President-elect Donald Trump‘s advice on Tuesday that the United States may regain the Panama Canal, yet through the use of power, has caused uneasiness in Panama.
Panama’s foreign secretary, Javier Martínez-Acha, made his country’s place evident at a news conference days after the American president-elect mused loudly about retaking the river.
The nonnegotiable independence of our river is a part of our history of conflict and catastrophic conquest, according to Martnez-Acha. ” Let it be clear: The river belongs to the Panamanians, and it will continue to be that way”.
According to a report from the New York Times, experts believe Trump’s statements are more about putting pressure on opponents than creating a risk. They suggest that his purpose may be to get preferential treatment for US boats crossing the river or to encourage Panama to reduce immigration through the Darién Gap, a crucial route for migrants arriving in the US.
Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino has previously worked closely with the US on movement concerns, approving a US-supported program to lower illegal crossings through the Darién area.
Panamanians ‘ memories of past US military actions, including the 1989 invasion to depose Manuel Noriega, remain vivid, reigniting concerns.
A small country with more than 4 million inhabitants and no active military, as per its constitution, Panama would be in no position to stave off the U. S. military.
Trump has repeatedly stated in recent weeks that he is preparing to take office in addition to taking control of the Panama Canal, which the United States ceded to Panama by treaty in the late 1990s, and buying Greenland from Denmark.
