He President of Panama, José Raúl Mulinorejected this Sunday the threats of the president-elect of the United States, donald trumpto regain control of the Interoceanic canal.
“The channel does not have direct or indirect control of either China, the European Community, the United States or any other power. As a Panamanian I strongly reject any manifestation that distorts this reality,” Mulino said in a video on his social media account. X without explicitly mentioning Trump.
The reaction comes after Trump issued the threat on Saturday on his Truth Social platform. “Our Navy and commerce have been threatened in a very unfair and reckless way. The rates that Panama charges are ridiculous.”
“This complete scam on our country will stop immediately,” Trump said.
The elected president also denounced a China’s growing influence in the canala worrying situation since American businesses depend on the canal to transport goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
“It was exclusively for Panama to manage, not China or anyone else,” Trump said. “We would never and will never let it fall into the wrong hands!”
If Panama cannot guarantee a “safe, efficient and reliable operation” of the canal, “then We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us in its entirety and without a doubt,” added the Republican.
The Panamanian president responded by demanding “respect” for his country and reiterated that “every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belongs to Panama and will continue to be so.” “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable,” he added.
Despite Trump’s statements, Mulino said he hopes to have “a good and respectful relationship.” with the future United States government, with which he hopes to continue addressing issues such as illegal migration and drug trafficking.
The Panama Canal, which was completed by the United States in 1914, was returned to the Central American country under the 1977 agreement signed by Democratic President Jimmy Carter.
Panama regained complete control of the commercial passage on December 31, 1999.
Former Panamanian president Martín Torrijos (2004-2009) considered in a message on Instagram that “any attempt” to remove Panama’s management of the canal is “an offense.”
