Panamanian university criticizes U.S. interference in Panama Canal affairs
The University of Panama stated on Tuesday that recent visits to Panama by senior U.S. officials were intended to "undermine Panamanian dignity and sovereignty."
TroibNews 
A statement from the state-run University of Panama on Tuesday indicated that recent visits by high-ranking U.S. officials were aimed at "undermine Panamanian dignity and sovereignty." The university, a leading institution of higher learning in the Central American nation, asserted that these U.S. government actions were intended to "supervise" the Panama Canal.
Earlier in the month, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino hosted several high-profile U.S. officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Admiral Alvin Holsey, who leads the U.S. Southern Command.
The University of Panama highlighted that these visits coincided with protests from unions and social organizations opposing U.S. attempts to influence Panama’s national decisions.
"The truth is that they are eagerly trying to subdue Panamanians in order to supervise the Canal and reestablish military bases on our soil. With the latest of the envoys, the situation is extremely delicate, as activities of a military nature took place," the statement read.
The institution expressed its support for the neutrality of the Panama Canal and the rights of Panamanians as "architects of our destiny, free from foreign interference."
"It is imperative to free ourselves from all subordination to the interventionist policies of the United States. The Republic of Panama has no reason to align itself with the warmongering policies of the current U.S. president," the University of Panama asserted.
The university warned that the U.S. president aims to revive the days of the "Big Stick," a reference to past aggressive foreign policies, and urged the world to be cautious of the tariff war he has initiated.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this article for TROIB News
Earlier in the month, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino hosted several high-profile U.S. officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Admiral Alvin Holsey, who leads the U.S. Southern Command.
The University of Panama highlighted that these visits coincided with protests from unions and social organizations opposing U.S. attempts to influence Panama’s national decisions.
"The truth is that they are eagerly trying to subdue Panamanians in order to supervise the Canal and reestablish military bases on our soil. With the latest of the envoys, the situation is extremely delicate, as activities of a military nature took place," the statement read.
The institution expressed its support for the neutrality of the Panama Canal and the rights of Panamanians as "architects of our destiny, free from foreign interference."
"It is imperative to free ourselves from all subordination to the interventionist policies of the United States. The Republic of Panama has no reason to align itself with the warmongering policies of the current U.S. president," the University of Panama asserted.
The university warned that the U.S. president aims to revive the days of the "Big Stick," a reference to past aggressive foreign policies, and urged the world to be cautious of the tariff war he has initiated.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this article for TROIB News
