Panama's president refutes Trump's claims to Panama Canal

During his inauguration speech, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his intention to "reclaim" the Panama Canal. In response, Panama's President José Raúl Mulino issued a statement completely rejecting Trump's remarks regarding Panama and the canal.

Mulino emphasized on social media that the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to be managed by the country, maintaining its permanent neutrality. He stressed that the canal is not a gift from anyone, but rather the result of generations of struggle.

He noted that since the canal was returned to Panama in 1999, the country has responsibly managed and expanded it to serve global trade, including that of the United States. Mulino reaffirmed that dialogue is the correct approach to clarify any issues.

The U.S. and Panama signed a treaty in 1977, which stipulated that from Dec. 31, 1999, Panama would regain full control over the canal's management and defense, with all U.S. military forces withdrawing from the canal zone.

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