Panamanians Protest Against Trump in Front of the U.S. Embassy
A Panamanian citizen burns a photograph of Donald Trump, Dec. 24, 2024. X/ @radioplatinumec
December 24, 2024 Hour: 1:55 pm
‘We’ll stay alert to defend our canal, sovereignty, and self-determination,’ SUNTRACS leader said.
On Tuesday, Panamanian workers protested in front of the United States Embassy in Panama City to denounce statements made by President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened to demand the return of the Panama Canal to the United States.
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“The Panamanian people have consistently and resolutely rejected this. We must state clearly that Trump’s remarks are unacceptable,” said Saúl Méndez, the secretary of the National Union of Workers of Construction and Similar Industries (SUNTRACS).
The workers also called on President Jose Raul Mulino to summon U.S. Ambassador Mari Carmen Aponte—appointed under the administration of President Joe Biden—to “hold her accountable” for Trump’s comments.
“The elites have always sought to ensure that the Americans remain in Panama, on our territory, and in our canal. The people have rejected this, which is why we must remain vigilant and united against any act of betrayal. We will stay alert to defend our canal, our sovereignty, and our self-determination,” said the leftist leader and former presidential candidate.
Earlier, on December 21, the Republican candidate posted a message on his social media account indicating explicitly what his foreign policy toward the Central American nation and its infrastructure would entail.
“The Panama Canal is considered a vital national asset for the United States, due to its critical role in America’s economy and national security. A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. commerce and the rapid deployment of the Navy from the Atlantic to the Pacific, drastically cutting shipping times to U.S. ports,” Trump stated.
“When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for one dollar, during his term in office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China or anyone else. It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States—its Navy and corporations doing business within our country—exorbitant prices and rates of passage. Our Navy and commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way.”
“The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially given the extraordinary generosity that the United States has bestowed on Panama. This complete ‘rip-off’ of our country will immediately stop. The U.S. has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation between us and Panama,” Trump said.
“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 us, in full, and without question. To the officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!,” he threatened.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE
