Petro Demands Maduro’s Return to Venezuela, Criticizes UN Ahead of Trump Meeting
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A pivotal meeting between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to take place in Washington on Tuesday, February 3, where Petro will directly request the extradition of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to face trial in Venezuela. This marks the first time Petro has formally made this demand of Trump.
The Colombian president’s visit comes as he seeks assurances regarding security and mobility, given his inclusion on the OFAC List. The official nature of the visit guarantees Petro safe passage to and from Colombia.
During remarks made ahead of the meeting, Petro drew a striking parallel between potential actions against Caracas and past decisions made during the Trump administration. “Bombing Caracas, Bolívar’s homeland, that is not an act against Maduro, they are similar, they are the same (with Donald Trump), but They have to return it and have it judged by a Venezuelan court, not an American one,” he stated. He further elaborated on the reasoning behind his request, asserting a fundamental difference between Latin American civilization and “European Anglo-Saxon civilization,” despite acknowledging shared European roots.
A Call for Regional Justice
Petro’s demand for Maduro’s extradition centers on the principle of a Venezuelan court administering justice within its own borders. This stance underscores a broader theme of regional sovereignty and a rejection of external intervention in Latin American affairs. The president believes a trial in Venezuela would be more aligned with the cultural and legal context of the situation.
Scathing Critique of the United Nations
Beyond the Maduro issue, Petro launched a sharp critique of the United Nations, deeming the organization “incapable” of resolving global conflicts. He argued that “Human brotherhood surpasses the UN, no longer capable of resolving a genocide,” specifically citing the ongoing situation in Gaza as evidence of the UN’s failings.
“The United Nations is ending because it was not able to stop the genocide in Gaza,” Petro declared. He posited that solutions lie not in military escalation, stating, “The way to overcome that is not with the missile on the poor.” This strong condemnation raises questions about Colombia’s future engagement with the international body and its potential pursuit of alternative diplomatic avenues.
The upcoming meeting with Trump represents a critical juncture for Petro, offering a platform to directly address these concerns and advocate for his vision of regional justice and a reformed international order. The outcome of the discussions could significantly impact the political landscape of both Venezuela and Colombia, as well as the broader dynamics of U.S.-Latin American relations.
