Panama counters Trump’s threat to “retake vital waterway”
President Jose Raul Mulino has spoken to the nation in response to US President-elect Donald Trump's warning about retaking control of the Panama Canal. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The president-elect of the United States has pledged to prevent the “US canal” from falling into “the wrong hands.”
In light of US President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments about the Panama Canal, President Jose Raul Mulino addressed the nation regarding its significance. The canal is a critical waterway that generates billions of dollars for Panama's economy each year and plays a vital role in global trade.
In his video statement on Sunday, Mulino affirmed that the country's sovereignty and independence are “non-negotiable” and highlighted the canal's importance as part of the “history of struggle and an irreversible conquest.” He emphasized, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama, and it will continue to be so.”
Trump expressed his exasperation over what he called “exorbitant” fees for American vessels using the canal. He criticized Panama for allegedly taking advantage of the United States with these high fees, stating, “We’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal, just like everywhere else,” despite the “extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed on Panama,” during a speech in Arizona.
Trump controversially stated, “If 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,” issuing a warning to Panama's officials to “please be guided accordingly.”
He further asserted that he would never allow the canal to fall into “the wrong hands,” particularly citing China, and stressed that a “secure Panama Canal is crucial for US commerce and the rapid deployment of the Navy from the Atlantic all the way to the Pacific.” Trump reinforced his position by sharing an image on Truth Social featuring an American flag over a narrow waterway with the caption, “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
In response to Trump's comments, Mulino firmly rejected the accusations regarding canal fees, explaining that they are determined publicly and transparently, taking into account market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and maintenance needs. He pointed out that since the canal was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977, there have been no objections or complaints regarding Panama’s management.
“These treaties also established the permanent neutrality of the canal, guaranteeing its open and secure operation for all nations,” Mulino noted, honoring the memory of those who fought for Panama’s sovereignty during the 1964 anti-American riots. He dismissed any suggestions that China, the European Union, or any other foreign entity has control over the canal.
The canal is a significant source of national pride for Panama, operated by skilled Panamanian professionals who ensure its safe, continuous, and economically beneficial operation. President Mulino reiterated that it contributes billions to the national economy and serves as a vital link in global trade.
“Panama respects other nations and demands respect,” he concluded, expressing a desire to maintain good relations with the incoming US government on matters such as drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, and illegal migration, while stating that the neutrality of the canal is “non-negotiable.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
In light of US President-elect Donald Trump's recent comments about the Panama Canal, President Jose Raul Mulino addressed the nation regarding its significance. The canal is a critical waterway that generates billions of dollars for Panama's economy each year and plays a vital role in global trade.
In his video statement on Sunday, Mulino affirmed that the country's sovereignty and independence are “non-negotiable” and highlighted the canal's importance as part of the “history of struggle and an irreversible conquest.” He emphasized, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belongs to Panama, and it will continue to be so.”
Trump expressed his exasperation over what he called “exorbitant” fees for American vessels using the canal. He criticized Panama for allegedly taking advantage of the United States with these high fees, stating, “We’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal, just like everywhere else,” despite the “extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed on Panama,” during a speech in Arizona.
Trump controversially stated, “If 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,” issuing a warning to Panama's officials to “please be guided accordingly.”
He further asserted that he would never allow the canal to fall into “the wrong hands,” particularly citing China, and stressed that a “secure Panama Canal is crucial for US commerce and the rapid deployment of the Navy from the Atlantic all the way to the Pacific.” Trump reinforced his position by sharing an image on Truth Social featuring an American flag over a narrow waterway with the caption, “Welcome to the United States Canal!”
In response to Trump's comments, Mulino firmly rejected the accusations regarding canal fees, explaining that they are determined publicly and transparently, taking into account market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and maintenance needs. He pointed out that since the canal was handed over to Panama on December 31, 1999, under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties of 1977, there have been no objections or complaints regarding Panama’s management.
“These treaties also established the permanent neutrality of the canal, guaranteeing its open and secure operation for all nations,” Mulino noted, honoring the memory of those who fought for Panama’s sovereignty during the 1964 anti-American riots. He dismissed any suggestions that China, the European Union, or any other foreign entity has control over the canal.
The canal is a significant source of national pride for Panama, operated by skilled Panamanian professionals who ensure its safe, continuous, and economically beneficial operation. President Mulino reiterated that it contributes billions to the national economy and serves as a vital link in global trade.
“Panama respects other nations and demands respect,” he concluded, expressing a desire to maintain good relations with the incoming US government on matters such as drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, and illegal migration, while stating that the neutrality of the canal is “non-negotiable.”
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
