Panama Canal under Discussion
As a deaf dialogue, the proposal of modernization of the Panama Canal Zone is Monday in special sessions at the National Assembly, while opposition groups refuse this initiative.

Analyzing last week´s deliberations, the plan presented on April 24 by the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) had a favorable welcoming by deputies, influential businesspeople and representatives from opposition parties.

The PCA agenda includes the construction of three locks, with a $5.25 billion investment in a period of seven years as of 2007.

This inter-ocean route, with almost 100 years of existence, could be obsolete faced with increasing competitiveness of alternatives for sea trade, but detractors state the expansion is not necessary or justified.

If the Parliament analysis ends up being pased as predicted, the substantial document will pass to the Electoral Court, to convene a national referendum on a period from 90 to 120 days to decide if the implementation of the work proceeds.

Panamanian Companies Executives Association president Pedro de Obarrio, former presidential candidate Jose Miguel Aleman and Panama´s Industrial Union representative Daniel Vega support the PCA plan.

The National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (Frenadeso) slammed the PCA and Martin Torrijos´s government for boosting the project of modernization of the canal zone.

Frenadeso stated that the PCA project, "in addition to benefiting oligarchy, favors foreign interests, especially those from shipping and transnational companies, and gringo military interests."