US military vessels have priority of passage through the waterway, according to a 1977 neutrality treaty signed when the US agreed to return the canal to Panama. But all ships, regardless of origin, destination or flag, must pay tolls that vary depending on size and type.
“Why are they making an important institutional statement from the entity that governs the foreign policy of the US, under the president of the US, based on a falsehood?” Mulino asked, calling the claim “simply and plainly intolerable”.
Mulino said he asked his ambassador in Washington to take “firm steps” to reject the claims made by the Trump administration.
