I want to express that every square meter of the
Panama Canal and its adjacent areas belong to Panama and
will continue to belong to Panama. The sovereignty and
independence of our country are not negotiable. The canal
is not controlled directly or indirectly by China, the
European Community, the United States, or any other
power. As a Panamanian, I reject any statement
that misrepresents this reality. The canal will continue to
be in Panamanian hands as the patrimony of our nation
and guaranteeing its use for the peaceful and uninterrupted transit
of ships of all nations.