1776Reporting
José Raúl Mulino, President of Panama, issued a resolute response to remarks made by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested over the weekend that the United States might consider reclaiming the Panama Canal. Trump’s comments, made during separate events, centered on fees imposed by Panama, which he claimed were unfair to the U.S., especially considering the human cost of the canal’s original construction.
Trump’s Bold Remarks on the Canal
In two instances, Trump raised the possibility of taking back control of the Panama Canal, citing what he called excessive fees imposed by Panama. Trump argued that American workers had paid the ultimate price for building the canal between 1904 and 1914, a project that saw thousands of lives lost.
Mulino Defends Panama’s Sovereignty
Without directly naming Trump, President Mulino addressed the issue in a public statement, asserting Panama’s sovereignty over the canal and its surrounding territory. He firmly declared that Panama’s control of the canal was non-negotiable.
On his social media platform, Mulino emphasized:
“As President, I want to express precisely that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone is Panama’s and will continue to be so. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”
Mulino referenced the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977, which transferred full control of the canal to Panama by the end of 1999. He underscored the global recognition of Panama’s sovereignty, noting that over 40 nations support the treaty guaranteeing the canal’s neutrality and accessibility.
A Symbol of National Pride
Highlighting the canal’s historical significance, Mulino stated:
“Every Panamanian, here or anywhere in the world, carries it in their hearts and it is part of our history of struggle and an irreversible conquest.”
The President celebrated the canal’s role in Panama’s economy, describing it as a “great asset” that generates billions annually and benefits global trade. He also pointed to the 2016 expansion of the canal, a major achievement funded through carefully considered toll adjustments.
Trump’s Concerns Over Foreign Influence
On Saturday, Trump voiced fears that the canal might fall under the influence of China or another adversary. Mulino refuted these claims, assuring that Panama maintains complete control over the canal’s operations and has remained neutral in international disputes.
The President explained the rationale behind the fees Trump criticized, stating they were determined transparently, with input from global stakeholders. He added:
“They are established publicly and in an open hearing, considering market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the maintenance and modernization needs of the interoceanic route.”
Call for Mutual Respect
In his concluding remarks, Mulino extended an olive branch to the incoming U.S. administration while underscoring Panama’s steadfast commitment to its sovereignty.
“We Panamanians can think differently in many aspects, but when it comes to our canal and our sovereignty, we all unite under a single flag – that of Panama.”
He emphasized Panama’s openness to dialogue and collaboration on shared security concerns, such as illegal migration and drug trafficking. However, he made it clear that the canal was not a bargaining chip:
“For this Panamanian president, that is not a business.”
Trump’s Persistence
On his Truth Social account, Trump doubled down on his criticism of Panama’s canal fees, accusing the country of exploiting the U.S. He reiterated his stance during a speech at a Turning Point USA conference in Phoenix, signaling that this issue could become a point of contention in U.S.-Panama relations.
A Unified Front
Mulino’s firm yet diplomatic response reflects Panama’s unified stance on the canal. As the country prepares to mark 25 years since regaining control of the waterway, its leaders remain resolute in defending a symbol of national pride and independence.
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