WASHINGTON (Chatnewstv.com) — The United States has recalled its top diplomat in Colombia for urgent consultations, citing “baseless and reprehensible” remarks made by senior Colombian officials, the State Department said Thursday.
John T. McNamara, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, was summoned back to Washington by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling a sharp deterioration in bilateral ties between the two longtime allies.
“In addition to the recall of the Chargé, the United States is pursuing other measures to make clear our deep concern over the current state of our bilateral relationship,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce in a statement.
The Department did not specify which Colombian officials made the remarks or the exact nature of their statements, but described them as coming “from the highest levels of the Government of Colombia.”
Despite growing tensions, U.S. officials stressed that Colombia remains a “strategic partner” and affirmed Washington’s commitment to joint priorities, including regional security and stability.
“We remain engaged in efforts that improve the lives of Americans and Colombians alike,” Bruce said.
