Union leaders and social organizations in Panama reaffirm their commitment to defending the sovereignty of the Panama Canal against possible foreign interference. In response to former U.S. President Donald Trump's statements, which hinted at a supposed recovery of the Canal by the United States, several local leaders have come forward to reject this claim.
Diplomat Guillermo Cochez has strongly expressed his rejection of Trump's comments, asserting that the Panama Canal is and will continue to be Panamanian. Cochez emphasized that the statements from the former U.S. president are baseless and that Panama's sovereignty over the Canal is backed by international agreements, such as the Torrijos-Carter Treaty of 1977.
In this sense, the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, has dismissed Trump's assertions as false and an affront to the sovereignty of the country. Mulino has reiterated that the Canal is irrecoverable and that it is the heritage of Panama, stressing that at no point has the transfer of administration of the interoceanic route been discussed in bilateral dialogues with the United States.
Union leader Marcos Andrade has expressed his concern over Trump's statements, indicating that they represent a direct threat to Panamanian sovereignty. Andrade called for national unity to confront any attempt of foreign intervention, highlighting the importance of defending the homeland and the country against external pressures.
Since the reversal of the Panama Canal to Panamanian hands in 2000, the Panama Canal Authority has managed the route autonomously and without external interventions. In light of the recent statements that have generated concern in the country, various sectors have reaffirmed their commitment to defending Panamanian sovereignty over this important artery of international trade.
