Panamanian Academics Label Trump's Panama Canal Claims as 'Absurd'
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Panama City, Dec 23 (NationPress) Scholars from Panama have described US President-elect Donald Trump's threats to reclaim the Panama Canal as 'absurd'. On Saturday, Trump expressed on his Truth Social platform that the Panama Canal is of 'critical importance' to the US economy and national security. He insisted that Panama either lower the fees associated with the canal or return it to US control, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
'This is absurd,' stated Jones Cooper, a professor at the University of Panama. He emphasized that Panama is the legitimate owner of the canal and that the United States lacks any legal grounds for reclaiming it. Cooper pointed out that while the US benefited extensively during its occupation, Panama received little in compensation.
Julio Yao, a scholar specializing in international relations in Panama, referred to Trump's remarks as a contemporary example of America's 'big stick' policy. He affirmed that the Panama Canal should never be transferred back to the United States.
Under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties signed in 1977 by then-Panamanian President Omar Torrijos and then-US President Jimmy Carter, Panama regained sovereignty over the canal on December 31, 1999.
On the following Sunday, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino stated that the canal will 'remain under Panamanian control' despite Trump’s threats to reclaim it.
Mulino asserted that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its surrounding areas are the property of Panama and 'will stay that way.' He emphasized that the 'sovereignty and independence' of the nation are non-negotiable in a video posted on social media.
Trump referred to the Panama Canal as a 'VITAL National Asset for the United States,' threatening to take it back while citing 'exorbitant fees' imposed on US vessels.
Mulino expressed his desire to foster a 'respectful' relationship with the incoming US administration, highlighting that issues such as illegal immigration, drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime should be at the forefront of the bilateral agenda.
He also reiterated the significance of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, noting that they established the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal, 'ensuring its safe and open operation for all nations.' He added that any contrary stance is 'invalid.'
Regarding the tariffs, Mulino explained that they are determined through an open hearing process, taking into account market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the needs for maintenance and modernization of the interoceanic waterway.
'The Canal will remain an inalienable heritage of our nation, ensuring its use for the peaceful and uninterrupted passage of vessels from all nations,' declared the Panamanian president.
