Washington [US], January 11: Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he had feared possible US military action against his country, but that a phone call with President Donald Trump eased those concerns.
In an interview with the newspaper El País published on Friday, Petro said Trump had told him in a telephone conversation he had thought "about doing bad things in Colombia." The left-wing leader said the message suggested to him that there had been preparations for military action, though he did not know what specific action might have been planned.
Petro said that events in Venezuela had caused him to worry that he himself would be personally affected. When asked by the newspaper whether he feared suffering a similar fate to that of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, who was captured by US soldiers and taken to the US, Petro replied: "Without a doubt." However, after an hour-long telephone conversation with Trump on Wednesday, the situation had eased for the time being.
"I believe it [the threat] has been put on hold, but I could be wrong," Petro said.
During the conversation, Petro said he was able to explain his positions, especially on the fight against drugs.
Trump had earlier threatened Colombia after the military action in Venezuela.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the operation against Maduro, Trump described Colombia as "very sick" and said it was run by a "sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States." Asked whether he was considering military action against Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me," without elaborating.
Source: Qatar Tribune
