Universities join Protests in Panama

University students joined protests in Panama on Tuesday, May 7th, following the signing of a controversial memorandum with the United States that will increase military presence in the Panama Canal.

This large demonstration was attended by students, professors, administrators, and officials from the University of Panama.

The demonstration comes following nationwide protests and a partial labor strike, launched last week by construction workers, teachers, and healthcare workers. 

The groups are not only protesting the agreement with the United States, which they consider to be a compromise to Panamanian sovereignty, but they are also opposed to the reopening of the mine and want to repeal the law that recently reformed Social Security. 

The Mulino administration, the U.S., and the Panama Canal 

The Mulino administration insists that the security cooperation document that was recently signed between Panama and the U.S. will not compromise the country’s neutrality. The agreement is valid for three years and can be extended, it will allow the United States to increase its military personnel, engineers, and contractors at at least three sites under Panamanian command.

"It does not imply control of a foreign power, as some would like to claim [...] International cooperation is necessary to strengthen our capabilities; collaborating with the United States in this case helps us improve security without affecting our sovereignty or our laws."

- Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha 

The foreign minister concluded that Panama is acting with “prudence” and trying to avoid possible US sanctions. He also emphasized that the country can terminate the memorandum whenever it wants, giving its counterpart six months’ notice.

Source: La Estrella Video: NexNoticias
Panama Canal Press Release 
Photo: Matias Delacroix - AP