NATION IN BRIEF : FLORIDA : Noriega Lawyers Ask Month’s Delay

Manuel A. Noriega’s lawyers asked for a month’s delay before presenting their defense. They cited fatigue and uncooperative Drug Enforcement Administration witnesses. Attorney Jon May said 13 DEA agents may be called to show that the ousted Panamanian leader and U.S. authorities cooperated closely. U.S. District Judge William M. Hoeveler in Miami made no ruling on the request. Noriega, who has been in custody since surrendering to U.S. invasion troops in January of 1990, could be sentenced to 140 years in prison if convicted on all 10 drug-related counts he faces.