Panama turns down Trump's request for control over the canal
Panama’s leader has rejected Trump’s warning regarding the potential reinstatement of US control over the important transoceanic canal. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Panama's President, Jose Raul Mulino, has firmly dismissed US President-elect Donald Trump's assertion regarding the potential reclamation of control over the crucial Panama Canal. Mulino emphasized that the canal is a vital part of Panama’s national identity, asserting that its ownership is not subject to negotiation.
“The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians,” Mulino stated during a press conference on Thursday, as quoted by AFP. “There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat, and tears.”
“If there is an intention to talk, then there’s nothing to talk about,” he asserted.
Trump has criticized the tariffs levied on US ships using the canal, labeling them “exorbitant” and expressing concerns about the strategic waterway becoming influenced by China. “We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!” he posted on his Truth Social platform.
In response, Mulino stated at a news conference that there was “absolutely no Chinese interference” in the canal, which serves as a critical link between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Mulino’s position has received backing from other leaders in Latin America, who have reiterated support for Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. “The Panama Canal belongs to Panama, and its sovereignty must be respected by all nations,” remarked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The Panama Canal, an essential route for international maritime trade, was constructed by the United States in the early 20th century. It remained under US control until December 1999, when it was officially handed over to Panama following a series of bilateral treaties signed in 1977.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
“The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians,” Mulino stated during a press conference on Thursday, as quoted by AFP. “There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat, and tears.”
“If there is an intention to talk, then there’s nothing to talk about,” he asserted.
Trump has criticized the tariffs levied on US ships using the canal, labeling them “exorbitant” and expressing concerns about the strategic waterway becoming influenced by China. “We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!” he posted on his Truth Social platform.
In response, Mulino stated at a news conference that there was “absolutely no Chinese interference” in the canal, which serves as a critical link between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Mulino’s position has received backing from other leaders in Latin America, who have reiterated support for Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. “The Panama Canal belongs to Panama, and its sovereignty must be respected by all nations,” remarked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The Panama Canal, an essential route for international maritime trade, was constructed by the United States in the early 20th century. It remained under US control until December 1999, when it was officially handed over to Panama following a series of bilateral treaties signed in 1977.
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
