They request to review the status of President Petro as Italian citizen

The former Minister of the Interior, Daniel Palacios, He sent a letter to the Italian government requesting that the status of Italian citizenship be reviewed of President Gustavo Petro. The petition arises in the middle of the controversy due to the revocation of the US visa to the president by the US State Department.

(Read more: another one without visa: USA.

To enter into context, the US authorities chose to withdraw the visa to the head of state after considering that it acted in a way “reckless” and “incendiary” during a demonstration in New York City. After making the measure known, President Petro said in a series of tweets that even without this permission could enter the territory on behalf of the application this and its Italian citizenship.

“I no longer have a visa to travel to the US. I don’t care. I don’t need a visa, but this one, because I am not only a Colombian citizen, but a European citizen”he said.

That’s where Palacios’ request enters. In the letter, the presidential candidate is addressed to the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, to ask for a “Exhaustive review” and the revocation of Italian citizenship granted to Petro.

“As is the public knowledge, Mr. Petro holds Italian citizenit is mentioned.

However, the former minister points out that the circumstances surrounding this concession, “In case it is true that it has nationality”they have changed in a way “drastic”, and their recent actions justify an immediate evaluation by the competent Italian authorities.

(Read more: Who have given up their American visa in solidarity with Petro?)

(Read more: EES in European borders from Colombia: what will happen the first time trying to cross)

What is the petition based?

In the document, the candidate exposes the reasons why he considers that a review of this status must be made. Especially, considering that circumstances have changed.

In the first instance, it is highlighted that Petro obtained this citizenship in a context in which, as former member of the guerrilla group M-19, he sought protection and refuge against threats in Colombia. “However, at present, as President of the Republic, he is the most protected man in the country, with access to state -unlimited state security resources. This transformation eliminates the humanitarian or need that could have influenced the initial concession, making it a privilege that is no longer justified,” Add.

Another point to take into account, according to Palacios, is the recent behavior of the president during his visit to the US. since their behavior could be interpreted as contrary to democratic values and of stability that Italy promotes in the global field.

To that is added that the Head of State He has publicly expressed his support to the Venezuela government under Nicolás Maduro, as well as the Palestinian cause, in terms that have been criticized for promoting divisions and geopolitical tensions. According to the former minister, “These positions could collide with the principles of the European Union and Italy, especially in the field of human rights, democracy and international relations.”

In that context, the letter mentions that it is understood that evidence of acts incompatible with loyalty to the Italian state or of fraudulent obtaining, within the framework of the procedure regulated by the legislation of this country for the revocation of citizenship is required. That is why Palacios requests an official review process, involving the Ministry of Interior and other relevant instances, to assess whether the foundations for maintaining that status persist.

“I appreciate your attention in advance to this request and I trust that, in order to preserve the integrity of Italian citizenship, appropriate measures will be taken. I am available to provide any additional information that may be required”concludes the letter.

(Read more: Who would be behind the recent decisions of the USA against Petro?)

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