Panama allows the deployment of American forces around the “channel”

The “France Presse” agency reported that the Panamanian presidency will allow the American forces to deploy on the Panama channel, according to a bilateral agreement seen by “Agence France Presse”, a major concession obtained by Washington even if the possibility of establishing military bases is excluded.

The presence of American forces is a sensitive issue in the country in Central America, as it is reminded of the period when the United States had a pocket there with military bases before the channel waived the sink in 1999.

According to the agreement signed by US Defense Minister Beit Higseth, who visited Panama this week, and his Panamanian counterpart, Frank Abigo, the American army and private military companies operating with the United States will be able to “use the permitted sites, installations and areas designated for training and humanitarian activities.”

The agreement – and its three -year duration is renewable – that the facilities will belong to the Panamanian state, and will be dedicated to “joint use” by the forces of the two countries.

Since it took power last January, the Donald Trump administration has developed the Panama channel, which provides a link between the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, at the top of its strategic agenda, especially to confront Chinese interests in this Latin American region, which the United States tends to consider its influence.

Rather, Trump had already raised the possibility of “restoring” the channel that the United States built in 1914, and gave it to Panama in 1999.

The United States has long been involved in military training in Panama, but the presence of US forces in the long run may constitute a political burden on the central right -wing Panama President, Jose Raul Mulino, according to political experts.

Mulino, who was in Peru the day before yesterday, confirmed that the United States requested the re -establishment of military bases in the country and “waiver of lands”, which he rejected.

He explained that he responded to Higseth, saying: “Do you want chaos and set fire to the country?”, Stressing that “this channel is developing and will remain so.”

During a press conference, last Wednesday, the US Secretary of Defense indicated that joint defense exercises constituted an “opportunity to re -launch a military base” in which “American forces” operate, a position that caused discontent. “We cannot accept military bases or defensive sites,” Abigo said at the same press conference.

. Washington has received a great concession from Panama, even as it was excluded from the possibility of establishing military bases.