1.   But the proud Panamanians insist they will run the canal safely and fairly.

2.   Most of the employees who run the canal have been retained.

3.   Moscoso vowed to run the canal efficiently and safely, projecting an international image of stability.

4.   Much of the uncertainty is caused by the notion that only Americans can run the canal, she said.

5.   On that date, the Panama Canal Commission, the U.S. government agency that ran the canal, will be dissolved.

6.   Running the canal may prove easier than the gargantuan task of converting drab and utilitarian military bases into attractive money-making ventures.

7.   The Panamanians running the canal know this as well as anyone.

8.   There are also concerns about whether Panama is up to the task of running the canal.

9.   Martin Torrijos of the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party says Panamanians are eager to run the canal on their own.

10.   Manfredo said the country needs peace, democracy and stability to run the canal in a credible manner.