The U.S. Ambassador to Colombia, William Brownfield, criticized the intervention by foreign governments in Colombia’s upcoming presidential elections, reports El Tiempo on Wednesday.
Brownfield, when asked about foreign interference in Colombia’s electoral process, responded saying that, “No country should offer opinions regarding an internal and sovereign process of another country.”
Both Venezuela and Ecuador have been accused of trying to influence the outcome of the May 30 presidential elections.
Two weeks ago, Colombian presidential candidates rejected what they saw to be foreign interference in their election.
Brownfield, who was speaking at an event in Bogota, went on to denounce individuals who seek to “interrupt the elections with acts of violence.”
“I agree with the position of the nearly 45 million Colombians who strongly reject the attempts by a few people who want to disrupt the normal election process.”
The ambassador’s remarks come approximately three months before he steps down from his position as the U.S.’s chief diplomat to Colombia.
During the event, Brownfield also talked about relations between the U.S. and Colombia, saying that “he is waiting with much anticipation for the results of the elections.”
The ambassador also spoke about the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries, which is still pending approval by the U.S. Congress, saying that it would produce more jobs, trade, investment, and economic activities.
He also explained that the FTA “is not a favor, nor an act of charity. It represents the interests of each country.”
