The World : Panama Banks Issue Cash

Banks in Panama began doling out small amounts of cash to customers for the first time since a political and economic crisis forced the banking system to close nine weeks ago. But the predicted large crowds of anxious customers failed to materialize; there were only short, orderly lines outside a few downtown banks. The government, which closed the banks March 3, last week said the institutions could reopen under tight new regulations allowing withdrawals of only 25% from checking accounts. The banking crisis developed after Washington imposed economic sanctions in an attempt to force the ouster of strongman Manuel A. Noriega.