The article centers on the criticism by former Panamanian President MartÃn Torrijos and others of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on security between Panama and the United States. The US ambassador, Kevin Marino Cabrera, called the criticism intellectually dishonest, highlighting that similar agreements were signed during previous administrations, including Torrijos's.
The article details at least two security agreements signed during Torrijos's 2004-2009 presidency. These include a 2009 agreement under the Mérida Initiative, involving cooperation on anti-narcotics, counterterrorism, and law enforcement, and a 2005 agreement (Nota 165) enabling real-time radar data sharing for counternarcotics operations. These agreements involved the sharing of sensitive information and the presence of US personnel and vessels in Panama.
Initially secret, details of these agreements were revealed in 2011 via Wikileaks. This led to a public debate about Panamanian sovereignty and the presence of US warships in Panamanian waters, something unseen since the 1989 invasion. While Torrijos initially defended the agreements, citing the need for international cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts, his recent stance has shifted to staunchly oppose the new MoU, highlighting the historical significance of Panamanian sovereignty.
The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing debate about the new MoU, with the government supporting it as strategic cooperation while opposition groups express reservations. The complexities of the Panama-US security relationship remain a prominent issue.