Judith Pena | January 27, 2023
Former President of the Republic Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal addressed the country on the night of this Friday, January 27, and referred to his current situation with the United States (USA) and assured that his intentions to govern the country again remain.
He indicated that, in light of the recent decision announced by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, he will continue to defend “the principle of presumption of innocence and respect for procedural guarantees in my favor or in favor of any other person.”
He assured that despite this declaration he will not become an enemy of what he considers a nation with historical ties of brotherhood and commercial relations with Panamanians.
“The United States of America and Panama are united not only by the construction of a canal that benefits the world, but also by the defense of democracy, free enterprise, human rights and freedom,” he said.
Martinelli stressed that during his 2009-2014 term he was a “close friend and collaborator of the United States of America,” and even assured that he helped fight terrorism and drug trafficking.
He added that this US announcement will not be an impediment for him to continue his political aspirations, since he said that he has “the firm commitment to once again give Panamanians progress and opportunities for all. Nothing and no one will separate us from that commitment to the people.
He explained that if Panamanians vote for him, his priority, although he cannot set foot in the US, will be to strengthen commercial and diplomatic relations with this country and with all nations that share the social and economic vision of his government.
