unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (08/14/89)
UN SECURITY COUNCIL: -- TAKE 8
Mr. RITTER, Foreign Minister of Panama, said he regretted that the United
States representative, instead of answering for criminal acts, had presented
the "customary text" which did not respond to Panama's complaints.
He then read an article from the Canal Treaty stating that for the
transit of any military convoy outside the military zones, the United States
should consult with the Joint Board to make appropriate arrangements for
escort by Panamanian forces. He said any military movement in Panama required
consultation by the Joint Board.
Next, the Panamanian Foreign Minister showed to the Council a video tape
which, he said, had been taken in Panama City, far away from the defence zones
Continuing, Mr. RITTER said the film was "for real"; it showed
unauthorized searching of civilians and the unauthorized presence of tanks for
the purpose of intimidating the Panamanian population. There was much more
tape which would be made available to the Council.
Regarding the OAS, he said Panama had always co-operated with the
mission, whose purpose was to assist Panama. The mission had been obstructed
by United States military manoeuvres.
If United States compliance with the Panama Canal Treaty was so evident,
he said, that should not prevent a mission from going there to see what was
happening. The Treaty was not being complied with by the United States, and
he hoped no obstruction would be placed in the way of verifying that fact.
Mr. OKUN (United States) said he noted that the Panamanian Foreign
Minister had not challenged his statement regarding General Noriega being the
source of the problem.
What, in fact, had the tape shown? he asked. Worse could be seen on New
York City streets every day. He was surprised that the tape had been shown.
An attempt had been made to divert the Council from the source of the problem,
which was General Noriega.
Mr. RITTER said that none of the accusations made against him by the
representative of the United States had amused him so much as the claim that
he was trying to frighten the Security Council among the members of which were
the five great Powers of the world community. It was deplorable that no
mention had been made of the possibility of sending a United Nations observer
mission to verify the situation in Panama.
The PRESIDENT said the next meeting of the Council to continue
consideration of the matter would be decided during the course of
consultations among Council members.
The meeting was adjourned at 1 p.m.
(END OF TAKE 8 AND PRESS RELEASE SC/5115)
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