Opposition Presses General Strike to Force Noriega Out
The opposition pressed ahead with a general strike today to force Gen. Manuel A. Noriega out of Panama after rejecting his conditional offer to step down sometime before next year’s elections.
Shops, schools and factories remained closed, including those in working-class areas that had not responded to previous strike calls aimed at ousting the strongman.
At the public market on the city’s waterfront, one of the few places open, shoppers lined up to buy one of the few shipments of meat to arrive in the last several days.
“People hope this whole thing will be resolved by peaceful means,” said Jose Bolano, a meat vendor. “But if (Noriega) doesn’t go, there will be violence.”
Noriega’s offer to go--gradually--was announced in a speech by acting President Manuel Solis Palma on Monday night.
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