Colombian president makes a novel proposal to Trump

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a defiant challenge to US President Donald Trump, amid renewed tensions in Latin America following the recent US military operation in Venezuela. “Come and get me. I’m waiting for you here,” he said in a defiant speech.

Strongly condemning the US operation in Venezuela, Petro warned on Monday (January 5) local time that if the US drops bombs, thousands of farmers in the mountains will turn into guerrillas. He also said that if they arrest a president who is loved and respected by a large part of the country, they will free the people’s jaguar.

Petro, who was once associated with a leftist guerrilla movement, said that he had sworn to give up arms in the 1990s. However, he also commented that he would be forced to take up arms again if the country’s sovereignty was threatened. He said, “I swore that I would not take up arms again. But I will not hesitate to break that oath if the motherland needs it.”

Earlier, speaking to reporters on Sunday, Donald Trump complained that Colombia was being run by a sick man who sells cocaine to the United States. Trump said, “Colombia is very sick. The country is run by a man who loves to make and sell cocaine. He won’t be able to do that for much longer.’ He even commented that the proposal to launch a military operation against Colombia ‘sounds good’ to him.

Amidst this tension, Colombia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the country wants to maintain international relations based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect. However, they consider threats or the use of force in relations between states to be completely unacceptable.

It is worth noting that last October, Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Petro and his family members, accusing them of drug trafficking. Colombia is currently the world’s largest cocaine producer.

It is worth noting that last August, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro also challenged Trump to “come and get me.” Later, Maduro and his wife were arrested in a US operation, which has caused renewed geopolitical instability in Latin America.