Government scrambles to explain Martinellis Japan comments

Panama’s Foreign Ministry scrambled on Thursday to clarify  statements  made by President Martinelli that have angered  Chinese and Tawainese government officials and Panama’s Chinese population.

The Foreign Minister, Francisco Alvarez de Soto, met with representatives of Taiwan and  China Popular in an attempt to clarify Martinelli’s controversial statements during his official tour in Japan.

De Soto met with Taiwan's ambassador in Panama, Chou Diego and  met separately with the representative of the Office of  Chinese Business Development,  Hongai Huo.

The Chancellor explained that according to reports it handles, the president's statements "were taken" out of context.

According to news agencies, Panama expressed its support for the Japanese government in its claim to sovereignty of the Diaoyu Islands (Senkaku to Tokyo).

Japan is embroiled in a dispute with China over the  islands and , Taiwan urged Panama to "respect" the long and loyal bilateral relationship and to remain "neutral" in the dispute.

In a press release  on Thursday, October 25,the Foreign  Ministry said: "The Government of the Republic of Panama regrets that the Chinese authorities have considered that, in the words of the head of state, Panama has sought to interfere in internal affairs of that country, much less,  was  it intended to prejudice their interests,"

Taiwan asked Wednesday to Panama to "respect" the long and loyal bilateral relationship and remain "neutral" in the dispute with Japan remains China Diaoyu islands (Senkaku to Tokyo).