Title: Panama‘s President Asserts Sovereignty Over Trump demands Panama lower maritime fees or return Canal – The Hill”>Canal After Trump’s Comments
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino responded on Sunday, December 22, to statements made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump regarding the Panama Canal. Trump seemed to hint that the U.S. government could seek to recover its administration of the canal. Mulino’s response was clear and decisive, although he did not mention Trump directly.
"The Canal of Panama and its adjacent areas are Panamanian, and will remain so," Mulino declared. The President also emphasized that "the sovereignty and independence of our country are non-negotiable." Mulino acknowledged the need for a respectful relationship with the U.S., especially regarding security issues such as illegal migration, drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime. He stressed that these topics should be prioritized in the bilateral agenda.
Mulino explained that in 1977, an agreement dissolved the former canal zone, fully recognizing Panama’s sovereignty. The transition was completed on December 31, 1999. He stated that the canal has been operated and expanded by Panama, generating billions of dollars for the economy annually. The President also highlighted the canal’s mission to serve humanity and international commerce, maintaining its neutrality and avoiding involvement in conflicts.
Mulino strongly rejected any attempts to distort the reality of the canal’s administration, emphasizing that it will remain in Panamanian hands. This declaration comes after Trump’s messages on Saturday, where he demanded that Panama properly manage the canal, given its importance to U.S. commerce and defense.
The U.S. President-elect considered the Panama Canal a "national vital interest" for the U.S., crucial for its economy and national security. He also expressed displeasure with the current fees charged to U.S. vessels traversing the canal. Trump’s comments sparked Panama’s firm assertion of its sovereignty over the canal.
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