Hands Off Panama

Recent editorials and commentaries have unfortunately backed up President Bush's attempts to overthrow General Noriega of Panama. This is a blatant attack on Panama's sovereignty and an attempt to reverse the Torrijos-Carter treaty that will give Panama back control of its canal-which it rightly deserves.

Since the beginning of this century, Panama's working people and farmers struggled against U.S. corporate and financial domination of their country. Under the popular leadership of General Omar Torrijos from 1968-81, the Panamanian people won progress in their quest for independence and self-determination and for ultimate sovereignty over the canal that their forebearers constructed with their sweat and blood. Social and economic measures implemented during that period improved living conditions for hundreds of thousands.

The Socialist Workers Party condemns the U.S. government's war mongering and demands that Panama be left alone to solve its internal problems. Washington should abide by the 1977 treaties and lift all current diplomatic and economic sanctions.

Mark Friedman

SWP Candidate for U.S. Senate - 1988

DETROIT, MI