Panama Celebrates 25 Years of Canal Control Amid U.S. Tensions

Panama commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Panama Canal handover as tensions rose with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened to reclaim control. The ceremony paid tribute to Jimmy Carter. Panama's President Mulino emphasized national ownership amid concerns about foreign influence and shipping fee disputes.

Panama marked a significant milestone on Tuesday by celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Panama Canal handover from the United States. The observance was set against the backdrop of a recent threat by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to take back control of the critical waterway. The day was tinged with mourning as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who orchestrated the 1999 handover agreement, passed away on Sunday.

During the commemoration in Panama City, President José Raúl Mulino expressed mixed emotions of joy over the canal's quarter-century in Panamanian hands and sorrow at Carter's death. Although Mulino avoided direct comments on Trump's remarks, he assured that the canal remains firmly under Panama's control, dismissing fears of foreign dominance.

Despite the celebration, tensions simmer as Trump criticized Panama's increased fees for canal usage, threatening to demand its return. However, legal experts and former canal administrators highlight the impossibility of reversing the handover under current treaties, emphasizing Panama's strategies to navigate economic challenges and climate impacts affecting shipping operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)