Panamanian Troops Control Power Stations

Soldiers acting on government orders took over electric power stations early today to try to restore services cut by unpaid workers, and security forces patrolled Panama City a day after an attempted coup against strongman Gen. Manuel A. Noriega.

Remnants of burned-out barricades remained on the streets of the capital after riots sparked by the coup attempt. But the city was calm as army combat troops remained posted in the streets and shops failed to open on time. Riot police also patrolled neighborhoods.

Most of the capital was without electricity this morning because workers, angry that they had not been paid, cut power lines Wednesday. It was the latest move by state workers, who this week staged wildcat strikes and violent protests when the cash-starved government refused to issue paychecks.

Manuel Solis Palma, named to replace ousted President Eric A. Delvalle, declared Panama’s electric power, telephone and water companies, ports, railroads, hospitals and other public services “national security interests.”

Delvalle was deposed and went into hiding after he tried to fire Noriega on Feb. 25.

Ruben Dario Perez, leader of a local of the electric power workers union, said soldiers took over all state power company stations and offices during the night. Power was restored to a few parts of downtown Panama City by 3 a.m.