Former police chief assigned embassy

PANAMA. The former head of the National Police, Francisco Troya, was designated as the new Ambassador of Panama in Mexico to focus on security issues, announced yesterday the vice-president and Foreign Minister of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela.

In declarations made after attending the installation of the Foreign Relations Commission of the National Assembly, Varela said that the government is waiting for Mexico’s response to the designation.

Troya’s presence on Tuesday in an induction seminar for designated diplomatic officials called the attention of local media, which reported that he was heading to Mexico, without mentioning specifics on his new role. Varela confirmed yesterday Troya’s designation as Panama’s utmost diplomatic representative in the northern country.

Foreign Minister Juan Carlos Varela said that Panama and Mexico, along with Colombia, agreed to pursue a joint effort against drug trafficking and organized crime, for which reason “an ambassador that has experience in security issues is a must.”

After receiving the Mexican government’s consent, Troya will have to appear before the National Assembly to explain in what ways he will strengthen bilateral relations.

Commissioner Troya, the first man in uniform to head the National Police, was retired from the institution last July 2, after President Ricardo Martinelli took office.

However, during the inauguration ceremony of the new police head, Gustavo Perez, Martinelli said that he had “something reserved” for Troya that he wouldn’t be able to refuse.

Troya is a technology and police administration specialist.