Panama notifies UN about Trump's threat to "seize canal"
In a correspondence addressed to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Panama referenced UN articles that prohibit member states from employing threats and force. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Panama has formally lodged a complaint with the United Nations regarding US President Donald Trump’s threats about taking control of the Panama Canal. The Panamanian government has also initiated an audit of the Hong Kong-affiliated company responsible for managing two ports along this crucial interoceanic waterway.
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council, dated January 20, the Panamanian government objected to remarks made by Trump during his inauguration speech concerning the canal.
This letter, which was shared with the press on Tuesday, called on Guterres to bring the matter to the attention of the UN Security Council, though it did not request a meeting to be convened.
The letter referenced various articles of the UN Charter that forbid any member state from using or threatening force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, suggesting that Trump’s comments infringed upon this principle.
During his inaugural address, Trump reiterated his threat to “take back” control of the Panama Canal, which was constructed by the US in the early 20th century and transferred to Panama in 1999. He claimed the US had been “badly mistreated by this insane gift,” asserting that American ships faced severe overtaxation.
Trump also criticized China, alleging that it was effectively “operating” the Panama Canal due to its growing influence in the region. “We didn’t give it to China; we gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back,” he declared.
In response, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino rejected Trump’s assertions during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, emphasizing that the canal was “not a concession or a gift from the United States.” He reaffirmed that “the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama.”
China responded by denying any interference in the canal's operations. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated on Wednesday that Beijing has consistently recognized the canal as a “permanent neutral international waterway.”
Earlier in the week, President Mulino issued a statement vowing to resist Trump’s attempts to reclaim control of the canal, arguing that the transfer of control was “the result of a generational struggle.”
Additionally, Panama’s comptroller’s office announced on Monday that auditors had started an “exhaustive audit” of Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Ports Holdings. This audit aims to ensure the efficient and transparent use of public resources at the Panama Ports Company.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN Security Council, dated January 20, the Panamanian government objected to remarks made by Trump during his inauguration speech concerning the canal.
This letter, which was shared with the press on Tuesday, called on Guterres to bring the matter to the attention of the UN Security Council, though it did not request a meeting to be convened.
The letter referenced various articles of the UN Charter that forbid any member state from using or threatening force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state, suggesting that Trump’s comments infringed upon this principle.
During his inaugural address, Trump reiterated his threat to “take back” control of the Panama Canal, which was constructed by the US in the early 20th century and transferred to Panama in 1999. He claimed the US had been “badly mistreated by this insane gift,” asserting that American ships faced severe overtaxation.
Trump also criticized China, alleging that it was effectively “operating” the Panama Canal due to its growing influence in the region. “We didn’t give it to China; we gave it to Panama. And we’re taking it back,” he declared.
In response, Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino rejected Trump’s assertions during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, emphasizing that the canal was “not a concession or a gift from the United States.” He reaffirmed that “the Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama.”
China responded by denying any interference in the canal's operations. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated on Wednesday that Beijing has consistently recognized the canal as a “permanent neutral international waterway.”
Earlier in the week, President Mulino issued a statement vowing to resist Trump’s attempts to reclaim control of the canal, arguing that the transfer of control was “the result of a generational struggle.”
Additionally, Panama’s comptroller’s office announced on Monday that auditors had started an “exhaustive audit” of Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Ports Holdings. This audit aims to ensure the efficient and transparent use of public resources at the Panama Ports Company.
Jessica Kline contributed to this report for TROIB News
