Mon Dec 30 09:01:20 UTC 2024: ## Former US President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100; Legacy Includes Panama Canal Treaty Now Under Renewed Scrutiny
Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away on Sunday at the age of 100. His presidency, while facing economic challenges, is remembered for landmark achievements including the Camp David Accords and the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty. The treaty, a key foreign policy accomplishment, transferred control of the Panama Canal from the US to Panama by 1999, ending over 75 years of US control over the vital shipping route. The transfer, while celebrated by many as a step toward decolonization, also faced opposition, with some viewing it as a concession to a military dictatorship. The treaty’s ratification was a hard-fought battle, ultimately succeeding with support from unexpected quarters.
The legacy of the Panama Canal Treaty has been thrust back into the spotlight following recent comments from Donald Trump. Earlier this month, Trump threatened to reclaim US control of the canal, citing concerns over allegedly excessive tariffs and potential Chinese influence. He further alleged the presence of Chinese soldiers operating the canal—a claim vehemently denied by Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino. President Mulino has categorically rejected any negotiations with Trump regarding the canal’s sovereignty, emphasizing Panama’s complete control and the transparent process governing canal tolls. The dispute highlights the ongoing geopolitical complexities surrounding the canal and its future.
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