WORLD : Bush Mum on Panama Coup
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WASHINGTON — President Bush today would not confirm or deny a Los Angeles Times report that his Administration, with secret congressional approval, has launched a new covert attempt to oust Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega.
“If there was a covert operation, would I discuss it, ever?” Bush said to reporters aboard Air Force One before leaving for Houston to attend the private funeral of a friend, C. Fred Chambers. “It wouldn’t be covert if I even referred to it, so there will be no such discussion of anything, which means I am not confirming nor denying.”
The report in today’s Los Angeles Times said the CIA has been authorized to spend $3 million to recruit Panamanian military officers or other dissidents to mount a coup in Panama. (Story, A1)
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