Vessels Cross Panama’s Canal Trouble-Free
Ships crossed the isthmus of Panama on Saturday without problems, as the nation undertook its first full day as sole administrator of the canal. Popular concern about the canal’s security, however, remained.
The transfer of the waterway and surrounding property from the United States to Panamanian hands was finalized at noon Friday, ending 85 years of American control. Panamanians celebrated what they described as the start of full sovereignty.
The greatest concern about the canal is whether Panama is ready to defend it against a potential attack. The nation’s army was dissolved following the 1989 U.S. invasion to unseat military strongman Manuel A. Noriega. The country since has relied on a national police force, currently 18,000 strong.
A recent poll of 1,200 Panamanians by the newspaper La Prensa showed 70% believe that Panama is not capable of defending the strategic waterway.
There were no reports Saturday of problems stemming from the feared Y2K computer glitch. Canal authorities had stressed that operations would go smoothly since the technology used to run the canal is largely the same as it was when the canal opened in 1914.
Authorities had closely watched electricity and water generators for any trouble.
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