FRESH  FROM presenting his credentials to President Juan Carlos Varela   the new  US Ambassador to Panama John Feeley  told  journalists  gathered in a Casco Viejo restaurant that he applauded  Panama’s fight against corruption  and although he will not intervene in local policy issues, he will monitor "everything that is happening here."

"Corruption is a cancer, not only for business, but for democratic systems. The issues of domestic politics are not my field, but in terms of the strengthening of institutions through the fight against corruption, we are behind the president 100 percent."

He called on the country to establish a "level playing field" that would allow US companies to compete for contracts. He said such transactions must be transparent and free of corruption.

He also stressed his belief in  freedom of expression "I want to highlight the importance that not only myself but my government places on freedom of expression. What you are doing as journalists, is essential for any democracy in the world," Feeley said.

A  military retiree, Feeley said he will focus on cooperating with the Panama government in the strengthening of democratic institutions, working with judicial institutions and exposing Panama to the world as a potential place of business.

Asked about the local examination being conducted into the 1989 invasion, Feeley said that: "In general, the United States and I think that light and truth are the best disinfectant, and all people have the right to know about their past."

Feeley formerly worked at the US embassy in Mexico and was also the director of Central American Affairs and deputy director of Caribbean Affairs for the State Department.