Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to his inclusion on the Clinton List, stating he does not recognize Nicolás Maduro's re-election in Venezuela. He reiterated his opposition to any invasion of the neighboring country, deeming it a betrayal of Latin America. Petro emphasized the principle of self-determination of peoples.
Nearly a week ago, Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, was added to the Clinton List, becoming the first Colombian head of state to appear on this dossier. Sources claim this measure stems from his relationship with Nicolás Maduro, President of Venezuela.
In response to these claims, Petro quickly stated: "I do not defend Maduro, I did not recognize his election", referring to the elections in which Maduro was re-elected last year. However, the Colombian president has reiterated on multiple occasions his disagreement with a potential invasion of Venezuela. "That would be the ultimate betrayal of the history and future of all of Latin America and the Caribbean", he affirmed.
Petro stressed that "the problems of the Venezuelans are solved by the Venezuelans. That is the principle of self-determination of peoples". Despite not recognizing Maduro as the legitimate president, Colombia has not severed diplomatic or commercial relations with Venezuela.
In fact, in recent months, both countries are working on the creation of binational zones involving several Colombian departments and Venezuelan states. At the same time, business deals are progressing to import gas from Venezuela, and there are discussions about Colombia potentially buying Monómeros.