International Law is on Our Side in the Panama Canal Affair: President Mulino
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino, 2025. X/ @ClaridadPanama1
January 22, 2025 Hour: 2:19 pm
The interoceanic waterway is governed by a multilateral treaty supported by over 40 countries, he recalled.
On Wednesday, Panamanian President Jose Mulino stated that his country has international law “on its side” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s intentions to reclaim control of the Panama Canal.
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“I feel that the Canal belongs to Panama by its own right,” Mulino emphasized during a press conference at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
Previously, during his inauguration speech on Monday, Trump vowed to retake control of the interoceanic waterway, reiterating a statement he had made after his victory in the 2024 elections.
Mulino stressed that the Panama Canal is governed by an international treaty supported by over 40 countries and is currently the only such treaty in force. “It is a multilateral international treaty. It’s not just about Panama. More than 40 countries have supported the neutrality protocol,” he recalled.
When asked if those other countries could be called upon to ensure compliance with the legality of the Canal, the Panamanian leader responded, “Of course. International law must be obeyed and respected.”
Mulino declined to specify what actions he plans to take regarding the matter, as he is focused on his visits to Switzerland, Italy, and the Vatican. However, he indicated that he would analyze the issue with his national and international advisory teams upon his return to Panama.
In a letter sent to United Nations Secretary Antonio Guterres, Panama also expressed concern over statements made by President Trump, who, without providing evidence, accused the Central American country of violating agreements on the interoceanic canal and reiterated his threat to seize it for the U.S.
“In their international relations, UN members shall refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations,” reminded Eloy Alfaro de Alba, Panama’s ambassador to the UN.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE – La Jornada
