Noriega: "You Have to Live Here to Understand"

By John Moody

On the eve of last Friday's demonstration against his rule, General Manuel Antonio Noriega sat down to respond in writing to questions submitted by TIME Correspondent John Moody. It was the first interview he had granted to a U.S. news organization since the recent outbreak of unrest. Excerpts:

On the charges leveled against him by Colonel Roberto Diaz Herrera. There are problems in which each man is the creator of his own tribulations. We public figures are exposed to all kinds of slander. In this case, everyone knows that this former colleague suffers from mental disturbances that have been exploited by some. We all feel sorry for him.

On whether the Attorney General will be able to investigate Noriega fully. If it were not for Latin American strongmen, civil or military, we would be speaking English from the Rio Grande to Patagonia. We have been investigated like all Latin American public figures by the agencies of the most powerful country in the world, and there has not been a shred of evidence against us. If there had been any, I would not be here. Therefore the Attorney General can call anyone he wants to present evidence.

On concerns that U.S.-Panama relations are at their lowest ebb ever. This is not true. In 1964, we broke relations with the U.S. As far as I know, President Delvalle's government has no intention of doing that. What is true is that no Panamanian accepts external interference in his own affairs and that the 1977 canal treaty has to be implemented. We also believe the American people will not support military intervention that certain people in Washington are seeking.

On whether the U.S. is trying to influence Panama's relationship with Nicaragua. The facts speak for themselves. Journalists who seek the truth will find out sooner or later, and we trust in honest journalism.

On the future of U.S. bases in Panama. This is the central issue of the problem, but the answer is not mine to give. This decision belongs exclusively to the Panamanian people.

On anti-American protests in Panama. Anytime that a country as powerful as the United States attacks a small country like Panama, it receives a rebuff not only from Latin American people but also from Americans with good sense. We are a real democracy. Our parliament is composed of blacks, Indians, whites and mixed races. This is Panama. You have to live here to understand it and not to slander it.