Panama not intending to hand over the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal will not be handed over to the management of other states, and its control will remain in Panama's hands. This statement was made by the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, in response to recent remarks by the new US President, Donald Trump.

Trump, for his part, expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of the Panamanian authorities in his inaugural address, claiming that they are not fulfilling their obligations regarding the management of the canal. 

He also noted that China is involved in key management issues, despite the fact that control of the canal was transferred to Panama, not China. According to Trump, the US can take back control of the canal.

The American President also expressed concern that Panama is setting excessively high tariffs for ship passage, including for US military vessels.

José Raúl Mulino firmly refuted these claims, emphasising that Panama will continue to manage the canal and that "no nation in the world" has the right to interfere in this management. The President of Panama reminded that since the transfer of the canal in 1999, his country has responsibly managed this vital international facility, developing it for the benefit of global trade.

Mulino also noted that Panama will rely on international law in regulating relations with other countries, including the US. He emphasised the importance of dialogue for resolving any issues, while respecting Panama's full sovereignty and its right to dispose of the canal.