PANAMA: THE ROAD TO RECOVERY : PANAMA UPDATE
Noriega
U.S. officials are now saying that their prime goal is again to extradite ousted dictator Manuel A. Noriega, declaring flatly: “We want him. We want to try him.” President Bush and his senior advisers spent Christmas Day discussing the ousted dictator’s fate. American troops barricaded the Vatican embassy where Noriega has taken refuge and are searching all visitors.
The Vatican’s Dilemma
Noriega’s taking refuge in its embassy in Panama City poses a ticklish situation for the Vatican. It says it will talk with “concerned parties” on the matter, trying to decide whether it should turn him over to the United States or to a third country. The Vatican had taken no decision at day’s end, a source said.
Aid for Panama
With the fighting in Panama City subsiding, U.S. government and relief agencies shipped planeloads of medical supplies, food and tents for the thousands of Panamanians left injured or homeless during the invasion. Many people, particularly the poor, lost their homes and possessions in fires and looting.
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