expelled from the United States?
Gustavo Petro was expelled from the United States for participating in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and making criticisms of Donald Trump's government, urging American soldiers to disobey orders. This was deemed by the State Department as reckless and incendiary actions.
What are the implications of Gustavo Petro's visa revocation?
The revocation of Gustavo Petro's visa further strains relations between Bogotá and Washington, impacting the historic strategic bond that Colombia had maintained with the United States regarding security and defense. This measure also marks a turning point in the bilateral relationship.
What was the reaction of the U.S. State Department to Petro's statements?
The State Department reacted swiftly to Petro's statements, announcing on its official account that it would revoke the Colombian president's visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions. This decision was supported by the Under Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, who referred to himself as "the visa remover."
How has this situation affected Gustavo Petro's image on the international stage?
The participation of Gustavo Petro in a pro-Palestinian demonstration and his criticism of Donald Trump's government have generated controversy on the international stage. His expulsion from the United States and the revocation of his visa could impact his image and his ability to wield political influence in the global arena.
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