ISLAMABAD DEC 23 (ONLINE): President Jose Raul Mulino has addressed the nation in response to US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to retake control of the Panama Canal, a vital waterway that contributes billions of dollars to the Panamanian economy annually and serves as a crucial artery for global trade.<\/p>\n
In his video address on Sunday, Mulino emphasized that the sovereignty and independence of the country are \u201cnon-negotiable\u201d and underscored the canal’s significance as part of the \u201chistory of struggle and an irreversible conquest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama, and it will continue to be so,\u201d Mulino declared.<\/p>\n
Over the weekend, Trump expressed outrage on Truth Social and during a speech at the AmericaFest conference over what he called \u201cexorbitant\u201d fees charged for the passage of American vessels through the canal, accusing Panama of exploiting the United States.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re was ripped off at the Panama Canal, just like everywhere else,\u201d despite the \u201cextraordinary generosity that has been bestowed on Panama,\u201d he told supporters in Arizona on Sunday.
\n\u201cIf the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America. In full. Quickly and without question,\u201d Trump proclaimed, warning officials in Panama to \u201cplease be guided accordingly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trump also declared that he would never allow the canal to fall into \u201cthe wrong hands,\u201d namely China\u2019s, emphasizing that a \u201csecure Panama Canal is crucial for US commerce and the rapid deployment of the Navy from the Atlantic all the way to the Pacific.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trump further emphasized his statements by sharing an image on Truth Social of an American flag over a narrow waterway with the caption, \u201cWelcome to the United States Canal!\u201d
\nMulino strongly rejected these claims, stating that the canal\u2019s rates are set publicly and transparently, and that consideration is given to market conditions, international competition, operating costs and maintenance needs. He highlighted that since the transfer of the canal from the United States to Panama on December 31, 1999, as per the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977, there have been no objections or complaints regarding Panama\u2019s control.
\n\u201cThese treaties also established the permanent neutrality of the canal, guaranteeing its open and secure operation for all nations,\u201d he said, calling it the best tribute to the martyrs who fought for Panama\u2019s sovereignty and dignity during the 1964 anti-American riots. Mulino rejected any notion that China, the European Union, or any other power has direct or indirect control over the canal.<\/p>\n
The canal has become a source of national pride, and is managed by qualified Panamanian professionals who ensure its safe, continuous, efficient, and profitable operation, the president added. It also contributes billions of dollars to the Central American nation\u2019s economy annually and serves as a crucial artery for global trade.<\/p>\n
\u201cPanama respects other nations and demands respect,\u201d the president concluded, stating that he aspires to preserve good relations with the incoming US government on issues such as drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, and illegal migration, but the neutrality of the canal is \u201cnon-negotiable.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD DEC 23 (ONLINE): President Jose Raul Mulino has addressed the nation in response to US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to retake control of the Panama Canal, a vital waterway that contributes billions of dollars to the Panamanian economy annually and serves as a crucial […]<\/p>\n
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