Americas News
Panama Cargo Operations Back to Normal
Cargo operations in Panama are "now back to normal" after rioting last week interrupted the flow of cargo at the Manzanillo International Terminal, shipping line APL said Tuesday.
"The road-blocks to the Manzanillo International Terminal have been removed and the port has re-opened since Saturday, 27 October 2012," the statement said.
Ship & Bunker reported last week that protests had turned violent over legislature allowing privatisation of lands in the Colon Free Zone on the Panama Canal, blocking the access road to the terminal, with rail and gate operations also suspended.
President Ricardo Martinelli responded by repealing the law on Saturday October 27, 2012.
"Tranquility and normality have returned to the streets following last week’s protest," police spokeswoman Mara Rivera told AFP.
Three people were reported to have died in the disturbances, and 82 people remain under arrest for rioting and looting.
