El Canal de Panama en la encrucijada

The Panama Canal is entering a crucial week as negotiations intensify between the canal's administration and the consortium responsible for its expansion. Despite Spanish government mediation, positions remain distant. The conflict began on December 30 when the construction company threatened to halt work due to a cash flow crisis. The Spanish-led consortium demands $1.6 billion for unforeseen overcosts, citing unexpected issues and geological errors. The expansion project, which includes a third set of locks, costs $5.2 billion and was supposed to finish this year, marking the canal's centenary. However, it is nine months behind schedule and won't be completed until mid-2015.

What is the main reason for the intense negotiations regarding the Panama Canal?

• A new construction project

• A change in government

• A financial dispute

• A natural disaster

What triggered the conflict on December 30?

• A change in leadership

• A new construction project

• A cash flow crisis

• A natural disaster

How much is the consortium claiming for unforeseen costs?

• $1.6 billion

• $5.2 billion

• $3.4 billion

• $2.1 billion

What is included in the Panama Canal expansion project?

• A new airport

• A third set of locks

• A new bridge

• A new railway system

When is the Panama Canal expansion now expected to be completed?

• End of 2015

• Mid-2016

• Mid-2015

• End of 2014