Russia's foreign ministry has urged President Donald Trump to uphold the existing international agreement concerning the Panama Canal, advocating for its continued governance by Panama.
Alexander Shchetinin, head of the Latin American department at Russia's foreign ministry, expressed to TASS, a Russian news outlet, his expectation that Trump "will respect the current international legal regime" established by the 1977 treaties between the United States and Panama.
As reported by Fox News, these treaties transferred control of the canal from the United States to Panama by the year 2000, ensuring its neutrality. Since his election victory in November, Trump has criticized Panama, accusing it of allowing China to exert influence over this vital maritime trade route, thereby disadvantaging U.S. vessels. In his inaugural address, Trump reiterated his concerns, asserting that the United States would be "taking it back."
Shchetinin emphasized the importance of respecting the canal's legal status during anticipated discussions between Panama's leadership and President Trump. He noted that 40 countries, including Russia, have signed a protocol agreement to uphold the canal's neutrality and maintain its security and accessibility.
"[The U.S. and Panama] must protect the canal from any threat to the neutrality regime," Shchetinin stated, clarifying that the U.S. right to defend the canal should not be construed as interference in Panama's internal affairs.
Trump has previously criticized the agreement, labeling it a "big mistake" by former President Carter. In his inaugural speech, Trump highlighted the significant investment and sacrifices made by the United States in constructing the canal, lamenting the perceived breach of Panama's commitments.
"American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way, shape or form, and that includes the United States Navy. And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal. And we didn't give it to China, we gave it to Panama, and we're taking it back," Trump declared.
However, Ricaurte Vsquez, the canal's administrator, refuted claims of Chinese control, affirming that all nations receive equal treatment under the neutrality treaty. The 51-mile canal, a crucial conduit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was constructed by the United States in the early 20th century to facilitate maritime transit and avoid the lengthy journey around Cape Horn.
Panama's President Jos Ral Mulino responded to Trump's remarks, asserting, "The Canal is and will continue to be Panama's and its administration will continue to be under Panamanian control with respect to its permanent neutrality."
He dismissed the notion of foreign interference and underscored the importance of dialogue to address concerns without compromising Panama's sovereignty. "Dialogue is always the way to clarify the points mentioned without undermining our right, total sovereignty and ownership of our Canal," Mulino stated.
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