Colombian President Gustavo Petro ordered on Monday the dismissal of ambassadors who do not align with his foreign policy and accused the United States of violating international law by restricting visas for the United Nations (UN).

RELATED: Colombian Ministers Surrender U.S. Visas After Washington Cancels President Petro’s

Petro said ambassadors representing what he termed “feudal diplomacy” would be replaced with envoys who adhere to his government’s agenda. “By Constitution, I am the director of Colombia’s foreign relations,” he asserted, warning that those unwilling to comply “will not be leaving Colombia.”

The president condemned Washington for “breaking international law” by blocking visas for Colombian officials scheduled to attend debates at the UN headquarters in New York. “No one has the right to deny a visa to those who are going to speak at the United Nations,” he stressed.

Linking the U.S. decision to his position on Palestine, Petro argued that “the United Nations cannot bow to a government complicit in genocide.” He further suggested the organization should consider relocating its headquarters outside New York.

Defending his stance as an act of sovereignty, not authoritarianism, Petro urged firm diplomatic action. “We’ll see if we end up alone or not (…) The game is over,” he declared, adding that his decision reflects his constitutional duty as president.

IN THIS ARTICLE