Panama's Stance: Sovereignty Amid US Military Agreement Protests

Panama President José Raúl Mulino stands firm on an agreement allowing US troop access to Panamanian facilities, asserting national sovereignty amid protests. The deal, discussed during US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit, is clarified by the US as non-establishing military bases. Cooperation targets drug trafficking and canal protection.

Panama's President José Raúl Mulino has made it clear that he will not revisit the agreement granting US troop access to the nation's facilities, despite mounting public protests accusing him of compromising Panama's sovereignty.

On Tuesday, thousands of citizens took to the streets of the capital in what is being called the largest protest yet against the agreement forged last month during the visit of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The protests reflect the sensitivity surrounding any US military presence due to historical events, including the 1989 invasion and former President Donald Trump's remarks about reclaiming control of the Panama Canal.

While the US embassy has issued a statement ensuring that the agreement does not permit the establishment of military bases in Panama, Mulino reassured during a press conference that the nation's sovereignty remains intact. He emphasized that the agreement enhances bilateral cooperation primarily against drug trafficking and protects the Panama Canal, complying with existing treaties.

(With inputs from agencies.)