First Wave of Troops Lands in Panama : U.S. Continues to Put Diplomatic Pressure on Noriega to Leave

Combat troops began arriving today in Panama from U.S. air bases, part of President Bush’s order to protect American lives as the United States mobilizes diplomatic pressure to force the ouster of military leader Manuel Antonio Noriega.

The first wave of Marine reinforcements from Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Army troops from the 7th Light Infantry Division at Ft. Ord, Calif., flew to Panama as part of the Defense Department’s operation, dubbed “Nimrod Dancer.”

Bush, reacting to postelection violence, announced the deployment Thursday of 2,000 combat troops to Panama to augment the 10,000 American service personnel stationed there.

The President also said he was ready to explore ways to entice Noriega to step down.

Diplomatic moves included a meeting today in Washington of the Organization of American States, where members of the permanent council unanimously approved a Venezuelan resolution calling for a special meeting Wednesday to discuss the Panama crisis.

‘We Will Not Be Intimidated’

“I will do what is necessary to protect the lives of American citizens, and we will not be intimidated by the bullying tactics, brutal though they may be, of the dictator, Noriega,” Bush said.

At the same time, Bush’s national security adviser questioned both the likelihood of a real confrontation with Noriega and the efficacy of the President’s action to try to force Panama’s de facto ruler from power.

“(Noriega) is a thug, but he clearly operates with some prudence when he has to,” said National Security Adviser Brent Scowcroft. He called the troop buildup “precautionary as much as anything else,” although Bush had said in his news conference, “I’m worried about the lives of American citizens.”

Scowcroft all but acknowledged that Bush’s action would do little to force Noriega from power.

“We can always hope he will see the error of his ways, and we are looking at ways to help convince him to recognize the will of the Panamanian people,” Scowcroft said.

Deployment Could Take Week

Asked if it would be acceptable for Noriega to still be in power a month from now, Scowcroft said, “I don’t see why not.”

The deployment of two Army battalions, one Marine company and dozens of armored personnel carriers began late Thursday, and the Pentagon said it probably will take a week or more to complete.

For 15 months, the United States has been frustrated in its efforts to force Noriega from power after his indictment in Florida on drug-trafficking charges.