Security: Panama, U.S. sign security agreement

FOCUS Information Agency - Panama and the United States signed on Thursday a security agreement to reduce and prevent the crime in Darien province, bordering with Colombia, Xinhua News Agency informed.

The agreement called "Darien Initiative" was signed by Panamanian Economy and Finance Minister Alberto Vallarino and U.S. ambassadress to Panama Barbara Stephenson.

"I am optimistic about the achievements on implementing this agreement, because the future of the youth depends on its success," Vallarino said.

The agreement is mainly centered on the cooperation of the local authorities in order to create "safer communities," to face the external threats against the civilians.

Vallarino said Darine is a vulnerable zone for the illegal actions such as weapons trafficking, smuggling and drug trafficking.

According to Stephenson, the cooperation will be centered on creating better life conditions for the people, mainly for the younger.

"The goal is to protect vulnerable young people and change their lives with scholarships and create safer communities," he said.

Darien is considered the zone of higher risk for its proximity to Colombia, where there has been armed conflicts since more than 40 years before, including, guerilla, paramilitaries and drug traffickers