The representative of the Panama Canal Ricairet Vasquez said that the channel would remain under the control of Panama, rejecting the assumptions of the chosen US President Donald Trump on a possible transition of control over the United States.
In an interview with Associated Press (AP), Vasquez emphasized that Trump’s allegations about Channel Channel are groundless. He clarified that Chinese companies operating on the territory of the canal are part of the Hong Kong Consortium, which won the tender in 1997. American and Taiwanese companies also operate on the channel, he reminded.
Responding to Trump’s statements, Vasquez emphasized: “The Panamani Canal is open for the trade of all countries. According to the neutrality agreement, no special conditions for American vessels are provided, with the exception of warships entitled to accelerated passage.”
In addition, Vasquez noted that the rules of pricing to the passage through the channel are united for everyone and are clearly defined.
– Trump’s reaction to the Panama Canal and Greenland
January 8 Trump, answering the question of the possible use of force to control the Panamani Canal and Greenland, said: “No, I cannot guarantee that I do not use military forces. Perhaps we will have to do something to ensure economic Safety “.
Trump also claimed that the Panamani Canal, built by the US Army, is now under the control of China. “The channel is vital for our country. We handed it over to Panama, but today it is controlled by China. We did not plan it,” he said.
Panama’s answer
President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino, however, emphasized that the sovereignty of the canal is not subject to discussion. “The only force of the control channel is Panama, and it will always be so,” he said.
Panama Foreign Minister Javier Martinez -Acha added that the Panama Canal is an “irreversible achievement, which is part of the struggle for the country’s full independence.”