**Molino’s Inauguration Speech Criticism: “Violation of Sovereignty, Interference in Internal Affairs”**
**”25 years of canal expansion operation, contributing to countries worldwide including the U.S.”**
**Emphasis on legal protection by international law, including the 1977 Carter-Torrijos Treaty**
[Panama City = AP/Newsis] José Raúl Molino, President of Panama, strongly opposed President Donald Trump’s inauguration remarks about reclaiming the Panama Canal, emphasizing the treaties with the U.S. and the canal’s contribution to the global economy.
[Seoul = Newsis] Reporter Cha Mire: Panamanian President José Raúl Molino strongly objected to U.S. President Donald Trump’s intentions to reclaim the Panama Canal as mentioned in his inauguration speech.
President Molino posted a rebuttal on social media platform X, stating, “The Republic of Panama and its citizens have heard the remarks made by President Trump concerning our nation and the Panama Canal, and we strongly reject them.”
President Molino emphasized that currently no country interferes in Panama’s internal affairs.
“We have successfully operated and even expanded the canal over the past 25 years without interference and have upheld our responsibility to contribute to commerce and transportation worldwide, including in the U.S.,” President Molino declared.
President Trump did not hide his recent ambitions concerning territorial expansion during his inauguration.
He stated, “China is now operating the Panama Canal,” adding, “Despite the United States having handed over the Panama Canal, Panama has lost it to China. Now, the U.S. will reclaim the Panama Canal.”
President Trump has been advocating for the re-acquisition of operational rights over the Panama Canal and the incorporation of Greenland, a Danish territory, into the United States. He has also proposed renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, openly displaying a U.S.-centric attitude disregarding other countries’ stances.
Panamanian President José Raúl Molino expressed that Trump’s remarks were an insult to Panama’s sovereignty.
Molino emphasized that the Panama Canal is protected by international law, based on the neutrality treaty with the U.S. and the Carter-Torrijos Treaty (1977), and that the canal is operated by democratically justified procedures and rights granted by international law.
He stated that historically, the Panama Canal has benefited all countries, including the U.S., with the consensus of friendly neighbor countries and allies.
He stressed, “Talking about other matters should always be conducted through dialogue so long as it does not infringe on Panama’s full sovereignty, fundamental rights, or ownership of the canal.”
Countries mentioned by Trump, including Panama and Greenland, remain concerned, fearing that Trump’s America-first stance, indicating potential use of force, may escalate into aggression, and thus, they continue to voice their strong objections.