Opposition forming against Noriega

Press, 9 March 1988, Page 10

Opposition forming against Noriega

KEITH GRANT

NZPA-Reuter Panama City The deposed ■ Panamanian president, Eric Arturo . Delvalle, and opposition groups said yesterday that they would set up a government of national reconciliation aimed at ousting the military leader, Manuel Antonio Noriega. j Mr Delvalle, who attempted to dismiss General Noriega on February 25 and was himself replaced by the legislature a day later, said in a written statement the government would comprise Panamanians from all sectors and seek support from the Armed! Forces.

“If our proposal ... is not backed by the Armed Forces ... the alternative is chaos, despair, hunger and misery,” said the

statement, also signed by Vic-President Roderick Esquivel.

The statements, handed out at a news conference, marked the first time the opposition -groups have joined with the ousted president, who was appointed by General Noriega in 1985.

Mr Delvalle went into hiding shortly after his ousting, and it is not known whether he is still in Panama.

Banks stayed closed on Monday after court action last week in the United States brought by Mr Delvalle to block dollar transfers to Panama, and senior citizens took to the streets in angry protests at not being able to cash their pension cheques. The police moved in to maintain order and pen-

sion cheques were finally honoured at the Banco National, Panama’s central bank, later on Monday. Mr Delvalle’s statement was accompanied by another signed by leaders of three opposition parties, one member of the ruling Revolutionary Democratic Party (P.R.D.) and the Civic Crusade, grouping business and union sectors backing- the call for the national reconciliation government. . ( But while the opposition groups Supported Mr Delvalle's efforts to oust General Ncjriega, they stopped short of giving undivided support!. There was no joint document, and neither statement made clear who would make up the new government.