U.S. Steps Up Trade Pressure on Noriega

The Bush Administration on Friday designated Panamian dictator Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega an agent of Cuba, a declaration that could result in fines and jail terms for American companies that do business with him.

Noriega, his wife, Felicidad Sieiro de Noriega, and 32 companies, including several hotels and airport duty-free shops, are being added to the list of 134 firms and individuals already identified as Cuban agents in Panama, the Treasury Department announced.

Fourteen names, including Noriega associate Carlos Duque, were added to the list on Sept. 20.

Under a World War I statute, the United States has banned trade by Americans with Cuba since 1960. Violations of the embargo or similar bans against trade with Cambodia, North Korea and Vietnam can result in fines of as much as $500,000 against U.S. corporations and as much as $250,000 against individuals, who can also be imprisoned for up to 12 years.

“This action is another step in the United States’ efforts to halt the channeling of funds to the illegal regime of Gen. Noriega and to neutralize Cuban commercial activities in Panama that serve to circumvent the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba,” the announcement said.

“This action serves to underscore the Administration’s resolve to undermine the extensive network of commercial and financial collusion between the Noriega and Castro regimes.”

U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity last week, had revealed that the designation was imminent.