Panama files a complaint with the United Nations regarding Trump’s threat

The Panamanian government submitted a complaint to the United Nations, regarding US President Donald Trump’s threat to seize the Panama Canal, and also ordered an audit into the work of a Hong Kong-linked company that operates two ports on the vital waterway.

In a letter to the Secretary UN General António Guterres, the Panamanian government referred to an article of the UN Charter that prohibits any member from “threatening or using force.” Against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state.

The letter, which was distributed to journalists, urged the Secretary-General to refer the issue to the UN Security Council, without requesting a meeting.

In his inauguration speech as President On Monday, Trump repeated his accusations that China controls the Panama Canal through its increasing presence around the waterway, which the United States handed over to the Panamanian state at the end of 1999.

Trump said, “We did not hand it over to China. Rather, we delivered it to Panama, and we will take it back.”

On the other hand, the Panamanian Comptroller’s Office subsequently announced a comprehensive audit of the “Ports of Panama” company. With the aim of “ensuring the efficient and transparent use of public resources”.

And the “Ports of Panama” company, which is part of “Hutchison Ports” In turn, which is affiliated with the CK Hutchison Holding Group. In Hong Kong, it operates the ports of Balboa and Cristobal on either end of the canal.

The comptroller’s office said the goal is to determine whether the company is complying with its concession agreements, including reporting income, payments and contributions to the state.

Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino denied any other country interfering in the canal, which he said was operating on the principle of neutrality.

Molino said in response to Trump’s threats, “The canal belongs to Panama and will remain Also".

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