The Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, is facing challenges in accessing his salary due to sanctions imposed by the United States, as confirmed by his attorney to AFP on Thursday.
Recently, the Trump administration included Petro, his wife, one of his children, and his interior minister on a sanctions list compiled by the U.S. Treasury.
The White House accuses Petro of failing to combat drug trafficking.
The sanctions entail freezing their assets in the U.S. and prohibiting them from engaging with related companies.
Petro’s lawyer, Daniel Kovalik, stated, “Their credit cards and bank accounts have been frozen.”
He added, “Even receiving his salary as a government official has become difficult now.”
Kovalik also mentioned that a U.S.-linked fuel company refused to supply fuel for the Colombian presidential plane in Spain.
Moreover, he believes that negotiations could potentially resolve the situation.
“A case is filed, and often it is settled through negotiation or diplomacy. This is done with intermediaries, and we are working on this,” he stated.
The Colombian president’s attorney plans to challenge the sanctions through the courts and the U.S. Treasury.
However, he acknowledged that “regardless of the outcome, it will be a lengthy and drawn-out process.”
He indicated that “a Colombian court or possibly an international body” could handle the matter, but added realistically that “the United States does not respond to anyone outside of its territory.”
Kovalik believes Petro is being punished for his opposition to U.S. foreign policy.
“I think (Trump) is trying to target anyone who stands against U.S. foreign policy objectives,” he remarked.
He further elaborated, “He is being punished. This sends a message to all leaders: either you align yourself or you will face consequences.”