President-elect Donald Trump recently addressed the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, amid ongoing discussions regarding the Panama Canal. As reported by Breitbart News, Trump had recently stated that the United States would reclaim the strategic waterway if Panama continues to “rip off” the U.S.
Trump took to Truth Social, stating, “The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National.” He went on to emphasize, “A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. Commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to U.S. ports.” Trump further highlighted that the United States is the “Number One user of the Canal, with over 70 percent of all transits heading to, or from, U.S. ports.” Reflecting on its historical significance, he added, “Considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago, and was built at HUGE cost to the United States in lives and treasure – 38,000 American men died from infected mosquitos in the jungles during construction.”
In response, Panama’s President Mulino made it clear that the Panama Canal would remain under Panama’s control. “As President, I want to express clearly that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so,” Mulino said in a video statement, which was translated into English. He further stated, “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable. The Canal is not under direct or indirect control, neither by China, nor by the European Community, nor by the United States, nor by any other power. As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any manifestation that distorts this reality.”
Mulino also reaffirmed Panama’s position on international respect, saying, “Panama respects other nations and demands respect.”
Trump responded to the remarks with a pointed message on Truth Social, writing, “We’ll see about that.”
Earlier in his post, Trump criticized Panama for charging “exorbitant prices” for passage through the canal and alleged that China had taken control of its management. “When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else,” Trump remarked. He added, “It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage. Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete ‘rip-off’ of our Country will immediately stop.”
In turn, Mulino defended Panama’s fee structure, explaining, “Rates are not a whim. They are established publicly and in an open hearing, taking into account market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the maintenance and modernization needs of the interoceanic route.”
{Matzav.com}