Panama Stands firm: Sovereignty of the Canal “Is not Negotiable” in Response to Trump’s Demands
In a bold declaration,Panama has reaffirmed that the sovereignty of the Panama Canal “is not negotiable,” directly responding to recent statements by former U.S.President Donald Trump.The remarks come amid escalating tensions over Trump’s claims that the Canal has fallen under Chinese control and is in disrepair, prompting calls for its return to the united States.
Last week, during a conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence, trump accused Panamanians of “violating all aspects of the treaty,” though he did not specify which treaty he was referencing. A month earlier, he had asserted that he would demand “that the United States in its entirety, quickly and without asking questions.”
Trump’s allegations include claims that the Canal is in poor condition, with the Panamanian government reportedly seeking $3 billion from Washington for repairs. He also accused Panama of imposing excessively high tariffs on American ships, which he described as an attempt to “swindle” U.S. citizens.
However, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has firmly rejected these claims. In December, Mulino stated, “There are no Chinese in the canal. As simple as that. Neither the Chinese nor any other power are in the canal.”
Former panamanian Ambassador to the United States, Juan B. Sosa, further clarified the issue in a letter to Fox news. He explained that Canal tariffs are periodically reviewed through an open and clear process, ensuring fairness for all nations. “As part of the United States that obligates the Panama Canal to treat all countries fairly and with the same tariffs, to avoid providing an advantage to one nation over another.Panama has never violated these guidelines,” Sosa emphasized.
The situation has raised concerns among Panamanians, particularly due to Trump’s refusal to rule out the use of military force to achieve his goals. When asked if he would consider economic or military coercion to take control of the Canal or Greenland, Trump responded, “I can’t assure you,” adding, “We need them for economic security.”
This stance has reignited fears of foreign interference in Panama, a country with a painful history of U.S. intervention.In 1977, the governments of Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos signed an agreement to transfer control and sovereignty of the Canal to Panama. However, the U.S. invaded Panama in 1989 during Operation Just Cause, which aimed to overthrow dictator Manuel Noriega. The operation resulted in hundreds to thousands of deaths and left a lasting scar on the nation.The transfer of the Canal was finally completed on December 30, 1999, marking a new chapter in U.S.-Panama relations. As then, the two countries have worked to strengthen their ties, but Trump’s recent statements threaten to undo decades of progress.
As Panama stands firm in its commitment to sovereignty, the international community watches closely. The Panama Canal remains a vital conduit for global maritime trade, and its administration continues to prioritize neutrality and fairness for all nations.
Key Points at a Glance
Table of Contents
- Key Points at a Glance
- A Nation United in Defense of Sovereignty
- The Panama Canal: A Symbol of Struggle
- Speculations and Retaliation
- International Backlash
- Key Points at a Glance
- A Call to Action
- The canal’s historical Struggle
- A Well-Managed Asset
- debunking Misconceptions
- Trump’s Controversial Stance
- A Legacy of Leadership
- Key Points of the Panama Canal Treaty
| Issue | Details |
|—————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Trump’s Demands | Calls for the return of the Panama Canal to the U.S. |
| Panama’s Response | Sovereignty of the Canal “is not negotiable” |
| Allegations of Chinese Control | Panama denies any foreign influence in the Canal’s administration |
| Tariff Concerns | Tariffs are reviewed transparently and applied equally to all nations |
| Historical Context | U.S. invasion in 1989 and full Canal transfer in 1999 |
Panama’s unwavering stance underscores the importance of respecting international treaties and the sovereignty of nations. As the debate continues, the world awaits to see how this diplomatic challenge will unfold.Panama Rejects trump’s Threats to Sovereignty Amid Escalating tensions
Panama is standing firm against recent threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump, which have sparked widespread protests and international concern. The controversy centers on Trump’s statements, which many Panamanians view as a direct challenge to their sovereignty, particularly regarding the Panama Canal.
A Nation United in Defense of Sovereignty
The rejection of Trump’s remarks has transcended political and social divides. “Both the ruling party, the opposition, and the citizens reject any scenario that leads to losing sovereignty over their territory,” says Panamanian journalist Mary Triny Zea. This sentiment has manifested in protests, including one on December 24 in front of the United States Embassy, organized by members of the Single Union of Construction and Similar Workers.
Zea, speaking to The Commerce, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “It is obviously an important issue and has dominated the news agenda in recent weeks.It is not just any news coming from the United States,” she said. The journalist fears that the progress made in Panama-U.S. relations over the years could be undone by Trump’s “radical stance.”
The Panama Canal: A Symbol of Struggle
The Panama Canal, a cornerstone of the nation’s identity, represents decades of struggle against foreign control. Zea recalls the anthem Colonia Americana No, a song by Lucho Bejarano that became a rallying cry against American dominance.“The Canal represents years of struggle in Panama,” she notes, underscoring the emotional and historical meaning of the waterway.
Speculations and Retaliation
trump’s threats have also sparked speculation about potential ulterior motives. Some believe they could be retaliation for Panama’s 2018 court ruling that led to the loss of one of Trump’s hotels in the country. Others point to Panama’s recent refusal to accept migrants that the Trump administration plans to return to Central America.“The most powerful megaphone in the world is being used to spread a wrong and false message,” Zea warns. “That is hazardous and has consequences in a time of misinformation. Furthermore, it is a thuggish attitude.”
International Backlash
The international community has also weighed in.On Friday, the Latin american Reflection Table, an association of hundreds of politicians, academics, and diplomats, released a joint statement condemning Trump’s threats and warning of their potential consequences.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Protests | December 24 protest by construction workers at the U.S.Embassy. |
| Journalist’s View | mary Triny Zea calls Trump’s stance “dangerous” and “thuggish.” |
| Historical Context | Panama Canal symbolizes decades of struggle against foreign control. |
| Speculations | Threats seen as retaliation for Trump’s hotel loss and migrant policy. |
| International Response| Latin American Reflection Table condemns Trump’s statements. |
A Call to Action
As tensions escalate, Panama remains resolute in defending its sovereignty. The nation’s unity and the international community’s support highlight the importance of diplomacy and mutual respect in maintaining global stability.
For more insights into Panama’s history and its relationship with the U.S., explore The Commerce’s coverage.
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Stay informed about global developments and their impact on international relations. Share your thoughts on this issue in the comments below.Panama Canal: A Legacy of Sovereignty and Success
The Panama Canal, a cornerstone of global trade, has been a symbol of Panama’s sovereignty and resilience for over a century. In a recent interview, Aristides Royo, former president of Panama (1978-1982), reflected on the Canal’s significance, its management, and the misconceptions surrounding its administration.
The canal’s historical Struggle
For Panamanians, the Canal represents decades of struggle and moments of bloodshed. As Royo explained, “Since 1903, we were born with a right to intervention by the United States in our internal affairs.” This dynamic began to shift with the 1936 treaty signed by Presidents Harmodio Arias and Franklin D. Roosevelt, which removed the U.S. right to intervene. However, it took three years for the U.S. Congress to approve it.
for years, panama received a mere $250,000 annually for the use of the railroad, a stark contrast to the vast benefits the U.S. reaped from the Canal. “They took a thousand or so square kilometers of our territory and acted as if they had been sovereign,” Royo noted. The Torrijos-carter Treaty of 1977 marked a turning point, eventually leading to the Canal’s handover to Panama in 1999.
A Well-Managed Asset
Royo emphasized the success of Panama’s administration of the Canal over the past 25 years. “Just six years after entering the possession of the Republic of Panama, the expansion of the Canal was arranged,” he said. The 2016 expansion project, which included the construction of two new locks, allowed larger ships to traverse the Canal, substantially boosting its capacity and global relevance.
debunking Misconceptions
One persistent myth is that China controls the Canal. Royo dismissed this as “absurd,” explaining that it stems from a flawed syllogism. “The frist premise is that panama puts the administration of the ports to tender, the second premise is that the United States does not win the tender but rather an English company domiciled in Hong Kong, and the third premise is that Hong Kong passes to Chinese administration,” he said.
He likened the argument to claiming that a Chinese car factory in Panama would give China control over Panamanian traffic. “The Canal is managed as a company, at no time has anything occurred to show that the Chinese decide on the administration of the ports,” Royo clarified.
Trump’s Controversial Stance
When asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements regarding appropriating foreign territory, Royo drew a parallel to Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine. “It would be absurd for the government of a democratic country to come and invade a country with which it has treaties, including the Neutrality Treaty, which is supported by 48 countries and is in the OAS,” he stated.
A Legacy of Leadership
Royo’s insights are informed by his extensive experience,including his role in negotiating the Torrijos-Carter Treaty and chairing the Canal Board of Directors. His viewpoint underscores the importance of diplomacy and sovereignty in managing one of the world’s most critical waterways.| key Points | Details |
|—————–|————-|
| Canal Handover | Transferred to Panama in 1999 |
| Expansion | completed in 2016, allowing larger ships |
| Misconceptions | China does not control the Canal |
| Historical Context | 1936 treaty removed U.S. intervention rights |
The Panama Canal remains a testament to Panama’s ability to manage a global asset while safeguarding its sovereignty. As Royo’s reflections highlight, the Canal’s success is a story of perseverance, strategic planning, and national pride.For more on the history of the Panama Canal, visit panama Canal Authority.Panama Canal Sovereignty: A Historic Treaty and Its Implications
The Panama Canal, a vital international transit waterway, stands as a symbol of sovereignty and diplomacy. its history is deeply intertwined with the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, a landmark agreement between the United States and Panama. This treaty, ratified after years of negotiation, marked a notable victory for the Panamanian people, who approved it in a plebiscite. Though, its passage in the United States Senate was no easy feat, requiring extensive deliberation and compromise.
The treaty reaffirms that the Panama Canal is under the sovereignty of the Panamanian people. It represents a “reconquest consented to and signed by the United States,” as described by experts. This agreement ensures that the canal remains a neutral international waterway,free from unilateral control. Yet, concerns have been raised about potential violations of this sovereignty, particularly in scenarios where military force might be considered.
In such a case, Panama would act “with all the dignity of the case, protected by national and international law.” The country would likely seek international support,much like it did in 1973 when it rallied latin American nations,including Peru,to defend its interests. Today, Panama would turn to the United Nations to assert that ”a country cannot take these determinations against a sovereign country.”
Key Points of the Panama Canal Treaty
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Sovereignty | The canal is under the sovereignty of the Panamanian people. |
| Neutrality | The canal is declared permanently neutral under international law.|
| International Support| Panama would seek support from the UN and other nations if sovereignty is threatened. |
| Historical Context | The treaty was approved by Panama in a plebiscite and ratified by the US Senate after significant effort. |
The Panama Canal remains a testament to the power of diplomacy and the importance of respecting international agreements. As global dynamics evolve, the treaty’s principles continue to safeguard the canal’s neutrality and Panama’s sovereignty.
for more details on the treaty, explore the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal [1].
Summary:
- Past Context and Current Protests:
– The Panama Canal, built with U.S. help in the early 20th century, is a symbol of Panama’s struggle for sovereignty.
– In 2016, Panama completed a major expansion of the Canal.
– On december 24, 2020, construction workers protested outside the U.S. Embassy in Panama City.
- President Trump’s Threat and International Response:
– Trump threatened to use U.S. troops to seize control of the Panama Canal if Panama didn’t make a payment after missing a deadline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
– Panama didn’t make the payment, but it has repeatedly stated its commitment to honor all debts.
– Trump’s threats have sparked speculation about ulterior motives,including retaliation for Panama’s 2018 court ruling against one of Trump’s hotels and refusal to accept migrants from the U.S.
– The Latin American Reflection Table condemned Trump’s threats and warned of their consequences.
– Panama has remained resolute in defending its sovereignty.
- Aristides Royo’s Interview:
– Aristides Royo, a former president of Panama, reflected on the Canal’s significance, management, and misconceptions.
- He emphasized the success of Panama’s administration of the Canal and dismissed the myth that China controls it.
– Royo compared Trump’s statements about invading foreign territory to Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
– He noted the importance of diplomacy and sovereignty in managing the Canal.
