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Key Points

Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked international controversy by challenging the United States' decision to revoke his visa after a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York. He argued that the US action violated UN diplomatic principles and international law. Petro openly criticized US support for Israel's military actions in Gaza, calling for humanitarian intervention. His bold statements have raised questions about diplomatic protocols and the neutrality of international institutions.

Key Points: Petro Challenges UN Headquarters Status After US Visa Revocation

  • Petro condemned US for revoking his diplomatic visa
  • Called for international law respect at UN headquarters
  • Criticized US support for Israel's Gaza actions
  • Demanded protection of Palestinian representatives' rights
2 min read

New York may no longer be fit to host UN headquarters: Colombian president

Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticizes US visa ban and questions UN headquarters location after pro-Palestinian protest in New York

"Disobey Trump's orders! Obey the orders of humanity! - Gustavo Petro"

Bogota, Sep 28

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Saturday that the US decision to revoke his visa underscores that New York may no longer be a suitable host for the United Nations headquarters.

The US decision violated the principle of immunity that underpins the United Nations, said Petro, while calling for respect for international law, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Friday, Petro joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the UN headquarters in New York, where he urged US soldiers not to turn their weapons against humanity.

"Disobey Trump's orders! Obey the orders of humanity!" he said.

In response, the US State Department said on the same day on social media that "we will revoke Petro's visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions."

On Saturday, Petro said on social media that he no longer holds a US visa, adding "I don't care."

"There is total immunity for presidents who attend the (UN General) Assembly," he wrote on X.

The Colombian president also criticized Washington for preventing Palestinian representatives from attending the UN General Assembly and renewed his call for the international community to stop the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

"Denying entry to the Palestinian Authority and revoking my visa for asking the US and Israeli armies not to support genocide, which is a crime against humanity as a whole, shows the US government no longer complies with international law," he said.

Petro further urged US President Donald Trump to reconsider his support for Israel's military actions in Gaza, saying the United States can not achieve greatness "by killing defenseless babies."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate his stance on Palestine, revoking a visa for attending a protest seems excessive. The US should maintain higher standards as host nation. This sets a dangerous precedent.
A
Arjun K
As an Indian who values free speech, I'm concerned. If leaders can't express humanitarian concerns without visa consequences, maybe the UN should indeed consider relocation. Geneva or Vienna could be alternatives.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, President Petro's comments about "killing defenseless babies" are unnecessarily inflammatory. There are more diplomatic ways to address humanitarian concerns without such rhetoric.
V
Vikram M
This shows how geopolitics affects international institutions. India has always advocated for multilateralism - perhaps it's time for UN reforms and considering neutral locations for headquarters. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
The principle of diplomatic immunity is crucial for global cooperation. If host countries can arbitrarily revoke visas of attending leaders, the entire UN system becomes compromised. Serious food for thought.

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