(Vatican Radio) The President of Panama is poised to do a U-turn about a major land
sale, due to violent protests. The epicentre of the controversy concerns the duty
free zone of Colon, which is seen as a cradle of free enterprise and simultaneously
area of high crime rates. There have been violent protests which have already cost
several lives, following an announcement on Friday by President Ricardo Martinelli
that the land, which is State owned will be sold. The backlash result which has pitted
protesters against his security forces in an ongoing protest has convinced him to
change his mind. He's publically said that if the people oppose this measure then
it will be reversed. The port of Colon which is situated close to the Panama Canal
is one of the largest free trade areas in the world, and has a booming if unconventional
and irregular economy. The City's Chamber of Commerce has also voiced bitter opposition
and has coordinated a strike.