A super cargo ship prepares its entry into the Panama Canal. Photo: EFE/file photo.
“It is not about neutrality, it is about partial neutrality,” commented the former advisor to Omar Torrijos and one of the negotiators of the treaty, Julio Yao.
Panamanians are calling for a revision or repeal of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, which entered into force upon the transfer of control of the canal to Panama in 1999. Some commentators have referred to the treaty as illegitimate.
According to statements by former advisor to Omar Torrijos [military leader of Panama from 1968 to 1981], and one of the treaty’s negotiators, Julio Yao, “the Neutrality Treaty expired on December 31, 1999, and that treaty was the only valid and legal thing the United States did based on the Tack-Kissinger declarations.”
Yao argued that the Neutrality Treaty is not legally valid for several reasons, one of which is perpetuity, which is not applicable in international law except for treaties relating to peace or borders.
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Another reason provided by the former advisor is that the document was never examined by the National Assembly of Panama for ratification.
“It is not about neutrality, it is about partial neutrality,” said Yoa. “It serves to enshrine the exercise of the eminent and exclusive military dominion of the United States in Panama, Latin America, and the world.”
According to Rekha Chandiramani, correspondent for the multi-platform news channel Telesur, the first person to suggest opposing the perpetuity of the treaty was the chief negotiator, Juan Antonio Tack, then foreign minister, who resigned in 1976 before the signing of the treaties.
The negotiating commission was renewed with Arístides Royo at the head, former president of Panama, who, together with Adolfo Ahumada, Rómulo Escolar Bethancourt, and Nicolás Ardito Barletta, finalized the second treaty, leaving the nation at the mercy of the Pentagon.
Parallel to the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, the Treaty of Permanent Neutrality was signed, where the most damaging part for Panamanian sovereignty is the amendment that this document contains, called the DeConcini Amendment.
Panamanian trade unionist and general secretary of the National Union of Workers in the Construction and Related Industries (Suntracs), Saúl Méndez, commented that the DeConcini Amendment establishes that if, in the judgment of the United States, the Canal is at risk, the US can intervene in Panama.
Panama abolished its army after the United States invaded the country in 1989. Some historians have argued that this was the real reason for the imperialist intervention: to perpetuate Panama’s military dependence. US President Trump has taken advantage of this shortcoming, turning his guns on Panamanian sovereignty and claiming that he is defending Panama from Chinese influence.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SL
