Russia "U.S. Can't undermine Panama's sovereignty"

Russia has opposed U.S. President Trump's announcement of his willingness to take back the Panama Canal, saying not to undermine Panama's sovereignty.

Russia's state-run Tas news agency reported on the 21st local time that Alexander Shchettinin, director of the Latin American Bureau of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said, "The United States should not undermine Panama's political independence or territorial sovereignty."

He also insisted on ensuring the neutral use of the Panama Canal, saying it should be used safely and freely as an international waterway.

In his inaugural address, President Trump clarified his willingness to take back, saying, "It is foolish to return the canal to Panama, which was completed so hard that 38,000 Americans were killed in the construction process, as well as huge funds."

In particular, he accused Panama of violating the agreement with the United States for entrusting operational rights to two ports to Hong Kong-based companies that cannot be free from China's sphere of influence.