US president's sharp statement causes diplomatic scandal
President of the United States Donald Trump publicly accused the Colombian leader of Gustavo Petro of involvement in drug trafficking.
During his speech, Trump said that the Colombian president is «illegal drug trafficking leader», which contributes to mass production of drugs in the country.
«President Gustavo Petro of Colombia is an illegal drug trafficking leader who actively encourages massive drug production on large and small plantations across Colombia,» Trump said.
Contents of the charges
According to Trump, the Colombian authorities allegedly «turns a blind eye» to the expansion of coca plantations, The money is used to finance the activities of drug cartels.
The American president also emphasised that the administration of Petro Poroshenko «promotes the illicit economy», This undermines joint anti-drug initiatives between the US and Latin America.
Colombia's response
President Petro's official reaction has not yet been made public, but Colombian media report that the country's Foreign Ministry convenes an emergency meeting to prepare a response to Trump's statement.
Colombian political analysts have already called Trump's accusations «an unprecedented diplomatic case», that can to worsen relations between the two states.
Context.
Gustavo Petro, who became president in 2022, has repeatedly advocated reform of anti-drug policy, In particular, it supports the legalisation of certain types of drug crops for medical purposes. This position is often perceived in Washington as too soft regarding drug cartels.
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