Panama declines negotiations with the United States regarding control of the canal
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has definitively ruled out engaging in discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump regarding oversight of the Panama Canal.
On Thursday, Mulino dismissed any prospects of lowering toll fees for American ships transiting the canal.
“There are no further discussions to be had,” Mulino stated during a press conference.
He emphasized the unwavering stance that the Panama Canal is intrinsically a Panamanian asset, firmly owned by the nation and its citizens. He asserted that there is no room for discussion on this matter, which has been a historically significant and hard-earned reality for the country, achieved through immense sacrifice.
The remarks followed former President Donald Trump’s criticism of fees imposed on U.S. vessels transiting the canal, alongside his concerns over China’s expanding foothold in Panama.
Former President Donald Trump asserted on his Truth Social platform that the management of the situation was a matter solely for Panama, emphasizing that neither China nor any other country should be involved. He further declared a firm stance, vowing that such matters would never be allowed to fall into inappropriate hands.
He stated that if Panama fails to guarantee the “secure, efficient, and reliable operation” of the canal, they will insist on its complete and unquestionable return to their control.
Mulino has firmly refuted claims made by former President Trump, stressing that there is no involvement or interference from China concerning the operations of the Panama Canal.
In response to former President Donald Trump’s recent claims that Chinese soldiers are “lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal,” Mulino issued a statement refuting the allegations. Trump made these comments on Wednesday, prompting Mulino’s denial.
Mulino emphatically stated that there are absolutely no Chinese military personnel present in the canal region.
On Tuesday, a significant number of protesters assembled outside the United States embassy in Panama City to express their discontent, setting ablaze an effigy representing the incoming US president.
Originally constructed by the United States and opened in 1914, the canal was officially transferred to Panamanian control on December 31, 1999. This transition was the result of treaties negotiated and signed between both nations roughly 20 years prior.
Certainly! Please provide the text you would like me to rewrite and paraphrase with news agency language.
