Bernd Debsmann Jr.
Report from the White House

As we await Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s press conference, we bring you excerpts from his currently live radio interview with Colombian news agency Caracol.

Many of his previous interviews have focused on security issues and Venezuela, which shares a 1,367-mile (2,200-kilometer) border with Colombia.

Most of its borders are under the control of Colombia’s guerrilla group, the National Liberation Army (ELN).

Ahead of today’s visit, many expected operations against the ELN to be a major part of the discussion, with Petro vowing once again to fight against the ELN.

Petro also touted the government’s own efforts to combat drug lords and coca cultivation.

“Mr. Trump knows that,” he said. “That’s why drug traffickers are fleeing south.” [to Ecuador]…We would like to make a proposal to the United States and Ecuador to help combat drug trafficking there. ”

According to Petro, he also provided information indicating that known Colombian drug traffickers resided abroad, including in the United States.