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Book on Panama Canal transition launched 25 years after handover
🇵🇦 Panama /Energy & Infrastructure

Book on Panama Canal transition launched 25 years after handover

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Former Foreign Minister Jorge Ritter launched his book, 'De manos ajenas a manos propias: la transición del canal de Panamá,' detailing the canal's handover.
  • The book covers the period from the Torrijos-Carter Treaties to December 31, 1999, when Panama assumed full control.
  • Ritter believes the book is timely, allowing reflection on Panama's successful administration and expansion of the interoceanic waterway.

Former Foreign Minister Jorge Ritter has launched his book, "De manos ajenas a manos propias: la transición del canal de Panamá," at the International Book Fair. The historical account focuses on two pivotal moments: the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties and December 31, 1999, the date Panama officially took control of the canal.

Ritter explained that during the 20 years leading up to the handover, there were disagreements with the United States and incidents that jeopardized the transfer, alongside periods of optimism. He considers the book's publication "25 years late" but believes the timing is now appropriate, offering a historical perspective and showcasing Panama's proven capability to manage and expand the interoceanic waterway.

Panama has a legacy and a history that we can and should be proud of.

— Jorge RitterAuthor and former Foreign Minister, speaking at the book launch.

"Panama has a legacy and a history that we can and should be proud of," Ritter stated. He recommended the book primarily for young people, many of whom are unaware of the period, the existence of the former Canal Zone, or the implications of diplomatic confrontation with the United States. For older readers, he suggested the book would serve as a reminder of their experiences.

the existential reason for this country.

— Ricaurte VásquezPanama Canal Administrator, describing the importance of the waterway.

Panama Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez reacted to the book launch, calling it an exercise in compiling the history of the interoceanic waterway, which he defined as "the existential reason for this country." Vásquez noted the book's release coincides with the commemoration of over 25 years of Panamanian administration of the Canal and 10 years since the operation of the third set of locks began.

Vásquez highlighted the Canal's extraordinary performance in recent years, including workforce growth and the impact of its management on the basin's population. He described the book as presenting the Canal within a positive national narrative, serving as a mirror for future generations and refuting the idea that Panamanians are unwilling to discuss their history. Vásquez also emphasized the Panama Canal's responsibility to disseminate and share this cultural legacy.

It is a list of achievements that are national achievements.

— Ricaurte VásquezPanama Canal Administrator, referring to the Canal's recent successes.
About this summary

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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