US ambassador warns of justice and corruption problems in Panama

International observers see that among challenges facing Panama are " lack of judicial independence, corruption, and personnel in government institutions susceptible to influence."

The warning came from the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Phyllis Powers, during a breakfast organized by the US-Panama  Business Council in Washington, and reported in La Prensa. The ambassador said the lack of skilled labor is another challenge facing the country..

The criticism of the diplomat come on top of those made last month by senators at a hearing of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee meeting to ratify Jonathan Farrar as the new ambassador to Panama.

On that time New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, warned  Farrar about the criticisms made by civil society of a proposed Fifth Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice and the possible effects on a potential reelection.

Florida Senator, Marco Rubio, expressed concern that the president, Ricardo Martinelli, has control over the National Assembly, the Supreme Court and even mentioned he wanted to control the Canal. The senator  asked the new ambassador not hesitate to raise his voice against excesses like that.