Panama: Installation of Military Base Questioned

(insidecostarica.com ) PANAMA -The installation of an air and sea station in the Panamanian archipelago Las Perlas generated criticisms on Wednesday of the Union of Construction and Similar Workers (SUNTRACS) that is one of the most important of the country.

Leader of that union Saul Mendez considers that with the action the government "is being involved in a war logic that is not convenient for the nation."

The centre, which is located in Chapera Island, is part of the governmental strategy to fight drug-trafficking, affirmed Minister of Government and Justice José Raúl Mulino.

Mulino ratified that the bases will be managed by Panamanian staff and ruled out operations of the US or other country in the national territory.

Nevertheless, the Minister as authorities of the security bodies declared the will of collaboration on that matter with any interested country. US ambassador in Panama Bárbara Stephenson recently affirmed that some institutions of her country will assume the training of Panamanian staff and will offer logistic support.

The 11 bases are supposed to be functioning by the middle of 2010.

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Original Source: http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2009/december/03/centam-09120302.htm
Date Retrieved: December 4, 2009