ALBA-TCP Denounces Trump's Threats Regarding the Panama Canal

Caracas, Dec 25 (NationPress) The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People's Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) has vehemently criticized the recent remarks made by US President-elect Donald Trump, who suggested the potential for the US to regain control of the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is a crucial international waterway safeguarded by international law and historic agreements, notably the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, the alliance stated in an official announcement from Caracas.

These treaties confirm that the canal is an integral part of Panamanian territory, as noted in the statement.

ALBA-TCP characterized Trump's comments as an aggressive act against Panama's sovereignty, cautioning that such remarks pose a threat not just to Panama, but to the wider Latin American and Caribbean region.

The alliance reiterated its unwavering support for Panama in safeguarding its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and right to self-determination, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

It also reaffirmed its strong solidarity with the Panamanian government, labeling Trump's statements as a continued affront to Latin American sovereignty.

The Panama Canal was returned to Panamanian control by the United States in 1999, following the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977 under significant pressure from the Panamanian populace.

Earlier this week, several Panamanian scholars ridiculed Trump's threat to reclaim the Panama Canal, deeming it absurd.

Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the Panama Canal holds a critical role in the US economy and national security, demanding that Panama lower fees on the canal or return it to US oversight.

"It is ridiculous," remarked Jones Cooper, a professor at the University of Panama. He emphasized that Panama is the rightful owner of the canal and that the United States lacks any legal grounds to reclaim it, highlighting the significant profits reaped by the US during its occupation while Panama received little in return.

Julio Yao, a Panamanian scholar specializing in international relations, described Trump's comments as the latest manifestation of the American big stick policy, stressing that the Panama Canal must remain in Panamanian hands.

According to the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977 by the then-Panamanian President Omar Torrijos and then-US President Jimmy Carter, Panamanians regained their sovereignty over the canal on December 31, 1999.

On Sunday, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino asserted that the canal will "continue to be in Panamanian hands."

Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding areas belongs to Panama and "will remain so," Mulino stated in a social media video. He added that "the sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable."

Mulino expressed his desire to maintain a respectful relationship with the incoming US administration, emphasizing that security issues such as illegal migration, drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime should be prioritized in the bilateral agenda.

He also recalled the Torrijos-Carter Treaties and pointed out that it established the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, "guaranteeing its open and safe operation for all nations. (...) any contrary position is invalid."

"(The tariffs) are set based on an open hearing, taking into account market conditions, international competition, operational costs, and the maintenance and modernization needs of the interoceanic waterway," Mulino explained.

"The Canal will continue to be in Panamanian hands as an inalienable patrimony of our nation, ensuring its use for the peaceful and uninterrupted transit of ships from all nations," affirmed the Panamanian president.