Panama 🇵🇦 is standing its ground! In a bold statement on Sunday, President Jose Raul Mulino declared that the Panama Canal will \"continue to be in Panamanian hands\" 🌊🚢, responding to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's remarks about retaking control of the vital waterway.
\"Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama and will remain so,\" Mulino affirmed in a passionate social media video post 📹. \"The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable,\" he added, emphasizing Panama's commitment to its national pride and autonomy.
On Saturday, Trump referred to the Panama Canal as \"a vital national asset for the United States\" 🇺🇸, hinting at retaking it due to \"exorbitant prices\" charged on U.S. ships. This sparked immediate reactions, with Mulino expressing hope for a \"respectful\" relationship with the upcoming U.S. administration while highlighting the importance of cooperation on issues like illegal migration, drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime 🕵️♀️🔍.
Mulino reminded the world of the historical significance of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977 by Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos and U.S. President Jimmy Carter 🤝. These treaties enabled Panama to regain full sovereignty over the canal on December 31, 1999, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's history 📜.
\"The Torrijos-Carter Treaties established the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, guaranteeing its open and safe operation for all nations,\" Mulino stated. \"Any position to the contrary is invalid.\" 🚫
Addressing the issue of tariffs, he explained that they are set through open hearings, considering market conditions, international competition, and the needs for maintenance and modernization of the interoceanic waterway ⚙️🌐.
\"The Canal will continue to be in Panamanian hands as an inalienable patrimony of our nation,\" Mulino concluded, \"guaranteeing its use for the peaceful and uninterrupted transit of ships of all nations.\" 🌏🚢
Looks like Panama isn't backing down! What do you think about this maritime drama? Let us know in the comments! 💬
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
