In a detailed message on social media, Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed the mention of Camilo Romero, Colombia’s ambassador to Argentina, in the ongoing corruption scandal involving the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). This mention arose during a hearing related to charges against former UNGRD officials Olmedo López and Sneyder Pinilla, who have allegedly orchestrated a corrupt network.
In response to Romero’s denial of any involvement in the scandal, President Petro expressed his regret that, in the rush to plea for leniency from the justice system, some officials are being unjustly smeared. He emphasized that the accusations against them might stem from the situation in which resources from the state entity were mismanaged.
Petro stated, “I will not defend anyone in this UNGRD process, but I know that in the struggle for the spoils, innocent people will be accused. Justice will prevail.” Moreover, he contrasted the severity of the UNGRD issues with the Odebrecht scandal, highlighting that the latter remains largely unresolved.
Despite being physically distanced from the investigations, the president has closely followed the developments shared by the prosecutor’s office regarding this case. He reiterated his commitment that all those responsible for the alleged embezzlement of government funds should be held accountable, and he insisted that the misappropriated resources be returned.
“The goal is to ensure that no guilty party escapes and that an extensive investigation is conducted into corruption across all cases, regardless of who it affects,” Petro insisted. This situation poses a significant challenge to his administration’s legitimacy and the legislative initiatives he hopes to advance in the approaching year.
Petro expressed his approval that the authorities are becoming increasingly rigorous, expressing belief that the investigative process will lead to a force capable of promoting positive change in Colombia. His stance has drawn mixed reactions amid a backdrop of increasing irregularities within the government.
He remarked, “Every democratic revolution renders public matters sacred to the community and to the citizenship.” This statement reflects President Petro’s move from dismissing López’s and Pinilla’s allegations as false to distancing himself from the events concerning the UNGRD.
Romero responded positively to Petro’s public support, highlighting that from these challenges, the left-wing political project should emerge stronger and more resilient. He aimed to downplay the significance of the accusations linking him to public works contracts in various locations across Colombia.
Echoing the president’s sentiments, he asserted, “Let those who are guilty face justice! As you said, Mr. President, from this turmoil must arise the strength to revolutionize Colombia again. The country deserves to know the entire truth behind this case and all others that remain unresolved.” The ambassador emphasized that the fight against corruption is a vital cause that must be relentlessly defended.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2024/07/25/petro-salio-en-defensa-de-camilo-romero-tras-ser-mencionado-en-entramado-de-la-ungrd/
