Panama has turned to the United Nations with an urgent appeal, citing the threats made by US President Donald Trump. According to Reuters, the Central American country referred to the promise made by the new head of state of the US to take back the Panama Canal.
Eloy Alfaro de Alba, Panama’s representative to the international organization, argued that all members should adhere to the UN Charter and refrain from any threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of a state.
The letter, which Reuters has reviewed, was sent to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and distributed to 15 members of the UN Security Council. Panama is set to assume the presidency of the global body in August, as a non-permanent member.
On Monday, Trump accused Panama of violating the conditions for the transfer of the strategically important canal in 1999, claiming that the country had handed over the operation to China. Minutes after his inauguration, Trump declared, “We didn’t give it to China, we gave it to Panama, and we’re going to take it back.”
This accusation was firmly rejected by both Panama and China.
The US had built the Panama Canal largely and managed the waterway, along with the surrounding areas, for decades. In 1977, the United States and Panama signed an agreement, under which the canal would be returned to the Central American country by the year 2000. After a period of joint administration, the object was finally handed over to Panama.