Panamanian lawyers condemn U.S. ambassador´s interference

Panama City. Dec 23 (Prensa Latina) Several Panamanian attorneys on Friday strongly condemned a statement made by U.S. ambassador to Panama Maricarmen Aponte who called on the National Assembly to pass an extinction of ownership bill submitted by the Ministry of Security (MINSEG) in 2021 to crack down on drug trafficking and corruption among other crimes.

December 23, 2022
15:40

The statement was slammed as it was considered a clear interference of a foreign country in internal affairs.

According to Alfredo Vallarino, President of the Panamanian Association of Lawyers, told the press the US interference proves that the extinction of ownership is not a bill that is needed in the country, but represents external views and interests.

Attorney Cesar Ruiloba, on the other hand, described the US ambassador´s statement as inappropriate for he considered it really violates diplomacy protocols, based on US interests to determine the fate of Panamanian legislation, which cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

Ruiloba added that the US diplomat was apparently giving instructions to the National Assembly on what to do.

Former Vice President of the National Bar Association (CNA) Alfonso Fraguela claimed that it cannot be overlooked that Panama is a sovereign country, with legal provisions and a legal system that makes it independent and sovereign.

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