US citizens alerted to Sovereignty Day sensitivity

THE UNITED STATES Embassy has advised US citizens to be alert over their personal security, on Panama’s National Sovereignty Day Friday January 9.
The embassy writes that Sovereignty Day is a “Panamanian holiday which commemorates the January 9, 1964 riots over sovereignty of the Panama Canal Zone. The incident is considered to be a significant factor in the U.S. decision to transfer control of the Canal Zone to Panama through the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties.”
The statement concludes:. All U.S. citizens are reminded of the sensitivity of this day and urged to remain diligent in your personal security.”
The day is a public holiday and shops and offices will be closed.