by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
UN GATE, August 20 – Panama took over the UN Security Council presidency on August 1, 2025 - while Inner City Press remains banned from the UN, despite its June 19 application.
Inner City Press has asked the Panama Mission to the UN for access to its Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba's press briefing - no answer, now 20 days later, even as the IMF allow Inner City Press access and answers its questions, most recently on crypto.
Now on August 20 many "condemn the Republic of Panama for its continued flagging of tankers carrying Iranian oil—an act that flagrantly undermines international sanctions aimed at curbing Iran’s malign activities, including its nuclear and regional destabilization efforts. Panama’s actions directly facilitate the circumvention of lawful and necessary sanctions regimes, shielding illicit oil trade under the veneer of a legitimate maritime registry.
As stated by UANI's Mark Wallace - former (and future?) USUN diplomat, It is particularly troubling that this comes at a time when Panama has assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of August. This position carries not only policy influence and procedural leadership, but also immense moral responsibility. As the representative “face” of the Council, Panama is expected to exemplify—rather than subvert—the principles of international law, peace, and security. Even after it concludes the presidency of the UN Security Council in September, Panama will retain its status as a non-permanent member until 2026.
Censorship and ban of Press at the UN must end.
Three weeks ago, Inner City Press in writing asked the Mission questions:
On Panama, what are the comments of SG Guterres - and of the Panama Mission to the UN cc-ed here, as UNSC president and otherwise, on this: "Panama's comptroller general brought lawsuits to try and remove a major Chinese firm's control over both ends of the Panama Canal, a move that could threaten China's decades-long strategic presence in one of the world’s most critical maritime passages- What is SG Guterres' reaction to this sensitive geopolitical matter, and why did he not disclose Gubelkian (and CEFC China Energy's bid for Gulbekian's oil company) on his public financial disclosure form?
and on crypto (and Panama) on this: Panama made a significant announcement regarding an important law project, and the mayor of Panama District, Mayer Mizrachi, made an appearance at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. . “Panama’s experience with Bill No. 697 was key. It showed us that regulating crypto requires more than good intentions: it demands alignment with international standards, tax clarity, consumer protection, and institutional coordination”, Alternate Deputy Gabriel Solis, explained
But from Eloy Alfaro de Alba and his Mission, nothing. Watch this site.
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