Anti U.S. base protests but expansion continues

University students marked the anniversary of the December 20 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama with a demonstration in front of the former American embassy on Avenida Balboa.

They were protesting the establishment of new U.S. bases in Panama, recently approved by President Ricardo Martinelli.
On the same day Vice President and Foreign Minister, Juan Carlos Varela said Panama will continue installing air-naval bases at strategic points on the Pacific coast. because of the presence of drug cartels and organized crime.
He added that the decision to install the bases is "sovereign" and made by the President of the Republic.
The establishment of a Joint Task Force Panama to combat drug trafficking in the country is a measure that will reduce the distribution of drugs on the streets, a source of confrontation between Latin-American criminal gangs and foreigners.
Varela said the Government’s decision to establish 11 bases in Panama, operating under the direction of National Security Minister Jose Raul Mulino, is without foreign intervention.