U.S. calls for fast resolution of Canal expansion conflict

THE UNITED STATES, the largest user of the Panama Canal stepped into the dispute between the Canal authorities and the international consortium hired to do the expansion.and   called for a "fast resolution"

"Punctual" completion of the project, already over 9 months behind schedule, was also urhed.

"We expect a quick resolution of the current suspension of the works and the total resumption of activity in the expansion of the Canal," said a spokesman for the State Department
The source stressed that Washington has been following the dispute between the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) and Grupo Unidos por el Canal (GUPC) over cost overruns which has led to the suspension of work
The United States is the largest user of the Panama Canal and a number of ports in that country have made big investments based on the expansion.
"A timely completion of the expansion of the Canal is therefore important for those ports and U.S. trade", the spokesman insisted.
"We have great respect for the professionalism of the authority of the Panama Canal and its independence, as enshrined in the Constitution of Panama", he said