Colombian President Gustavo Petro Visits New York for UN Security Council Presidency, Faces Backlash Over Nazi Salute Post
Colombian President Gustavo Petro traveled to New York to preside over a UN Security Council debate as Colombia holds the rotating presidency for June 2026. The visit drew international condemnation after Petro posted a Nazi salute on social media in response to a Colombian journalist's opinion piece. The incident prompted criticism from Israel's Foreign Ministry, Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon, and U.S. Republican lawmakers, with Petro reportedly not issuing an apology as of the article's writing.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in New York for a two-day UN visit where he is scheduled to preside over a Security Council open debate on June 11 titled "Advancing Political Solutions in the Middle East: Mediation and Dialogue for Lasting Peace." According to Colombian state media, Petro is expected to meet with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a "Dignity in Democracy" summit, though scheduling conflicts may prevent the encounter. The visit marks Petro's second trip to the United States in 2026, following a February meeting with President Donald Trump. However, the visit has been overshadowed by controversy after Petro posted a Nazi salute ("Heil Hitler") on social media in response to an opinion piece by Colombian journalist Felipe Zuleta Llera supporting conservative presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. The post prompted swift international condemnation, including statements from Israel's Foreign Ministry, Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon, and U.S. Republican senators. Petro, who is in the final months of his four-year presidency and barred from seeking reelection, has not issued an apology for the post as of the article's publication.
What's missing
The article does not provide Petro's stated rationale or explanation for the Nazi salute post beyond the context that it was written in response to Zuleta Llera's opinion piece. Additionally, the article does not include any direct response or statement from Mayor Zohran Mamdani regarding the planned meeting or the controversy.
What different sources said
- BreitbartFar Right
Colombia's Gustavo Petro Visits New York, Expected to Meet with Mamdani
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