Mulino Responds to Trump on US Ships in National Channel
Panama Responds too Trump’s Call for Free Passage Through Canal
PANAMA CITY, Panama – Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has responded to recent comments made by former U.S.President Donald Trump regarding transit fees for american ships using the Panama canal. Trump’s remarks, posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, reiterated his stance that U.S. vessels, both military adn commercial, should be allowed free passage through the waterway.
Trump’s Renewed Demands
Trump’s social media post amplified his long-held view on the Panama canal,asserting that American ships should not be charged transit fees. “American ships, both military and commercial, must be able to travel cost-free by the channels of Panama and Suez!” Trump wrote.
Panama’s Rebuttal
President Mulino addressed Trump’s comments via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.He stated that the neutrality regulations and the Organic Law of the Panama Canal govern the transit and associated costs for all ships, nonetheless of origin. “There is no agreement to the contrary,” Mulino emphasized. “The agreed cooperation corresponds to the ACP to establish it with adherence to the rules above.”
U.S. Role in canal’s Existence Highlighted
in his post, Trump also asserted the U.S.’s pivotal role in the canal’s creation. “These channels would not exist without the United States of America,” he wrote, adding that he had requested Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the situation.
Background: U.S.-Panama Relations
Trump’s statements come approximately three weeks after a visit from U.S. defense officials, during which Minister of Security Frank Ábgrego signed a memorandum of understanding focusing on security matters.
compensation Mechanism in Place
The Panamanian government has previously stated that a compensation mechanism is in place, allowing U.S. warships to transit the Panama Canal without cost in exchange for security and technological innovation services.
Panama Responds to Trump’s call for Free Passage Thru Canal: A Q&A
What’s the basic situation?
The article discusses a recent exchange between former U.S. President Donald Trump and the Panamanian government regarding the Panama Canal. Trump, in a social media post, argued that American ships should have free passage through the canal. Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino responded, reiterating that transit fees are governed by established laws and regulations.
What did Donald Trump say?
Trump, through a post on his social media platform Truth Social, reiterated his long-held view that U.S. vessels, both military and commercial, should be allowed free passage through the Panama Canal. He stated, ”American ships, both military and commercial, must be able to travel cost-free by the channels of Panama and Suez!”
How did Panama respond to Trump’s remarks?
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino responded via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He clarified that the transit and associated costs for all ships are governed by the neutrality regulations and the Organic Law of the Panama Canal, irrespective of origin. He emphasized that “Ther is no agreement to the contrary.”
What laws govern the Panama Canal’s operations?
The neutrality regulations and the Organic Law of the Panama Canal are the governing legal frameworks for the canal’s operations, including transit fees. these laws apply to all ships using the waterway, regardless of their origin.
Did Trump mention the U.S.’s role in the canal’s creation?
Yes, Trump asserted the U.S.’s pivotal role in the canal’s creation. He wrote, “These channels would not exist without the United States of America.”
What is the past connection between the U.S. and the Panama Canal?
The United States played a vital role in the construction and operation of the Panama Canal, which is a key point highlighted by Trump. The canal was constructed by the U.S. and was under U.S. control for many years.
Is there any kind of compensation mechanism in place for U.S. warships?
Yes, the panamanian government has stated that a compensation mechanism is in place, allowing U.S. warships to transit the Panama Canal without cost. This arrangement exists in exchange for security and technological innovation services.
Why is this issue relevant now?
The article notes that Trump’s statements followed a visit from U.S. defense officials to Panama. During this visit,the Minister of Security signed a memorandum of understanding focusing on security matters. His remarks are a reiteration of his long-held views, and it shows current tensions in relations with Panama and the use of the canal.
What are the key points of disagreement?
The main point of disagreement is whether U.S. ships should be exempt from transit fees. trump argues for free passage, while Panama maintains its existing fee structure, citing established laws and international agreements.
Can you summarize the main arguments?
Here’s a summary of the main arguments:
Trump’s Argument: U.S. ships (military and commercial) should have free passage through the panama Canal due to the U.S.’s role in its construction.
Panama’s Argument: Transit fees are established under the neutrality regulations and the Organic Law of the Panama Canal, and apply to all ships. They deny agreeing to the contrary. And in exchange for security services, U.S. military vessels get compensation.
Table: Key Points of contention
| Issue | Trump’s Stance | Panama’s stance |
| ————————- | ————————————————– | —————————————————– |
| Transit Fees for U.S. Ships | American ships should have cost-free passage. | Fees are governed by law and apply to all ships. |
| Underlying Justification | U.S. role in the canal’s creation. | Compliance with neutrality regulations and laws. |
| Current Status | Seeking free passage via social media statements. | Fees are maintained; existing compensation mechanism. |