'I don't shake hands with white slavers': Colombia's President Petro takes a dig at Donald Trump before backing down
Colombia and the United States, President Gustavo Petro announced that his country would use its presidential plane to bring home Colombian migrants deported from the US. This decision comes after US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports, escalating the conflict between the two nations. This tariff was accompanied by a travel ban and visa restrictions on Colombian officials, a direct response to Petro's refusal to accept deportation flights carrying Colombian nationals.
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The US sanctions were introduced following Petro's initial resistance to accepting deported migrants, a position that was rooted in his concerns over the treatment of Colombian nationals by the US government. Petro had stated, «I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory,» rejecting the idea that deported individuals should be treated like criminals.
However, facing mounting economic pressure, Petro was forced to reassess his position. The Colombian president later announced that the government would allow deportation flights, but under conditions that respected the dignity of the migrants. «The Government of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of compatriots,» the statement read. Petro's office emphasised that the move was in line with Colombia’s commitment to humane treatment for its citizens.
