Panama reiterated its willingness to play a role Mediation between the United States and Venezuela in a context characterized by increasing international pressure on the regime of Nicolás Maduro.
The Panamanian Vice Chancellor, Carlos Hoyosstated that the Central American country is studying options to enable a direct diplomatic channel between Washington and Caracas, including the possibility of providing it Emergency shelter for people connected to Maduro’s entourageas part of an eventual negotiation process.
“President José Raúl Mulino has made it clear that Panama would be willing to consider it temporarily if it was necessary to receive certain actors to make an agreement possible.“said Hoyos during his participation in the Doha Forum.
The statements come months after both countries partially reactivated consular services, a link that had been put on hold following Panama’s objections to Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election.
In this process, Maduro was declared the winner due to complaints of election manipulation. The United States and several governments in the region questioned the transparency of the results, while the Venezuelan opposition argued that the process was designed without guarantees.
The rise in tensions also coincides with the Deployment of US military units to the Caribbean. Washington claims the operation should be stopped Drug trafficking networksbut the Chavista dictatorship affirms that it is a maneuver that could serve as a platform for actions aimed at forcing political change.
In a recent statement, Maduro assured: “Venezuela faces an unacceptable threat” and accused the United States of promoting “a policy of permanent pressure.”
In addition, there is the message from United States Federal Aviation Administrationwhich urged airlines to exercise extreme caution when flying over Venezuela and areas of the southern Caribbean.
The statement warned of a “unpredictable operating environment” in the region, which had an immediate impact on flight connections to and from the South American country, which was already affected by previous restrictions.
Panama is watching these developments with concern, particularly due to the possible impact on the canal, one of the most important maritime corridors for world trade.
Hoyos stressed that any event that alters regional stability could affect safe transit.
“The canal is vital to international trade and our economy. A disruption would have global implications“, he explained.
The Panamanian authorities have recalled that the road generates essential revenue for the state budget every year and supports a significant part of maritime traffic between Asia, North America and Europe.
Regarding the role of the United States in protecting the interoceanic waterway, Hoyos emphasized that both countries maintain constant technical coordination.
“The United States has always shown interest in ensuring that the canal operates without interruptions“, he explained.
He added that Panama upholds the principle of neutrality enshrined in the treaties that govern the operation of the sea route.
Relations between Washington and Panama suffered tensions earlier this year after President Donald Trump said his administration would seek to “review the canal situation.”
These words sparked political concern in Panama, but Hoyos pointed out that the episode was behind us.
“This impasse has been completely overcome. Today the conversations focus on trade, migration and security.”said.
U.S. officials have repeatedly reiterated that their primary interest is maintaining stable operations on the highway.
Panamanian authorities hope the mediation will help prevent further deterioration in relations between the United States and Venezuela.
According to Hoyos, any incident of a military nature in the Caribbean would have immediate consequences for the region. Panama’s position aims to reduce uncertainty in a scenario that combines geopolitical tensions, electoral disputes in Venezuela and security decisions by the United States.
(With information from EFE)
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