Panama Raises Concerns at UN Over Trump's Canal Remarks

President Trump's statement on Monday regarding the Panama Canal, claiming, 'We're taking it back,' has prompted Panama to alert the United Nations.

Panama officially contacted U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and members of the U.N. Security Council, firmly rejecting President Trump's remarks about the Panama Canal during his inaugural speech.

Following his swearing-in, Trump mentioned, 'We didn’t hand it to China, but to Panama, and we're retrieving it.'

Correspondence viewed by The New York Times dated January 20 included a message from Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino. He expressed strong disapproval of Trump's comments about Panama and its canal, speaking on behalf of his country.

Mulino asserted, 'The canal belongs to Panama, now and perpetually.'

Panama pointed to specific U.N. charter articles that condemn the use of threats or force against nations' territorial integrity or autonomy, implying that Trump's statements contravened these principles.

Though Panama did not call for an immediate Security Council meeting, diplomats acknowledged a potential for one if tensions escalate between the United States and Panama.

The United States is a principal member of the Security Council with veto powers, along with four other nations.

Since the previous year, Trump has frequently targeted Panama, incorrectly asserting that China controls the canal and that the U.S. must regain it.