Panama pledges to oppose US control of the canal
Panama's president has criticized Donald Trump's inauguration speech. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his plans to “take back” the essential waterway.
In response, Panama's President Jose Mulino stated on Monday, shortly after Trump was inaugurated, that the country will resist any attempts by the US President to reclaim control over the Panama Canal.
“I must wholeheartedly reject the remarks President Donald Trump made in his inaugural speech regarding Panama and its canal,” Mulino said in a statement.
He emphasized that “the administration of the canal will remain under Panamanian control, with respect for its permanent neutrality,” and asserted that “no nation in the world” was interfering in the canal's governance.
Mulino recalled that the US transferred control of the canal to Panama in 1999 “as the result of a generational struggle.” He pledged to continue facilitating international trade via the important waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, stating, “We will exercise the right to protect ourselves.”
Trump has expressed that the US needs to reestablish control over the canal to counteract Chinese influence in the area. He has also alleged that Panama charges excessive fees to American ships navigating through the canal. During his inaugural speech, Trump declared that the US would be “taking [the canal] back.”
He has committed to implementing a strong foreign policy grounded in the ‘America First’ principle and has suggested that the US explore the possibility of annexing Greenland and Canada, which has provoked criticism from officials in both nations.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
In response, Panama's President Jose Mulino stated on Monday, shortly after Trump was inaugurated, that the country will resist any attempts by the US President to reclaim control over the Panama Canal.
“I must wholeheartedly reject the remarks President Donald Trump made in his inaugural speech regarding Panama and its canal,” Mulino said in a statement.
He emphasized that “the administration of the canal will remain under Panamanian control, with respect for its permanent neutrality,” and asserted that “no nation in the world” was interfering in the canal's governance.
Mulino recalled that the US transferred control of the canal to Panama in 1999 “as the result of a generational struggle.” He pledged to continue facilitating international trade via the important waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, stating, “We will exercise the right to protect ourselves.”
Trump has expressed that the US needs to reestablish control over the canal to counteract Chinese influence in the area. He has also alleged that Panama charges excessive fees to American ships navigating through the canal. During his inaugural speech, Trump declared that the US would be “taking [the canal] back.”
He has committed to implementing a strong foreign policy grounded in the ‘America First’ principle and has suggested that the US explore the possibility of annexing Greenland and Canada, which has provoked criticism from officials in both nations.
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
