ARIZONA:
Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to retake US control of the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of charging excessive transit fees for using the canal.
Addressing supporters in Arizona, Trump said he would not let the Panama Canal fall into the wrong hands and signaled a tougher US stance on the issue.
Trump said in his speech, “Has anyone ever heard of the Panama Canal?” We are being robbed everywhere, and the Panama Canal is no exception.
He claimed that when the canal was handed over to Panama decades ago, there were certain conditions that must be implemented.
Trump added that the canal was given to Panama and its people, but there are legal clauses. If these principles are not followed, we will demand that the canal be returned to the United States in its entirety and unconditionally.
Trump also posted a photo on the social media platform “Truth Social”, showing the American flag flying over the Panama Canal, with the caption: ‘Welcome to the United States of America Canal.’
Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino strongly rejected Trump’s statement, saying in a recorded message that Panama’s independence and sovereignty cannot be compromised.
He said that there is no external influence on the management of the Panama Canal, and we will continue to defend our national interests.
President Molino responded to Trump’s accusations by saying that the fees imposed on the use of the canal are determined transparently and are in line with international trade standards. He termed Trump’s statement as irresponsible and against the principles of international relations.
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, was initially owned by the United States and transferred to Panama in a 1999 treaty. was The canal is an important route for world trade and is of great economic and strategic importance.
Trump’s statement has caused concern in the international community. Analysts say the statement signals a potentially aggressive shift in US diplomacy.
Experts say that such threats can increase tensions in the region and damage the reputation of the United States.
A potential conflict over the Panama Canal could also have an impact on global trade, affecting the region’s economy.
