World
December 29, 2024 23:12
panama - Panama President Jose Raul Mulino stated that they will not negotiate with the US regarding the status of the Panama Canal, emphasizing that it belongs to Panama.
Panama President Jose Raul Mulino has announced that they will not engage in any negotiations with the US and that the status of the Panama Canal is non-negotiable. In response to the statements made by US President-elect Donald Trump, Mulino stated, 'It is not possible for this President to speak with an intention to reassess the legal and political reality of Panama having control over the Panama Canal. If he has such an intention, there is nothing to discuss.'
Mulino emphasized that the Panama Canal is a source of pride for the Panamanians and said, 'The canal belongs to the Panamanians. This fact has been achieved through the sweat, effort, and sacrifices of the country and is not up for debate. The Panama Canal is non-negotiable.'
Commenting on the toll fees for crossing the canal, Mulino said, 'Toll fees for canal passage cannot be determined at the whims of the President or the administration. There is a respected process in place regarding this matter, which is completely transparent.'
Reacting to Trump's sarcastic Christmas message claiming that 'Chinese soldiers are managing the Panama Canal,' Mulino said, 'There is absolutely no intervention or involvement of China in the Panama Canal. For God's sake, there are no Chinese military personnel at the Panama Canal.'
TRUMP VS. PANAMA CANAL DISPUTE
On December 22nd, Trump accused Panama of demanding exorbitant fees for using the Panama Canal and stated that if the canal is not managed properly, they will demand it back from Panama.
Former US President Jimmy Carter described the transfer of canal management to Panama as a 'mistake,' while Trump mentioned that the canal was given to Panama as a symbol of cooperation between the two countries, not for the benefit of others.
In response to Trump, Panama President Mulino firmly stated, 'As the President, I want to definitively state that the Panama Canal and all its associated areas belong to Panama in every square meter. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not up for negotiation. The Panama Canal belongs to Panama and will remain so.'