In a letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday, Panama formally alerted the United Nations to U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks in his inauguration speech. Trump had vowed that the United States would... Eloy Alfaro de Alba, Panama's U.N. Ambassador, pointed out that according to the U.N. Charter, countries "shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state."
The letter, addressed to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, was shared with the 15-member Security Council. Panama, a council member for 2025-26, emphasized the importance of maintaining international peace and security.
Following his inauguration, Trump reiterated his intention to reassume U.S. control of the canal, accusing Panama of not honoring commitments made during the 1999 transfer and of allowing Chinese involvement. Panamanian officials strongly refuted these allegations.
In response to Trump's comments, President Jose Raul Mulino and Ambassador Alfaro de Alba advocated for dialogue to address the concerns while upholding Panama's sovereignty over the canal.
The United States constructed the canal and supervised the surrounding area until two treaties in 1977 paved the way for its return to Panama. The U.S. formally relinquished control in 1999 after a transitional period.