Colombia Orders Expulsion of Argentine Diplomats After President’s Insult
In a shocking turn of events, the Colombian government has taken the drastic step of expelling all Argentine diplomats from the country’s embassy in Bogotá. This decision was made following a controversial CNN interview in which the Argentine president referred to his Colombian counterpart as a “terrorist murderer.”
The Colombian Foreign Ministry released a statement on Wednesday, expressing their deep disappointment with the Argentine president’s remarks. The statement emphasized that these comments have damaged the trust between the two nations and insulted the dignity of President Gustavo Petro, who was democratically elected.
The incendiary comments were made by Argentina’s new ultra-right president, Javier Milei, during an interview with Andrés Oppenheimer of CNN en Español and The Miami Herald. The interview, scheduled to air on Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, covered a range of topics including Milei’s economic austerity plan, his unwavering support for Israel, and his controversial views on international affairs.
Milei did not hold back in his criticism of President Petro, labeling him as a “terrorist murderer” due to his past as a guerilla fighter before becoming Colombia’s first left-wing president. The Argentine president also took aim at Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, calling him “ignorant” during the interview.
President López Obrador responded to Milei’s comments on social media, questioning the wisdom of Argentine voters in electing someone who shows disdain for the people. The tensions between the leaders of Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico have escalated following the controversial interview.
Despite the diplomatic fallout, Milei stood by his support for Israel’s military actions in response to Hamas attacks, defending the country’s actions as justified under international law. He also expressed his admiration for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his hopes for Donald Trump’s reelection in the upcoming US election.
Milei’s bold and unconventional leadership style has garnered both praise and criticism, with his ambitious plans to reform Argentina’s economy facing obstacles in Congress. Despite challenges, Milei remains committed to his vision of fiscal stability and economic growth for the country.
As Argentina grapples with high inflation rates and widespread poverty, Milei’s government faces tough decisions in implementing austerity measures and cutting government spending. The path ahead is uncertain, but Milei remains steadfast in his belief that his policies will lead to a brighter future for Argentina.
