Acuerdo con Estados Unidos cobra factura en la Cancillería: ¿qué revela la carta de renuncia de Ruiz Hernández? | La Prensa Panamá

Key Events Leading to Resignation

Panamanian Vice-Minister Carlos Ruiz Hernández resigned following a controversial joint security declaration with the United States. The statement, released after a visit by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, omitted explicit mention of Panamanian sovereignty over the Panama Canal in the English version, sparking outrage.

• Joint Declaration Discrepancy: The Panamanian and U.S. versions of the joint declaration differed, with the U.S. version omitting references to Panamanian sovereignty.
• Resignation Letter: Ruiz Hernández's resignation letter highlighted his concerns about the lack of explicit mention of Panamanian sovereignty in the U.S. version of the declaration.
• Panamanian Response: Panama requested an update to the joint communiqué, seeking explicit recognition of its sovereignty.

Conflict and Diplomatic Tensions

The incident highlighted pre-existing tensions between Ruiz Hernández and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez Acha regarding the handling of U.S.-Panama relations. A memorandum of understanding allowing U.S. forces to use Panamanian facilities further fueled the controversy. Disagreements arose concerning the interpretation of the agreement, particularly concerning the cost and priority of U.S. naval vessel passage through the Panama Canal.

• Differing Views on Agreements: Discrepancies in interpreting the signed documents resulted in a major political debate in Panama.
• Public Criticism: Lawyers and civil society representatives criticized the agreements, arguing they violate Panama's Constitution and international treaties.
• Trump's Comments: President Trump's comments regarding the deployment of troops to Panama and China's influence further exacerbated the tensions.

Aftermath and New Appointments

Despite a video issued by the U.S. Embassy attempting to clarify the U.S. position and reiterate respect for Panama's sovereignty, the controversy persisted. Ruiz Hernández's resignation led to the appointment of Carlos Hoyos Boyd as the new Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs.

• Cabinet Meeting: President Mulino urged cabinet members to support the agreements, causing further tension.
• New Vice-Minister: Carlos Hoyos Boyd was appointed to the position, facing the challenge of navigating the complex relationship with the U.S.