Statement by Assistant to the President for Press Relations Fitzwater on General Manuel Noriega of Panama

February 25, 1988

We understand that President Delvalle today dismissed General Noriega from his position as Commander of the Panama Defense Forces. At this time we want to reiterate our unqualified support for civilian constitutional rule in Panama. There is but one legitimate sovereign authority in Panama, and that is the Panamanian people exercising their democratic right to vote and elect their leadership in a free society.