Colombian President Gustavo Petro delivered a harsh condemnation of President Donald Trump during his UN address, comparing him to Hitler and calling for criminal charges regarding recent lethal boat strikes. Petro criticized the U.S. for targeting boats in the Caribbean Sea, claiming they were carrying vulnerable individuals fleeing poverty, and questioned the legality of the strikes, which have resulted in multiple fatalities. Trump, in his own address, defended the strikes as part of a campaign against “narco-terrorists.” This escalating conflict between the two leaders includes Trump’s past actions, such as deporting illegal immigrants to Colombia, which further strained relations.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for a criminal investigation against Donald Trump and other U.S. officials regarding deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean. Petro directly accused Trump of criminalizing poverty and migration while speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, stating that the boat passengers were not members of a gang as claimed by the U.S. government. The attacks, which the U.S. government claims were targeting drug trafficking, have resulted in multiple deaths and prompted a response from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is preparing decrees to defend the country’s sovereignty. The justification for the military actions, and the methods of assessing cargo and affiliation, remain unclear.
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The US has designated Colombia as a country that has “demonstrably failed” to meet its obligations to control drug trafficking, citing record cocaine production under President Gustavo Petro’s administration. Colombia’s government responded by announcing it would stop purchasing weapons from the US. The US attributed the surge to Petro’s policies, specifically peace talks with armed groups involved in drug trafficking, despite Petro’s claims that the increases occurred during the previous administration. While the US has not cut off aid, it has put pressure on the Colombian government to take more action, opening the possibility for recertification if aggressive steps are taken.
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Legalizing cocaine globally, argues Colombian President Petro, could easily dismantle the drug trafficking industry, comparing its potential impact to that of wine sales. He contrasts this with the fentanyl crisis, highlighting its origin in North American pharmaceutical companies and its devastating effects in the US, unlike cocaine’s primarily Colombian production. This statement comes amidst heightened tensions with the US, stemming from disputes over migrant repatriation and threats of tariffs. Record-high cocaine production in Colombia in 2023 underscores the urgency of Petro’s proposed solution.
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President Petro’s cabinet meeting, livestreamed online, featured his call to sell off a state-owned oil operation. The proceeds, he declared, would be reinvested in clean energy initiatives. This decision stems from his administration’s strong opposition to fracking, which he characterized as environmentally and humanly destructive. The sale represents a significant shift towards a cleaner energy future for the nation.
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During a televised cabinet meeting, Colombian President Gustavo Petro controversially equated cocaine’s harm to that of whiskey, arguing its illegality stems from its Latin American production, not inherent dangers. He proposed cocaine legalization as a means to dismantle drug cartels and redirect funds towards preventative measures against substance abuse. This stance contrasts sharply with Colombia’s longstanding anti-drug partnership with the United States, and further highlights existing disagreements regarding drug policy approaches. Petro also criticized the U.S. response to the fentanyl crisis, blaming American pharmaceutical companies.
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President Gustavo Petro of Colombia has ordered the termination of Ecopetrol’s joint venture with Occidental Petroleum, citing environmental concerns related to fracking. The cancelled project, involving 91 oil wells in the Permian Basin and projected to yield approximately 90,000 barrels of oil daily, represents roughly 12% of Ecopetrol’s total production. Petro advocates for the sale of the operation and reinvestment in clean energy sources, firmly stating his opposition to fracking due to its environmental impact. While Ecopetrol’s shares initially rose following the deal announcement, they subsequently declined after Petro’s intervention.
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Following a diplomatic dispute, two flights carrying a total of 201 deported migrants arrived in Bogotá. The Colombian government initially refused entry to US military planes carrying handcuffed migrants, citing concerns over their treatment. After negotiations, a deal was reached, with Colombia accepting the deportees on Colombian aircraft, ensuring their dignified return. President Petro emphasized that migrants are not criminals but human beings seeking work and opportunity. The resolution involved a change in the mode of transport and a commitment from Colombia to accept deported citizens under humane conditions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker