Reference News Network, December 29 report: According to EFE, on December 28, the Panamanian government expressed regret over the order by the city of Arraiján to demolish the Chinese monument and ordered its immediate "reconstruction" at the original site. The Panamanian government considers this monument a cultural symbol of the Chinese community with a history of 171 years.

The report said that Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino previously stated that the demolition of the Chinese monument located at the Pan-American Bridge viewpoint was "shocking" and "unforgivable," and called for an immediate investigation to identify the responsible parties.

The official statement from the Panamanian government said, "We cannot tolerate the destruction of the monument, nor can we tolerate the act of demolishing the monument in the evening of December 27 without any communication or coordination with the government."

The statement emphasized, "The government has ordered the immediate reconstruction of the monument at the original site and coordinated actions with the Panamanian Chinese community and the Ministry of Culture." The Panamanian government also announced that it would take "necessary measures to rebuild the monument to show respect for the community represented by the monument."

The report said that the Panamanian government reiterated its commitment to protecting cultural rights and emphasized that cultural rights are fundamental human rights.

The Panamanian government urged the Arraiján municipal government to "listen to the voices of all communities, protect cultural heritage and cultural rights, rather than destroy them, because this is precisely what enriches our country's diversity."

The report said that the demolition project carried out by the Arraiján municipal government caused a big commotion. Photos and videos circulating on social media showed heavy machinery still working before the arrival of the new year.

The Pan-American Bridge viewpoint was built in 2004 and consists of a pavilion, an entrance, and a obelisk, which was built to commemorate the arrival of the first Chinese people in Panama in 1854.

Another report said that the Chinese embassy in Panama issued a statement on December 29, expressing extreme shock, strong indignation, and firm opposition to the sudden and forceful demolition of the 150th anniversary monument of the Chinese arriving in Panama by the Arraiján municipal government.

The statement said that on the night of December 27, the Arraiján municipal government, without any prior notice or prior communication with the Chinese community, ignored the unanimous opposition of the representatives of overseas Chinese at the scene, and forcefully demolished the Chinese Park and the 150th anniversary monument of the Chinese arriving in Panama located at the Pan-American Bridge viewpoint, which commemorates the contribution of the Chinese to Panama for a century and symbolizes the friendship between China and Panama. This act not only brutally trampled on the collective feelings of the 300,000 overseas Chinese in Panama but also seriously hurt the friendly feelings of the Chinese people towards the Panamanian people. The Chinese embassy in Panama expressed extreme shock, strong indignation, and firm opposition to this.

The statement also said that the park and monument were unreasonably and brutally demolished, which has already attracted the high attention of the central government of Panama and the strong indignation of the public, especially the Chinese community. The act of demolition is incompatible with Panama's traditional culture of respecting history and being open and inclusive, and it is contrary to these values.

The statement pointed out: "We fully agree with the clear opinions and strong demands expressed by President Mulino and multiple departments, local governments, political parties, groups, and the general public of Panama on this issue, and call on the relevant authorities to quickly take the following measures: First, thoroughly investigate the incident and severely punish illegal and disciplinary violations, as well as acts that damage Panama's historical culture and social unity and stability. Second, fully negotiate with the Chinese community and restore the China-Panama Park and the Chinese Monument at the original site."

The statement also called on the large number of Chinese people in Panama to rationally defend their legitimate and reasonable rights and interests according to Panamanian laws and cultural customs. (Translated by Wang Meng)

Original: toutiao.com/article/7589142920394015284/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.