The Panama Government Respects the Decision of US President Joe Biden

Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha is picture above beside a US flag:  The Panamanian government said on Sunday that it “respects” the decision of US President Joe Biden to withdraw from the race for re-election in the November 5 elections, in which he was to face former President Donald Trump.  Biden has finally given in to pressure from his own party following his questionable performance in the first debate of the race for the White House against Donald Trump, which was held on June 27 and in which he appeared disoriented at times.  Dozens of legislators and senators (37 as of Saturday) had also asked him in recent days to step down as president due to his advanced age.  “It is a personal decision of President Biden, thinking of his country, his people and the Democratic Party.  It must be respected.  

Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha, after being questioned by journalists at a sporting event said “We, as an ally of the United States, are prepared to work with the administration that is elected in November.  We have no concern whatsoever about what happens in the next elections (in the United States).”  After a tough few weeks with growing criticism over the suitability of his candidacy, the US president decided on Sunday to abandon the race for re-election “in the interest” of the Democratic Party and the United States, and offered his support to the vice president, Kamala Harris, who confirmed her intention to “obtain and win” the nomination for the elections next November.  In a letter to the American people, Biden, 81, said: “It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to step down and focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”