Colombian President Sought To Ease Tensions With U.S. After Accusing Officials Of Trying To Overthrow Him; Days Later Diplomats Were Recalled

Colombian President Gustavo Petro reportedly sought to ease tensions with the U.S. last month, sending a letter to President Donald Trump saying he didn't mean to accuse officials of trying to overthrow him.

The letter, published by Colombian media outlets, was dated June 23. However, it does not seem it was successful, considering that the U.S. last week recalled its top diplomat from the South American country, prompting Bogota to do the same. The Associated Press noted that relations between the countries are at its lowest point since the 90s.

The letter in question appears to take back some statements from Petro, who on June 11 accused Secretary of State Marco Rubio of leading a plot to oust him. He said back then that a "neighboring president" told him that.

"I would like to clarify that any expression of mine, which may have been interpreted as a direct accusation about participation in a coup attempt in Colombia had no in intention of signaling anyone personally or questioning the role of the United States, without any proof," reads a passage of Petro's letter, which adds that him and Trump should lead a U.S.-Latin America summit.

Asked about the letter, White House Press Secretary said she was not sure Trump had seen the letter. However, on July 3 Washington D.C. recalled its top diplomat, with the State Department saying it was a result of statements made at high levels of the Colombian government. The South American country reciprocated the move.

"In addition to the recall of the Chargé, the United States is pursuing other measures to make clear our deep concern over the current state of our bilateral relationship," said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Spanish outlet El Pais detailed in late June of an actual attempt to overthrow Petro, albeit one led by former Foreign Minister Alvaro Leyva. The report detailed that he sought to get support from the Trump administration, but there was no indication that the government entertained the idea.

El Pais published a series of audios in which the former official details his intention to meet with Rubio and get him to exert "international pressure" leading to Petro's fall.

One source told El Pais that Leyva, 82, said "he had all the tools to execute his plan and remove" Petro. "His place would be taken by Francia Marquez. He had evidence that Petro could not continue holding office and, in case the plan was successful, the president wouldn't be able to respond to it. The U.S.'s help was very important," the source added.

The plan appeared to take place at the same time in which Leyva, who was close to Petro at the beginning of his administration, published an open letter accusing Petro of being a drug addict, to the point of disappearing for two days in Paris during an official visit.