Puppet Government Gives Noriega Sweeping Powers

Lawmakers controlled by Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega today named him head of the government and granted him sweeping powers, saying they took the action to confront a “state of war” because of U.S. sanctions.

The unanimous resolution by the 510-member People’s Assembly, which the Defense Forces chief picked, said Noriega is being designated “maximum leader for national liberation.”

The move formally gives Noriega greater powers than provisional President Francisco Rodriguez, a situation that already existed de facto.

Several thousand Noriega supporters surrounded the Assembly as it met and cheered as the resolution passed.

“The Republic of Panama is declared to be in a state of war while the aggression lasts,” said the resolution. “To confront this aggression, the job of chief of government of Panama is hereby created, and Manuel Antonio Noriega is designated to carry out these responsibilities as maximum leader for national liberation.”

The resolution gives Noriega the power to appoint public officials, control foreign relations, convoke the Assembly and “make decisions on whatever other matter or unforeseen circumstance that affects the national life and the interests of the country.”

Asked about the move, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger told reporters in Washington, “This is a charade and nonsense. As far as we are concerned, at least, there is no government in Panama anyway.”

Rodriguez, a Noriega friend since high school, was picked as president after Noriega halted vote-counting in a popular election in May, backed the general for the new post Thursday.

Noriega annulled returns from the May 7 vote when they showed the opposition winning by a landslide. The move also blocked the election of a new National Assembly, so Noriega picked a new legislative body.

Noriega is wanted in the United States on federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges. The United States has been trying to oust him with economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure.