Panama Canal Treaties

Panama Canal Treaties
White House photo · Public domain · source
Name	Panama Canal Treaties
Date signed	September 7, 1977
Location signed	Washington, D.C.
Date effective	October 1, 1979
Expiration	December 31, 1999
Signatories	United States, Panama

Panama Canal Treaties. The Panama Canal Treaties were signed by the United States and Panama on September 7, 1977, and ratified by the United States Senate on April 18, 1978. The treaties were negotiated by Jimmy Carter, the President of the United States, and Omar Torrijos, the Head of State of Panama, with the assistance of Sol Linowitz, the United States Ambassador to the Organization of American States, and Ellsworth Bunker, the United States Ambassador to Panama. The treaties marked a significant shift in the relationship between the United States and Panama, with the United States agreeing to transfer ownership of the Panama Canal to Panama by the end of 1999.

Introduction

The Panama Canal Treaties were the result of decades of negotiations between the United States and Panama over the ownership and operation of the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. The United States had controlled the Panama Canal since its construction was completed in 1914, but Panama had long claimed sovereignty over the canal and the surrounding Panama Canal Zone. The treaties were negotiated during the administration of Jimmy Carter, who was committed to improving relations with Latin America and addressing the concerns of Panama and other countries in the region. The United States Secretary of State at the time, Cyrus Vance, played a key role in the negotiations, as did the United States Ambassador to Panama, Ambrose.

History of the Treaties

The history of the Panama Canal Treaties dates back to the early 20th century, when the United States and Panama signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty, which granted the United States control over the Panama Canal for a period of 100 years. However, the treaty was deeply unpopular in Panama, where it was seen as a violation of the country's sovereignty. Over the years, Panama repeatedly called for the treaty to be revised or abolished, and in the 1960s and 1970s, the country's demands for greater control over the Panama Canal became more insistent. The United States initially resisted these demands, but eventually agreed to negotiate a new treaty with Panama. The negotiations were led by Ellsworth Bunker and Sol Linowitz, who worked closely with Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos to reach an agreement. The Organization of American States and the United Nations also played a role in the negotiations, with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kurt Waldheim, offering his support for the talks.

Torrijos-Carter Treaties

The Torrijos-Carter Treaties were the two treaties that made up the Panama Canal Treaties. The first treaty, the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, established the principles for the operation and defense of the Panama Canal after the transfer of ownership to Panama. The second treaty, the Treaty Concerning the Transfer of Ownership of the Panama Canal, provided for the transfer of ownership of the Panama Canal from the United States to Panama by the end of 1999. The treaties were signed by Jimmy Carter and Omar Torrijos on September 7, 1977, and were witnessed by Fidel Castro, the President of Cuba, and Daniel Oduber Quirós, the President of Costa Rica. The Treaty of Versailles and the Treaty of Berlin were also cited as precedents for the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

Treaty Provisions and Implications

The Panama Canal Treaties contained several key provisions that had significant implications for the United States and Panama. One of the most important provisions was the agreement by the United States to transfer ownership of the Panama Canal to Panama by the end of 1999. The treaties also established a transition period during which the United States would continue to operate the Panama Canal, with Panama gradually assuming more responsibility for the canal's operation and defense. The treaties also provided for the protection of the Panama Canal's neutrality and the rights of ships to pass through the canal. The United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice were cited as authorities for the interpretation of the treaties. The Geneva Conventions and the Hague Conventions were also referenced in the treaties.

Implementation and Transfer of Ownership

The implementation of the Panama Canal Treaties began in the late 1970s and continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s. During this period, the United States and Panama worked together to transfer ownership of the Panama Canal and to establish a new framework for the canal's operation and defense. The Panama Canal Commission was established to oversee the transition and to ensure the smooth operation of the Panama Canal. The United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Panama Canal Authority also played key roles in the implementation of the treaties. On December 31, 1999, the United States formally transferred ownership of the Panama Canal to Panama, marking the end of nearly a century of United States control over the canal. The Transfer of Ownership Ceremony was attended by Bill Clinton, the President of the United States, and Mireya Moscoso, the President of Panama.

Impact and Legacy

The Panama Canal Treaties have had a significant impact on the relationship between the United States and Panama, and have also had broader implications for the region and the world. The treaties marked a major shift in the balance of power between the United States and Panama, and demonstrated the United States' commitment to respecting the sovereignty of other nations. The treaties have also had economic and strategic implications, as the Panama Canal is one of the most important shipping routes in the world. The International Maritime Organization and the World Trade Organization have recognized the importance of the Panama Canal and the need for its safe and efficient operation. Today, the Panama Canal is operated by the Panama Canal Authority, which is responsible for ensuring the canal's neutrality and the rights of ships to pass through it. The Panama Canal Treaties are seen as a model for international cooperation and diplomacy, and their legacy continues to shape the relationship between the United States and Panama and the wider region. The Nobel Peace Prize and the Prince of Asturias Awards have recognized the importance of the Panama Canal Treaties and their contribution to international peace and cooperation. Category:Panama Canal