Martinelli and VP exchange barbs in confusing land scandal scenario

A cabinet council meeting on Tuesday has led to a series of contradictions in official statements about action on the escalating land titling scandal in Panama, and the president and vice president exchange accusations.

There are three versions so far says “La Prensa.” The first was from  president, Ricardo Martinelli, who said that the land transferred to 12 corporations in Juan Hombrón would be "taken back".

Later came a presidential statement that endorsed a motion that the Lands Advisory Board (Anati) to request an investigation by Anati  of the titling process in Juan Hombrón.

But on Wednesday the Official Gazette  published the resolution adopted by the Cabinet which requests the Attorney General  to "conduct corresponding investigations about possessory rights titling processes performed by current Board members," as well as the acquisition of land in The Summit for the construction of a Chilibre hospital.

Deputy Jose Luis Varela saw this as an attempt  to "collect several items to dilute the case of Juan Hombrón".

His colleague Jose Blandon described the resolution as a Government "mockery".

Meanwhile, on Wednesday there was as a growing   exchange of accusations between Martinelli and Vice President Juan Carlos Varela.