US ambassador to Colombia, Francisco Palmieri, during a video address. Photo: El Carabobeno/File photo.
On Monday, the Trump administration removed Francisco Palmieri as acting ambassador to Colombia and head of the US diplomatic office for Venezuela.
According to international media, Palmieri’s received notification of his removal last Friday, before the diplomatic crisis between Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro broke out, but it was only made public on Monday.
The Colombian president responded to this decision by the Trump administration, saying “I have the best image of Palmieri. The son of a Colombian, he knew how to understand my country and my government, although I had disagreements with the US on many issues.”
Venezuela
In the case of his controversial responsibilities related to Venezuela, Palmieri always followed the orders issued to him by the White House. Michael Barkin has now been appointed to replace him.
Barkin has served as foreign policy advisor to the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and as deputy representative for special political affairs at the United States Mission to the United Nations in New York.
In this post, Palmieri replaced James Story, who did so much damage to Venezuela and promised to achieve what former deputy Juan Guaidó could not.
Palmieri tried to manipulate the Venezuelan far-right opposition by promoting the failed violent uprising that followed Venezuela’s July 28 presidential elections.
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(RedRadioVE) by Victoria Torres
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SL
