canal-belongs-to-panama-no-negotiations-with-us-prez-mulino

President José Raúl Mulino of Panama has unequivocally stated that there will be no negotiations with the United States regarding the ownership of the Panama Canal. This declaration comes as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for an official visit to the Central American nation.

 

In a press briefing on Thursday, President Mulino addressed recent comments from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has suggested that the United States should reclaim control of the canal.

 

On the day of his inauguration, President Trump remarked that U.S. vessels were being "severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form," adding that "above all, China is operating the Panama Canal."

 

He had previously indicated that the U.S. might demand the canal's return.

 

President Mulino sought to clarify misconceptions about China's involvement, noting that while a Hong Kong-based consortium manages ports at both ends of the canal, the waterway itself remains under Panamanian administration.

 

He attributed the establishment of diplomatic relations with China to a predecessor's decision.

 

"It's impossible, I can't negotiate," Mulino asserted when questioned about the possibility of returning the canal to U.S. control. "That is done. The canal belongs to Panama."

 

The United States constructed the canal in the early 20th century to facilitate maritime transit between its eastern and western seaboards.

 

Control of the canal was transferred to Panama on 31 December 1999, following a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter.

 

President Mulino expressed a desire to move beyond the canal ownership debate and focus on collaborative efforts with the United States.

 

"The only thing that I want is to clear all the garbage from the path, clean the table and be able to speak with the United States very frankly," he stated, highlighting issues such as immigration, security, and the fight against drug trafficking.

 

Secretary Rubio is scheduled to meet with President Mulino on Sunday and will also visit the canal during his trip.