Senate Urges More Pressure on Noriega

The Senate, voting unanimously, urged President Reagan today to increase economic, political and diplomatic pressure against Panamanian military ruler Manuel A. Noriega and to give substantial economic aid to a successor democratic government.

Voting 92 to 0, the Senate approved a non-binding resolution declaring the current unrest in Panama “an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy and economy of the United States.”

“The impression in all our minds is that Noriega must go,” said Sen. Claiborne Pell (D-R.I.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

‘He Will Go’

“He will go,” Pell said. “And this will help him down the slippery slope.”

Reagan was asked during a question-and-answer session with reporters before meeting with Dominican President Joaquin Balaguer whether Noriega would be going to the Dominican Republic. “No. That’s not far enough,” the President answered.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), a principal sponsor of the resolution, said it was drafted at the direct request of President Eric Arturo Devalle, who was ousted as Panama’s chief executive a month ago.

“This battle is going to be won or lost by the people of Panama and it is important for them to know we are on their side,” Kennedy said.

Several senators urged Noriega to reconsider the exile offer of the government of Spain and the Justice Department offer not to seek his extradition if he voluntarily gives up power.