Washington: Donald Trump, in his first speech after assuming the presidency, accused Panama of breaking its promise and said that now he will restore American occupation of the Panama Canal. He further said that this foolish gift was really not worth giving. American ships are also being treated unfairly. President Trump blamed China and said that China has taken over the canal and is managing it.
He further said that Panama’s agreement with China to operate the canal was basically a betrayal of the US. The cost of construction of that canal was paid by America. It was made by the Americans only. 38 Americans lost their lives during its construction. According to the agreement made with the country of Panama at that time, the nation of Panama accepted the United States’ occupation of the Panama Canal. But in 1977 the Carter administration foolishly gave the US rights to Panama for just one dollar. Hence Panama gained sovereignty over that canal.
According to the agreement, Panama allowed warships of America’s enemy countries to pass through it. It did not belong to the country, but under pressure from China, it has allowed Chinese warships to pass. This cannot be done, America will have to retake the Panama Canal. Panama has increased the tax on ships from 10 percent (according to weight) to 25 percent. Which is permanent.
Observers fear that Trump will capture not only the Panama Canal but the entire 77,082 square kilometer country.
