WORLD NEWS FOR MONTENEGRO DIASPORA
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AUTHOR:M.J. GDNUS
The newly elected US President Donald Trump has announced that, when he takes office, he will seek that this country take control of the Panama Canal, which is crucial for the transport of goods to Mexico, Canada and the US.
In a post on his social network TruthSocial, Trump said that this canal is vital to the US economy, but also to national security.
"A secure Panama Canal is crucial to American trade and the rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, and greatly reduces shipping times to US ports. The US is the largest user of the canal, with more than 70 percent of all crossings going to or coming from US ports," Trump announced.
He further said that "38,000 Americans gave their lives building" this canal, and accused the former US president of "giving up the canal."
"When President Jimmy Carter naively handed over the canal, for one dollar, during his term, it was decided that it would be operated by Panama, not China or any other party. It was also not intended that Panama would charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations doing business in our country, excessive prices and fees for the crossing," the US president-elect said in a statement.
He also said that "the US Navy and commerce have been treated unfairly."
"The fees charged by Panama are absurd, especially given the enormous generosity shown to Panama by the US. This complete 'robbery' of our country must stop immediately," Donald Trump said.
