Colombian President Petro vows legal action over US drug allegations
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Gustavo Petro asserted that accusations from US President Donald Trump are slander and politically motivated.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks during a ceremony to destroy war materials in Puerto Asis, Colombia. (AFP)
Colombian President Gustavo Petro affirmed that he will stand against the slander directed at him by senior US officials on American soil, stressing that he will "take legal action to defend himself against these allegations."
In his remarks, Petro indicated that he would not back down from his stance against genocide and assassinations in the Caribbean, affirming his support for human rights and his continued fight against violence in the region.
Petro also stressed that Colombia is ready to provide support in combating drug trafficking in the region, saying, "When the American community asks for our help in this area, it will receive it."
Colombian officials sharply rebuked US President Donald Trump on Sunday after he labeled President Gustavo Petro “an illegal drug leader” in a Truth Social post and announced the suspension of all US aid to Colombia, a move that threatens to inflame tensions between the two governments.
In a statement obtained by Newsweek, the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “As the Government of Colombia, we strongly reject these pronouncements and will go to all international bodies in defense of our sovereignty as a State and the dignity of our president, who has always been characterized by his respect for democratic authorities and his frontal fight against drug trafficking.”
The ministry also condemned the use of cooperation as leverage, adding, “Likewise, we reject the use of international cooperation as an instrument of interference in Colombia's internal affairs. Without cooperation, transnational organizations dedicated to the production and marketing of narcotics will win and the entire region will lose.”
