President of Panama fires back at Trump: Canal 'belongs to Panama'
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino shot back on Sunday after President-elect Trump suggested the Panama Canal return to U.S. control.
“As President, I want to express clearly that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama, and will continue to do so,” Mulino said in video statement, according to an English translation. “The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”
“The Canal is not under direct or indirect control, neither by China, nor by the European Community, nor by the United States, nor by any other power,” Mulino said. “As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any manifestation that distorts this reality.”
“Panama respects other nations and demands respect,” he added.
Trump, on Sunday, suggested to a conference of his supporters that the Panama Canal be returned to U.S. control, vowing swift action over........
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