The United States ambassador in Panama, Mari Carmen Aponte, in her first press conference with the media spoke about various issues in the relations of both countries, including the problem of corruption, migration and trade.
At this point, he was asked a question about the case of the Martinelli brothers who are serving sentences in the United States for the crime of money laundering. Aponte said, “The legal processes in the United States are going to run their course, the courts there decide what is what is going to happen and everything will be carried out as usual, since here in Panama it is very important that corruption be fought in a way that does not undermine democracy that does not weaken government institutions so that they can grow and continue to function efficiently” .
Another very important point is the issue of migration on the border between Panama and Colombia, the ambassador said: “The United States is trying to make regional agreements and work with all the countries of the region to deal with the problem effectively, at this time we must manage migration in an orderly, humane and safe manner, to the extent that we can reach that goal we can at least provide relief in the problem, the United States is cooperating with international organizations and non-profit groups that are the ones that are doing work in the fields, that’s why I want to go see him”
On the subject of the gray lists where Panama is located, he declared that our country is being supported to get out of these lists “We have no interest in Panama being known as a place where money is hidden, all these indications must be improved What is FATF doing? What is the European Union doing? It is very important to support Panama so that they get out of these lists. We have been in this project for a few years and we are not giving up and neither are Panamanians. from the list and there we are supporting giving training and supporting”
