PANAMA: De factor leader General Manuel Antonio Noriega is named head of state, declaring Panama in a state of war with the USA

Record ID: 264561

  • Title: PANAMA: De factor leader General Manuel Antonio Noriega is named head of state, declaring Panama in a state of war with the USA
  • Date: 16th December 1989
  • Summary: PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (DECEMBER 15, 1989) GV GENERAL NORIEGA SHOWING DOCUMENT AMID APPLAUSE 0.02 SV NORIEGA BEING SWORN IN 0.23 SV NORIEGA SPEAKING (SPANISH SOT) AND MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY LISTENING (5 SHOTS) 0.59 SV NORIEGA WITH APPLAUSE AS HE WALKS UP TO PODIUM 1.03
  • Embargoed: 31st December 1989 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Panama, Panama
  • Country: Panama
  • Topics: Conflict,International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVAANC37V9Y2EACGBLHBNFC5S0IX
  • Story Text: PANAMA CITY, PANAMA Panama's National Assembly unanimously declared Panama to be in a state of war with the United States on Friday, and named the country's de facto ruler General Manuel Antonio Noriega "maximum leader of the struggle for national liberation."
    The resolution will give Noriega legal powers to appoint top government officials, control foreign relations, convene an assembly and "make decisions on whatever other matter or unforeseen circumstance" affect the country's interests.
    The Democratic Alliance of the Civic Opposition said Noriega's latest designation was "a new imposition of a dictatorship that exists only to perpetuate Noriega's power."
    Noriega is wanted in the US on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. The US has tried to oust him from power for the past two and a half years with diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions.
    The General claims the US is plotting to renege on the 1977 treaties signed between the US and Panama that hand over the operation of the Panama Canal to local control at the end of the century.
    MANUEL BECKER
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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