The World - News from May 24, 1989

A Latin American mission to help resolve Panama’s political crisis arrived in Panama City and took a conciliatory tone. “We are going to try to facilitate dialogue among Panamanians. This is a situation that only Panamanians can resolve,” said Foreign Relations Minister Diego Cordovez of Ecuador, one of four delegates from the Organization of American States. They are investigating charges that Panama’s de facto ruler, Manuel A. Noriega, nullified elections to prevent an opposition victory. Meanwhile, in Washington, officials said the United States is currently sending armed military convoys on trips across Panama to “flex our muscles” and draw a line against Panamanian harassment.