Panama's president rejects Trump's claims over canal ownership
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has rejected US President-elect Donald Trump's threats to reclaim control over the Panama Canal. Mulino emphasized that the canal is owned by Panama and ruled out any negotiations or toll reductions for US ships. Mulino's comments follow Trump's recent statements asserting the canal's importance to US national security and economic interests. Trump has also nominated Kevin Marino Cabrera as the new US Ambassador to Panama amid these tensions. The Panama Canal was under US control until 1999, when it was fully handed over to Panama. Mulino's firm stance highlights the ongoing sovereignty issues surrounding the canal.