</s>MIAMI — A U.S. federal judge in Florida has denied bond for a former Panamanian president who is fighting efforts to send him back to his home country to face political espionage charges.

U.S. Magistrate Edwin Torres made his ruling Friday. The order points out that Ricardo Martinelli’s significant wealth and foreign connections make him a serious flight risk.

Martinelli was arrested in Miami last month on an extradition warrant from Panama. A final extradition hearing is set for July 25.

The former president failed to show up at a December 2015 court hearing in Panama on charges that include illegally monitoring phone and other conversations of at least 150 people with an extensive surveillance system he created with public funds. He denies wrongdoing and is seeking asylum.</s>PANAMA’S fugitive former president, Ricardo Martinelli, presents a flight risk and must remain in custody until the request for extradition to Panama is heard on July 25.

The decision was made Friday July 7 by Judge Edwin Torres of the Court of South District of Florida.

Torres assessed the risk of flight, given that Martinelli, has connections around the world, “so this Court cannot lose control over him until the process is concluded “.

He also underscored the commitment made by the United States to the bilateral extradition with Panama in 1904, and other multilateral conventions of which The United States is a signatory.

“We undoubtedly invoke extradition treaties for pending cases much more than other countries ask us for extradition, “the judge said

Torres also reflected on the relevance of extradition agreements. He remembered that already In 1988 his colleague John Kester warned that the tools of collaboration between

countries would become very important, given the increase in multinational transactions, ease and speed of air interconnections and the rise of complex economic crimes.

“This forecast is certainly true, as this particular case demonstrates,” he said.

The judge denied the bail request of Martinelli’s lawyers, despite the fact that he proposed to deposit 10% of a $5 million bond, backed by his w ife Marta Linares de Martinelli, plus another personal bond of $2 million, as well as deliver

the custody of his private plane, wear an electronic bracelet, stay in his Miami residence and and hire the services of a 24-hour police agent (retired).

Martinelli has been detained since June 12 and is required in Panama to face trial for the unauthorized interception of communications by the Security Council during his regime. If convicted he could face up to 21 years imprisonment.

He is also facing numerous corruption and embezzlement charges which he and his supporters have labeled “political persecution.</s>Panama’s recent decision to embrace a formal relationship with China will have far-ranging implications for the country’s economy, including the real estate market.

Five years ago, Chinese home buyers were almost non-existent in Panama City, but that has changed. In the first half of 2017, Chinese buyers accounted for about 20 percent of Punta Pacifica Realty’s sales in Panama City, compared to 5 percent in 2015.

Most of the sales were focused on high-end rental properties in towers along the waterfront in Punta Pacifica and Avenida Balboa, including the Trump Ocean Club and the modern Yoo Panama.

The Panama government’s move to dump ties to Taiwan and launch formal diplomatic relations with China is a game changer. Panama was one of only a handful of countries recognizing Taiwan, and the association was always a cloud hanging over the Chino-Panama relationship.

The new link to China “will be a very positive decision for our people, for our economy, for our social development,” said Pres. Juan Carlos Varela, noting the investment, trade and tourism opportunities to Panama.

From China’s perspective, Panama has now turned from a diplomatic black sheep to a prime trading partner.

“China has made a big bet on Latin America, where it has strategic investments, and Panama, which didn’t have diplomatic relations, was losing out on those advantages,” Wang Weihua, Beijing’s top representative in Panama recently told a reporter. “Now Panama will be able to enjoy what our country can offer it in various sectors.”

China is already very active in Panama. Several Chinese companies have regional headquarters in Panama City. And China is the second-biggest user of the Panama Canal. Total trade between Panama and China was valued at $1.1 billion in 2016, according to government statistics.

In recent years, China has made a big push into construction in Panama, participating in some of the country’s biggest projects. The China Landbridge Group purchased Margarita Island port in Colon last year and is building a new $700 million terminal port, and China Construction America is building the new convention center on the Amador Causeway. China companies have also been participating in the buildout of the Panama metro.

We’ve seen this model before in countries around the world. China invests huge amounts of capital in projects that are often built by China-affiliated construction companies. They are long-term investors, looking to build deep roots in a business community.

The new diplomatic deal will remove any roadblocks to China committing to Panama as its key partner in Central America. That will mean more investment and more jobs in Panama City.

Panama tourism should also be a direct beneficiary. Direct flights from China would be a logical next step, as well as the easing of bureaucratic restrictions on travel. China is the world’s largest outbound tourism market, with more than 135 million travelers in 2016, a 6 percent increase from a year earlier, according to the World Tourism Organization.

All that activity should translate to more Chinese buyers and investors in the real estate market, a phenomenon which can be tracked in markets around the world. There is already a large and growing Chinese community in Panama. And the Bank of China is already financing property deals through an office in Panama City.

Now that the diplomatic relations have been formalized, it appears all factors are in place for the China Effect to hit Panama City’s real estate market.

Jeff Barton is managing director of Punta Pacifica Realty, the top sales and property management company in the waterfront skyscraper community of Punta Pacifica.</s>NEW CONSTRUCTION, additions and repairs in Panama jumped, to $967 million in the first five months of the year 24% more than in the same period in 2016

Figures compiled by the Office of the Comptroller General show that the value of new constructions, was led by the province of Panama, with $659 million, followed by David, Santiago, Chitré, Aguadulce and La Chorrera, with $125 million.</s>The US national team's Group B opener against Panama on Saturday at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup was an affair full of MLS players, and the impact was felt on both teams.

In addition to the 10 USMNT players currently on MLS rosters to feature on the day, Panama fielded four MLSers, including New York City FC midfielder Miguel Camargo.

The 23-year-old, on loan for the season from Chorillo FC, scored Panama's goal to tie up the match and was named CONCACAF's Man of the Match in the 1-1 draw at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.

"I was very happy [to score a goal] but the credit goes to the entire team," Camargo told reporters after the game. "Especially because we were behind. But we worked together, and we tied it up, as a team."

Panama's result against the Americans keeps them in strong position, as a team projected before the tournament by most to advance to the knockout stage. And if they are to make that a reality, Camargo will likely be counted on to continue contributing to Panama's cause.

"It's a very young team, but with a lot of experience," he said. "The whole country has put their trust in us and the coach, and we have to repay that on the field."

Panama's next test in the Gold Cup comes on Wednesday against fellow Central American side Nicaragua (7:30 pm ET | FS1, UDN, TSN2 in Canada).</s>PANAMA and the United States came up with a goal apiece in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, July 8, in the opening match of group B of the fourteenth edition of the Gold Cup.

The goals were scored in the second half, at one minute 50 through striker Dominic Dwyer United States and in 60 minutes by Miguel Camargo for Panama.

The two teams, are group favorites to reach the quarterfinals.</s>Former Gamecock Brad Guzan notches 5 saves in 1-1 draw vs. Panama

The United States earned a disappointing 1-1 draw in its opening match of Group B play at the 2017 Gold Cup.

Bruce Arena’s squad is short on U.S. national team regulars and that reality was reflected in an experimental XI with the likes of Dom Dwyer, Dax McCarty and Kelyn Rowe all starting the match in Nashville.

Rowe tested the Panama goalkeeper from distance in the fifth minute, but his well-hit shot was punched from harm’s way by Jose Calderon.

Chances were hard to come by, but Panama was finding space down the right flank, twice sending in crosses that tested the U.S. defense in the opening 25 minutes.

Jorge Villafana set Rowe up for another chance in the 26th minute with some nice interplay, but the New England Revolution winger’s volley was again punched away by Calderon.

Panama countered straight after and Miguel Camargo’s right-footed shot, after cutting in from the left, forced Brad Guzan into a fingertip save in the U.S. goal.

Kellyn Acosta found himself in a great scoring position right before half-time with the ball bouncing to him at the top of the penalty area, but his spinning first-time volley skipped to the left of Calderon’s goal.

Ismael Diaz had one last chance for Panama before the break, cutting across the top of the 18-yard box and firing a low, line drive just wide of Guzan’s goal as the teams went to the dressing room tied 0-0.

Dwyer got the U.S. off to the perfect start in the second half after a disjointed opening 45 for the Americans. The Sporting KC striker redirected a Rowe cross into the area with a first-time shot that snuck just inside Calderon’s far post to give the U.S. a 1-0 lead.

Panama was almost level minutes later after a Gabriel Torres close-range header was saved by Guzan to the feet of Diaz, who fired over from just in front of the goal.

Hernan Gomez’s team, firmly on the front foot, found an equaliser after an excellent Guzan save dropped right to Camargo, who clipped home a shot from eight yards away. Guzan finished with 5 saves with only 1 goal allowed.

Jordan Morris came on late in the second half as Arena tried to spark the U.S. attack, but despite some quality moments, the Seattle Sounders striker couldn’t push his team to the win.

The United States’ second match is against Martinique on July 12, with Panama facing Nicaragua on the same day.</s>USA prepares to face off against Panama in Group B play of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup on July 8, 4:30 p.m. EST at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Panama and the USA are accompanied by Martinique and Nicaragua in Group B.

The U.S. men's national team has won this tournament five times with its most recent victory coming in 2013, but this year it looks to avenge its poor 2015 showing, which culminated in a loss in penalties to Panama in the third-place match.

The U.S. looks to follow up a 2-1 friendly victory over Ghana with a win against Panama, while Panama hopes to snap into gear with a victory over the U.S., coming off of three straight draws–including a 1-1 effort vs. the USA in World Cup qualifying.

Live stream: Watch live with Fubo TV. Sign up now for a free seven-day trial.</s>KARACHI: Pakistan’s pro boxer and the WBC flyweight two-time silver world champion Mohammad Waseem returned to the ring in style when he knocked out Eliecer Valdez of Panama in a tune-up fight in Panama on Thursday.

It was after seven months that the 29-year-old Quetta-born boxer played a fight. He defended his world silver crown on November 27 last year when he upstaged Giemel Magramo of the Philippines in South Korea.

Waseem did not face much resistance from his opponent. He defeated him comfortably in the second round. Las Vegas-based coach Jeff Mayweather coached Waseem during the fight.

“I am happy that I am again in the ring,” Waseem told ‘The News’. “It’s a new beginning. I am fresh and have started a new journey towards my future goal,” the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games medallist said.

“I will now begin proper training for my next target in Panama. In Panama there are good fighters and I will be able to get some good sparring partners and that will help me,” Waseem said.

Waseem shot to fame in pro circle when he won the WBC world silver flyweight title in only his fourth fight when he downed Jether Oliva of the Philippines in Seoul on July 17, 2016.

After defending his crown in November last year, Waseem had to wait for a long time for the federal government’s grant of Rs24 million. The delay prevented his promoter Andy Kim from arranging the next fight for him in the scheduled time of three months.

Waseem is now expected to play his world title bout early next year. In September, Wales’ Andrew Selby is expected to clash with the flyweight world champion Daigo Higa of Japan. Waseem will then challenge the world title holder.

Selby downed Christopher Rosales of Nicaragua in Cardiff in May in the world title eliminator to place himself in line to set world title bout with knock-out artist Higa.Waseem got No1 WBC ranking last month, a huge achievement, considering that he began his pro career only in early 2015.

Kim had told ‘The News’ the other day that after some training in Panama Waseem may go to Colombia for further preparation and that he might get a few tune-up fights against some better boxers. Waseem’s next bout in Panama is on July 29.
Former president of Panama Ricardo Martinelli is denied bond by United States magistrate judge Edwin Torres. He is accused of charges that include illegally monitoring phone and other conversations of at least 150 people. Martinelli was arrested in Miami last month on an extradition warrant from Panama.