SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING INDICTMENT OF GENERAL NORIEGA OF PANAMA ON DRUG-RELATED CHARGES

SEC. 1303. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING INDICTMENT OF GENERAL NORIEGA OF PANAMA ON DRUG-RELATED CHARGES (a) Findings.—The Congress finds that— (1) General Manuel Noriega, the commander of the Panamanian Defense Force, was indicted on February 5, 1988, in the United States District Courts for the Southern District and for the Middle District of Florida on a number of serious drug-related charges against the laws of the United States, including charges involving trafficking in illegal drugs, protecting and supporting drug traffickers, and laundering of drug-related money; and (2) there have been reports in the news media and from other sources that discussions between officials of the United States and General Noriega may have occurred concerning arrange-102 STAT. 2061ments under which General Noriega would give up political power and leave the Republic of Panama in exchange for which the United States would file a motion to dismiss the indictments referred to in paragraph (1). (b) Sense of Congress.—It is the sense of Congress— (1) that the United States should not conduct or authorize any negotiations or discussions, and should not make any arrangements, with General Manuel Noriega which would involve any effort by the United States to dismiss the indictments referred to in subsection (a)(1); and (2) that any such negotiation, discussion, or arrangement— (A) would be incompatible with the high priority that the United States places on the war on drugs; (B) would not further the prospects for restoring noncorrupt, democratic government to the Republic of Panama; and (C) would not serve the interests of the United States.