President Petro Rejects US Pressure Over Swedish Jet Deal

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has reacted strongly to a report by El Tiempo claiming that the United States may expand sanctions against people close to his government, including First Lady Verónica Alcocer, who is already on the Clinton List (OFAC List).

The report also said that at least 10 companies refused to refuel Petro’s presidential plane (FAC-001) during his recent visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, allegedly because of the sanctions list.

In response, President Petro condemned what he called “two terrible things” — alleged US surveillance of his family and the displeasure of some US officials after Colombia decided to buy Gripen fighter jets from Sweden instead of older F-16 jets from the US.

Petro wrote on social media that the purchase of Swedish Gripen aircraft was transparent, legal, and based on Colombia’s defense needs. He said Sweden is a peaceful country and added, “Don’t force me to buy Russian planes. We are sovereign and not obliged to buy second- or third-hand weapons.”

The president said the report shows unfair interference in Colombia’s defense choices and political pressure from Washington. He urged Sweden and Saab (the jet manufacturer) to publicly defend Colombia’s right to make sovereign defense decisions without facing any retaliation.

Drawing a comparison to Brazil, Petro said, “They also tried to criminalize Lula for the same thing,” and ended his statement with the words, “Business, Business.”