Panamanian Canal Crisis: Panama Ready To Take The UN Line To Face The US

JAKARTA - The Panama Canal came into the spotlight after the President of the United States (US) was elected, Donald Trump, on December 22 stated that he would demand the return of ownership of the canal to the US. He assessed that the high cost of passing through the canal was detrimental to his country.

Trump accused Panama of violating "every point of the agreement" with Washington and imposing excessive tariffs on US Navy ships. Earlier, in January, he also stated that he had negotiated with Panamanian authorities to regain control of the Panama Canal.

In response to this, reported ANTARA, Saturday, January 11, the former president of Panama,MINAl Balladares, revealed that the current President of Panama Jose Raul Mulino is considering diplomatic steps.

"He (Mulino) said he would take further action after January 20 (after Trump's inauguration) ... if President-elect Trump insists on the matter," Balladares told Politico daily.

Balladares added that Mulino was even considering submitting a request to the UN Security Council if Trump continued his rhetoric towards Panama. This, said Balladares, was revealed by Mulino in a private meeting with him.