In a sharp diplomatic clash, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to push for the return of the Panama Canal to American control, accusing Panama of overcharging the U.S. for its use.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to push for the return of the Panama Canal to American control, accusing Panama of charging exorbitant fees for its use. Speaking to supporters in Arizona, Trump expressed frustration over Panama’s management of the critical waterway, stating, "You've got to treat us fairly, and they haven't treated us fairly. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America in full, quickly, and without question. Not going to stand for it. So to the officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly."
Trump also emphasized the strategic importance of the canal saying, "The United States is the number one user of the Panama Canal with over 72% of all transits heading to or from U.S. ports. Think of that. So we built it; we're the ones that use it. They gave it away. Considered one of the world's, really one of the great wonders of the world, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago and was built at a huge cost to the United States."
In response, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino firmly rejected Trump’s remarks, reaffirming Panama’s sovereignty over the canal by stating, "Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belong to Panama and will continue to belong to Panama. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable."
Mulino also defended the canal’s fees, which Trump had criticized as excessive, explaining, "Rates are not a whim. They are established publicly in an open hearing – considering market conditions, international competition, operating costs, and the needs of maintenance and modernization of the interoceanic waterway."
Trump’s comments have sparked a rare public diplomatic clash between the U.S. and Panama, with potential implications for their relationship moving forward. The Panama Canal remains a crucial link for global trade and U.S. military operations, making its future management a highly sensitive issue.
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Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
The DRC and Rwanda have pledged to draft a peace deal by May 2 and stop backing armed groups, as part of new efforts to end conflict in eastern Congo.
Iran and the U.S. are set for a third round of indirect talks in Muscat, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program.
Donald Trump said talks between his envoy and Vladimir Putin made major progress toward ending the Ukraine war, urging Kyiv and Moscow to meet face-to-face.
Estonia has passed a €2.8 billion defense funding bill, raising military spending to over 5% of GDP amid growing security concerns over Russia.
George Santos, a former U.S. congressman, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after being convicted of fraud and identity theft.
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