Biggest Anti-Noriega Strike Paralyzes Panama Capital : Stoppage Called 90% Effective

Panamanians began an all-out effort today to drive Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega from power, closing stores and offices in a paralyzing strike that could be the death blow to an economy already near collapse.

Power cuts blacked out parts of the capital. Despite a government offer that soldiers would be on hand to keep stores open, the shutdown was estimated by labor leaders to be 90% effective.

This time the strike included Panama City’s central commercial district, whose small shops and stores cater to the lower and middle classes and have not joined previous shutdowns by wealthier businessmen and industrialists.

‘We Hope He’s Listening’

“We’re sending Noriega a message,” said the owner of a shoe store, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals. “We hope he’s listening.”

Workers at one of the biggest offices of the state-run electrical plant were on the grounds but appeared to be standing around inside without working.

“No, we are not working,” said a man wearing a yellow hard hat. “Why not? You figure it out for yourselves.”

“Listen, man,” one worker said in English, “there’s a crisis on here. Who knows who will come out on top? For the moment, the best a humble worker can do is shut his mouth.”

No Word From Noriega

There was no immediate response from the general, who commands the military and police as head of the 15,000-member Panama Defense Forces and is the power behind the civilian government. A union leader said government officials had promised not to interfere with the strike if it was peaceful.

“It’s completely successful,” said Guillermo Cochez, vice president of the opposition Christian Democratic Party. “It’s much more complete than any previous one.”

Noriega is under indictment on drug charges in Florida, and the United States has virtually dried up the flow of money to Panama, which uses the U.S. dollar as its currency, in the effort to force him out.

He put down a coup attempt by dissident officers last week and rejected a U.S. plan for him to leave Panama and live in Spain.

Union Leaders Summoned

Gustavo Gonzalez of the striking dockworkers said leaders of all major unions were summoned to a meeting Sunday night with the civilian chief executive, Manuel Solis Palma.

He said union leaders were told the government, which could not meet its payroll two weeks ago, also would be unable to cover semi-monthly paychecks due next week.

Solis Palma was installed late last month as minister in charge of the presidency.

He replaced Eric Arturo Delvalle, who was dismissed by the Legislature after he tried to fire Noriega and still is recognized by the United States as Panama’s president. Delvalle is in hiding in Panama.

Lottery Tickets Sold

Panama City’s main business district, on which six previous strikes have had little effect, was almost completely closed today. Only a few coffee shops and lottery vendors were doing business.

Many government ministries appeared to be operating with limited personnel. Public employees stayed away despite warnings of suspension.

Because the government has silenced opposition newspapers and broadcast stations, thousands of people went to work without knowing a strike had been called. Most went home when they found their stores and offices closed.

By midday, the city was a ghost town patrolled by soldiers carrying M-16 automatic rifles and tear gas canisters. The government said the troops were providing security for businesses that chose to open.