Noriega Foes Stage March in Panama
About 3,000 opposition supporters, chanting slogans against Panama’s strongman, Gen. Manuel A. Noriega, marched through the streets of Panama City on Thursday to commemorate the death of a political leader.
It was the first opposition march here since shortly after general elections were annulled in May amid allegations of vote-rigging by supporters of Noriega, the country’s army chief and de facto ruler.
“The people are giving a clear message: Noriega, please go,” said opposition presidential candidate Guillermo Endara, who headed the march in remembrance of Arnulfo Arias, a three-time president of Panama who was toppled each time in military coups. Arias died in Miami on Aug. 10, 1988, at 87.
The demonstrators, waving Panamanian flags and shouting “Down with Noriega,” marched several miles through the city to Arias’ grave.
Police kept a low profile and no incidents were reported.
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