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Visit to Athens/ Peleshi, meeting with the Greek counterpart, focusing on relations between the two countries and European integration

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US-Colombia clashes/ Agreement reached for repatriation of migrants, tariffs suspended

2025-01-27 07:37:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

US-Colombia clashes/ Agreement reached for repatriation of migrants, tariffs

The White House says Colombia has agreed to allow the United States to transport repatriated migrants to the country after two U.S. military planes carrying deported migrants were blocked by Colombia early Sunday, sparking a flurry of tariff threats between President Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart.

After Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to land the military aircraft, saying the US "cannot treat Colombian migrants like criminals," Trump ordered emergency tariffs of 25% on all imports from the country that would rise to 50% within a week, as well as a travel ban for Colombian citizens and the revocation of visas for Colombian officials in the US.

"These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of criminals," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Late Sunday evening, White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt announced that the US and Colombia had agreed to the unlimited admission of migrants from Colombia and would allow them to return to the country, including on US military aircraft, without restriction or delay.

Leavitt said in the statement that the US will not sign the tariffs or economic sanctions ordered by Trump unless Colombia complies with this agreement.

Leavitt said tariffs and financial sanctions would be suspended, but visa sanctions against Colombian officials and stricter customs inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo ships ordered by Trump earlier Sunday will remain in effect until the first planeload of Colombian deportees is successfully returned.

Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo confirmed late Sunday just moments after the White House's statement that flights carrying migrants deported from the US have resumed.

The escalating trade threats mark the first time Trump has taken tough action against another country over its immigration policy since taking office last week./ CNA