Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith The set brought together more than one acting couple. And although star marriages cannot be called long-lasting, the union of Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas is still firmly opposed to all adversity. Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith

General Manuel Noriega, who led Panama from 1983 to 1989, has died at the age of 83. .

current Panama President Juan Varela on his Twitter, he commented on the incident as follows: "The death of Manuel Noriega closed a chapter in our history."

Behind the passions of today, the name of Manuel Noriega began to be forgotten. Meanwhile, the story of his overthrow was perhaps the first time that US aggression was officially justified by the "need to restore democracy" in another country.

The history of the state of Panama in the 20th century was closely connected with the United States. The territory, which was a province of Colombia, with the support of the United States, declared independence in 1903. Washington needed this political combination to gain control over the territory on which the construction of the Panama Canal was planned, linking the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

As a result, the government of Panama transferred both the canal itself and the land around it under the control of the United States.

Revolutionary Torrijos and faithful Noriega

The political life of Panama has been under the control of Washington for decades. Rare periods of civilian rule were replaced by military coups when the country's authorities made timid attempts to reduce US influence.

On October 11, 1968, the incredible happened - as a result of another military coup, a junta led by Colonel Omar Torrijos. Its difference from its predecessors was that the officers were anti-imperialist and nationalist. Torrijos allowed the center-left to join the life of the country, leaving, however, the communists and other radicals in prisons.

The course of Torrijos did not suit the United States, and in 1969, with the help of CIA emissaries, a new coup was organized, which was supposed to bring the military loyal to Washington to power.

The idea almost succeeded, but Torrijos was able to contact the commander of the troops in the province of Chiriqui, who remained loyal to his leader. Torrijos moved there, organized a march on the capital, which was supported by representatives of the poor, and regained full power.

The commander of the troops in the province of Chiriqui was called Manuel Noriega.

He went through the usual Latin American military school, collaborated with the Americans, with the CIA, and was considered in Washington "his boyfriend." Apparently, the Americans continued to consider him “their own man” even after the events of 1969.

Torrijos praised Noriega's loyalty by appointing him head of the Directorate of Military Intelligence and Counterintelligence of the General Staff.

Panama hero dies in mysterious crash

In the end, Washington decided that the nationalist Torrijos regime was better than a pro-Soviet regime like the Cuban one, and began to cooperate with him.

September 7, 1977 in Washington, Torrijos and US President Jimmy Carter signed an agreement under which on December 31, 1999, the United States was to transfer control of the Panama Canal to the government of Panama.

In Panama, this agreement was seen as a recognition of the real independence of the country. Torrijos, who bore the title of "Supreme Leader of the Panamanian Revolution", became a national hero. IN last years During his lifetime, he de jure withdrew from power, de facto retaining influence on the country's politics.

On July 31, 1981, the plane carrying Omar Torrijos crashed under unclear circumstances. It was officially announced that the cause of the crash was pilot error. Later, a version will appear that Torrijos was liquidated by his colleague Manuel Noriega, who was eager for power. However, all attempts to officially accuse Noriega of this failed due to the lack of any evidence. The US authorities refused to make public the information they had in connection with its secrecy.

After the death of Torrijos, Noriega became Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Panama. In 1983, the colonel was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Panama National Defense Force, becoming the de facto leader of the country, or "Supreme Leader of the National Liberation of Panama."

American blackmail

The Americans tried to negotiate with "their guy." The IMF, backed by Washington, offered Panama a program of liberal reforms that led to sharp decline standard of living for the majority of the country's citizens. As a result, Noriega in 1985 decides to reconsider not only the economic, but also the foreign policy, reorienting from the United States to ties with the countries of Central America, Western Europe and the socialist camp.

But Washington was even more infuriated by Noriega's stubbornness on the Panama Canal issue. The United States tried desperately to push through a renegotiation of the 1977 agreement, but Noriega was strongly opposed.

Manuel Noriega, March 1988. Photo: Reuters

The situation was heating up. In 1987, the US announced the cessation of economic and military aid to Panama. In 1988, the US Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration charged Noriega with drug trafficking and a number of other crimes. A Florida state court ruled that Noriega was a member of an organized crime group involved in extortion and drug trafficking.

April 8, 1988 US President Ronald Reagan adopted the International Emergency Economic Powers Act regarding Panama, which provided for a ban on the transfer of funds to Panama by American companies, their structural divisions and US citizens. In addition, in April 1988, the US increased its military contingent in Panama by 1,300 troops "to ensure the safety of citizens and US interests."

In May 1988, Washington openly offered Noriega - he refuses power and leaves the country, and for this all charges of drug trafficking are dropped from him. The stubborn general refused.

"Unwillingness to follow the path of democracy"

In April 1989, economic sanctions were imposed on Panama. Anti-government radio stations began to broadcast throughout the country, accusing Noriega of all mortal sins. The US contingent in Panama was increased to 2,000 "to ensure the safety of US citizens".

It was obvious to everyone what was going on. On October 3, 1989, a military coup was attempted in Panama to overthrow Noriega. The general suppressed the coup, for which he was loudly accused by the United States of "unwillingness to follow the path of democracy."

The authorities of Panama expelled a group of American journalists from the country for publishing deliberately false materials about the situation in the country.

At the beginning of November 1989, the official Panama President Francisco Rodriguez, who de facto was the second person in the country after Noriega, officially announced at a press conference that Panama is ready to normalize relations with the United States based on respect for freedom and sovereignty and non-interference of the United States in internal affairs. At the same time, Rodriguez announced that the authorities intend to expand relations with the USSR and other countries in order to reduce the vulnerability of the Panama economy from "one of the great powers."

"Just Cause": executions of the unarmed and moral terror with the help of rock music

On December 20, 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause. Panama was invaded by 26,000 US troops supported by aircraft and armored vehicles. The total strength of the Panama National Defense Forces did not exceed 12 thousand people.

The fighting continued until December 25, but in fact, from the 23rd, they were of a focal nature.

A pro-American was brought to power opposition leader Guillermo Endara.

During the fighting, 23 US Army personnel were killed and 330 were injured. Over 500 Panamanian citizens were killed, of which only 50 were military. About 200 of the dead were militiamen who sided with General Noriega, the rest were just civilians killed by the US military.

The US authorities acknowledged that war crimes were committed during the operation. At least 8 criminal cases against American soldiers were initiated on the fact that they shot civilians.

Manuel Noriega took refuge in the territory of the Vatican embassy. The US military surrounded the building, and for several days, rock music was broadcast around the clock through the most powerful speakers - in this way, the general was "smoked" out of the shelter, forcing him to surrender.

On January 3, 1990, Noriega, not wanting the embassy staff to suffer because of him, surrendered to the Americans. He was taken to Miami.

Absolutely guilty

On February 10, 1990, the Panama army was disbanded. The new pro-American authorities began to hastily rewrite history. Omar Torrijos, previously considered a national hero, was declared a bloody dictator, and objects named after him were hastily renamed.

As for Manuel Noriega, on July 10, 1992, he was sentenced by an American court to 40 years in prison for drug trafficking. The term, however, was reduced to 30 years - the “extenuating circumstance” was ... long-term cooperation with the US CIA.

Noriega served 15 years and was extradited to France, where he was also charged with drug smuggling and money laundering. In July 2010, a French court sentenced him to seven years in prison with confiscation of bank accounts.

While Noriega was in the United States, he was sentenced to 60 years in his homeland on charges of political assassinations.

In 2011, the general was extradited from France to Panama, where he spent the rest of his life in prison.

According to the laws of Panama, people over 74 years of age have the right to serve their sentences not in prison, but under house arrest. However, with regard to Noriega, the authorities showed severity. He was transferred under house arrest only at the beginning of 2017, when a brain tumor was discovered in a general who had previously suffered a stroke.

The right of force instead of the force of law

It is unlikely that Manuel Noriega was an angel devoid of sins - among the military of Latin America of those times when he made a career, there probably were none in principle.

But there are serious doubts that the trials of the ousted leader of Panama were really objective. In this story, the right of force unconditionally prevailed over the force of law.

Considering the history of Operation Just Cause today, it is impossible to get rid of the feeling that the same scenario was subsequently implemented by the United States more than once.

Guillermo Endara, an American protégé in Panama, did not run for re-election in 1994 as his approval rating dropped to near zero. Companions of Torrijos came to power, who for most Panamanians remains a national hero despite the fact that North Americans have radically changed their attitude towards him. However, neither political nor economic stability was achieved in Panama.

In December 2007, the National Assembly of Panama decided to make 20 December National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Invasion.

Slum Guy

Proudly calling himself "The Boy from Terraplene," Noriega did not prevaricate. The future dictator was indeed born in the infamous Terraplain slum area, populated by the poor. Just a five-minute walk from the presidential palace, this area was a place where poverty, crime and drug dealing reigned supreme. Most likely, young Manuel would have stayed there, repeating the fate of the famous drug dealers of that time, but his fate was different.

Dictator Manuel Noriega was born in the Terraplain slum area

His aunt Louise, a teacher by profession, insisted that the boy finish school and go to medical courses. It was there that Noriega met socialist students, who even organized a small scholarship for him, which allowed him to make ends meet.

Noriega began his service with the rank of second lieutenant

They hardly realized then that, having joined their institute cell, Noriega became a paid CIA informant about the plans of the Socialist Party of Panama. Well-established in front of the main intelligence agency, he entered, with the help of him, in a military school in Peru. Obviously, on his return from Lima, Uncle Sam did not leave the "valuable shot" without care.

How to become a general?

It is no secret that in many Latin American countries the armed forces have great authority and influence, and people from them become powerful political players. Noriega decided to take advantage of this social elevator.

De facto Torrijos was the ruler of Panama 1968-1981

Returning to Panama, Manuel Noriega enters the service of the National Guard of Panama. There he meets the famous Major Torrijos, the leader of the Panamanian military nationalists. Having entered into the confidence of the major, Noriega participates in the 1968 military coup. After the victory, the newly minted leader of Panama, Torrijos, makes Manuel a colonel and instructs him to head the military intelligence and counterintelligence department.

Noriega earned more than $10 million from contacts with US intelligence

The new honorary position and good dividends from the CIA, apparently, did not particularly satisfy Noriega's growing appetite. In 1981, Torrijos dies in a mysterious plane crash, and Manuel makes himself a general and becomes commander of the National Defense Forces, turning into the actual dictator of Panama.

Does money smell?

Conducting from his new post political life Panama, Noriega did not forget about his benefactors from the CIA, repeatedly providing the department with all the necessary services for the implementation of American plans in Central America. So Noriega managed to earn more than ten million dollars on contacts with American intelligence. Nevertheless, these were penny sums compared to those that were spinning a little further south, in the city of Medellin, where Pablo Escobar was building his drug empire. Nariega could not resist the temptation to take this money into his hands.

Panama has long been considered a staging post for drug traffickers.

In fairness, it should be noted that Naryega was not a pioneer in this matter. Panama among drug traffickers has long been considered a transit point and a place where, out of hundreds of banks, you can always find one that will accept dirty money. Accordingly, almost every president somehow plucked his piece from the drug trade pie. Noriega decided to take things more seriously.

According to one version, Noriega set up a plane crash by eliminating the leader of Panama.

Very soon, Panama turned from an offshore paradise into a cocaine paradise. Enterprising Colombians began to systematically take "taxes" for laundering drug money in Panamanian banks, and new laboratories and transshipment points for Medellinians were located on the territory of the state. Panamanian passports began to be actively sold. So many "Narcos", tired of Colombia, settled in Panama or moved with new documents to the USA. Noriega's income grew exponentially, with the Panamanian dictator gaining about $400 million just for "help with the move." Scandals in the American press went one after another, although the dictator did not particularly care about them. Naryega justified himself as best he could, and dismissed the members of the government who allegedly made such a mistake.

Noriega was sure that his comrades from Langley would cover him from the media

Noriega was sure that his comrades from Langley would protect him from annoying reporters. And it was true: the CIA, reluctantly, turned a blind eye to what was happening in Panama. Moreover, according to some experts, Noriega shared income with people from management.

Black Mark

By 1986, the growing impudence and impunity of the Panamanian dictator began to bother the American government more and more. A powerful campaign began in the press against Noriega. In authoritative US publications, one after another, articles appeared accusing Noriega of money laundering, drug trafficking and arms sales. However, the Panamanian dictator, in his usual manner, did not take the newspapers seriously this time either. However, in the United States, the uproar has caused serious repercussions, especially as George W. Bush, a former CIA director and Noriega-connected, is running for president. Noriega himself hardly understood what had happened, saying: "Bush is my friend, and I am sure that he will become president."

The creators of the game "Call of Duty" used the image of Noriega, for which he sued them

And so it happened, in January 1989. George W. Bush became president and The White house decided to deal with the already unwanted dictator. New hearings, which began back in 1988, were accompanied by an investigation that immediately found evidence and witnesses in the Noriega case. A variety of economic sanctions are being imposed on Panama, while preparations are underway for intervention. And already on December 20, Operation Just Cause begins, which implies the invasion of Panama, the "restoration of democracy" and the arrest of Manuel Noriega. The operation turned out to be more destructive than originally expected: up to a thousand people died during the hostilities. civilians, A material damage was valued at $2 billion. However, the Panama dictator was captured and sentenced by an American court to 40 years, which was later reduced to 30 for collaboration with the CIA. Noriego was later extradited to France and then to Panama itself. Returning to his homeland in 2011, the former dictator found that Panama was still a haven for money laundering, except that he could no longer take part in the big stakes game.

Drug lord, CIA agent, ruler of Panama - Manuel Noriega's biography includes all of the above. The very life of the former leader of this country is simply shrouded in secrets - even now, after his death, it is impossible to say exactly about everything that he managed to do. The current president of Panama, Juan Varela, has bluntly admitted that his death marked the end of an entire chapter in the country's history. Although now his name does not cause such a public outcry as in the 80s and 90s of the XX century, Manuel Noriega should not be forgotten. This article will talk about how exactly this tyrant came to power, as well as the subsequent overthrow and trial.

Childhood

Probably, few people would have thought that a little boy would become the supreme leader of the national liberation of Panama, would be able to achieve such heights of power and de facto rule the country for 6 years. The future tyrant was born in one of the poorest areas of Panama in February 1934. His full name- Manuel Antonio Noriega Moreno - was given to him by his parents, who by the standards of the country were considered mestizos, that is, they had the blood of Americans, Africans and Spaniards.

It is now believed that his father served as an accountant, and his mother as a cook or laundress in the capital of the country, the city of Panama City. However, in his life she practically did not notice - even in Manuel's early childhood, she died of tuberculosis. He was brought up by his godmother, which in general led to the fact that many writers and journalists now recognize him as the illegitimate offspring of his father, and the true parent is called a domestic employee named Moreno.

In his youth, the future dictator did not want to become a military man at all - his dream was to work as a doctor. He even enrolled in medical courses, but after that he still decided to go to a military school in Peru. Manuel Noriega returned to Panama with the rank of second lieutenant in 1962.

The situation in the country

As you know, the history of Panama is inextricably linked with the history of the United States, since it was with their support that the country was able to declare its independence from Colombia in 1903. In addition, America's overwhelming military power over the southern countries forced them to make concessions. One of the most famous was the transfer of control over the Panama Canal under construction. So we can safely say that in the 20th century it was the United States that dictated the policy of Panama.

In addition, the situation in the country itself, and especially in its capital, Panama City, was simply explosive. Short periods of civilian rule were constantly replaced by military coups, during which the next authorities tried to at least slightly weaken the yoke of America. However, in October 1968, the situation in the country changed dramatically - a new junta came to power under the rule of Omar Torrijos.

It was left-centric, which was very different from other parties, and the US authorities did not like it very much. A coup was ordered, which was what the CIA agents were busy with, who tried to overthrow the Torrijos government and bring people loyal to Washington to power. It was at this time that the star of Manuel Noriega began to shine.

The beginning of the way

When Noriega returned to Panama, he became a member of the Panama National Guard. Torrijos was his first commander, and at the beginning of his career, the commander greatly helped the future dictator and for some time acted as his patron. However, soon Manuel Noriega simply played too much, and therefore was exiled to the province of Chiriqui. At the time of the reign of Torrijos, he commanded the local troops, and therefore the fleeing head of the junta went to his protege, because the troops completely subordinate to him remained in Chiriqui. It was from here that Torrijos began to act, gradually organizing a march into the capital with the participation of the poor, as a result of which he was able to regain power in Panama.

As you know, in 1966, Noriega several times visited various courses in American schools. Torrijos himself sent him there, hoping to form the person he needed from a subordinate. However, later Manuel openly admitted that even during his first studies at a military college in Peru, he began to cooperate with the American intelligence services, and eventually became one of the CIA agents.

In fact, he played on two fronts, since both Torrijos and the United States considered him their man for a long time. After the seizure of power by Omar Torrijos, Noriega himself was promoted to colonel, and also put in charge of intelligence and counterintelligence. Ironically enough, it was a spy from another country who was given the job.

Death of a ruler

As you know, Torrijos incredibly trusted Manuel Noriega, so until his death he was in high positions. In addition, the feuds between him and the United States ended, important agreements were signed, according to one of which, in 1999, the US authorities were obliged to transfer the channel to the authorities of Panama. In a way, President Jimmy Carter recognized the independence of the country. Such changes in the political current made Torrijos a national hero. Until his death, he played an incredibly important role in the process of governing the country, although he had already legally retired.

The death of the former revolutionary put an end to all this. He crashed on a plane on July 31, 1981, under circumstances that gave rise to many rumors in the future. Although the official position was pilot error, it is generally accepted that it was Manuel Noriega who had a hand in this, who wanted to take power for himself. However, repeated attempts to accuse him of this failed, since there was not a single piece of evidence.

Commander-in-chief of the country

General Manuel Noriega did not officially hold any public office in the country, so he was not legally the ruler in Panama. But in fact, having become the commander-in-chief of the national defense forces of Panama in 1983, it was he who ruled the state. And having received power, he began to conduct his own policy.

First of all, he decided to throw off the US protectorate. Washington believed that since a person loyal to them was in power, they could always come to an agreement among themselves. But it was not there. The package of reforms proposed by America, which could have a negative impact on the standard of living of the country's citizens, was sharply rejected, and then a period of cooling began in relations between Panama and the United States.

Foreign and domestic policy of Noriega

When Manuel Noriega decided in 1985 to rethink the economic course of the poorest country, at the same time he had to deal with problems on the international stage. The US did not like the stubbornness of their former agent, who also refused to renegotiate the terms of the Panama Canal issue. That is why the dictator decided to turn to Central America, the countries of the socialist camp and Western Europe, which further angered the superpower.

Deciding to punish the shrew, America announced that it would stop providing any military and economic aid Panama. In addition to this, there was also a court that delivered a verdict: Noriega was declared a member of an organized criminal group that was engaged in the transportation of drugs. Further, sanctions from the United States only continued to intensify - the number of American troops in the country was increased, and it was also forbidden to list any cash from the US to Panama.

US ultimatum

In May 1988, Noriega was directly offered by the United States: he either leaves his post or remains charged with drug trafficking. The actual ruler of Panama, being an unbearably proud man, did not make any concessions.

His constant refusals led to the imposition of severe economic sanctions in 1989. The dictator himself was directly blamed for all the country's troubles, and in addition to this, the United States continued to increase the contingent of troops in Panama. It was quite clear what exactly the situation was going to, and therefore in October 1989 there was the first attempt to overthrow the Noriega regime. It was unsuccessful, as the general easily crushed the rebellion, but became a kind of impetus for subsequent events.

It was soon announced that Panama was ready for constructive negotiations with the United States, but only if they did not interfere with the freedom and sovereignty of the country. Hoping for support in this matter from Soviet Union, Noriega and the de facto president of Panama, Francisco Rodriguez, miscalculated. At that time, the USSR was already on the verge of collapse, so Gorbachev simply could not disperse his forces even to a small country in Latin America.

"Just Cause"

The overthrow and trial of Manuel Noriega are rooted in the December 20, 1989 Operation Just Cause. To implement it, about 26 thousand American soldiers invaded the country - Panama simply could not win, since its army did not exceed 12 thousand. The fighting finally subsided already on December 25, although in last days they were local. Guillermo Endara came to power, who was another protege of America.

Now he directly admits that several war crimes were committed during this operation. There were even several criminal cases regarding the fact that soldiers shot local residents, but this is a completely different issue. Noriega himself, fleeing from the soldiers, took refuge on the territory of the Vatican embassy. However, over time, he managed to smoke out of there, and the former ruler surrendered to the troops. He was awaiting his trial in Miami.

Court sentence

Already in 1990, the Panama army ceased to exist, and the regimes of Torrijos and Noriega were recognized as bloody and illegitimate. However, Panama continued to live, and soon the former ruler was forgotten. The trial of Manuel Noriega itself took place in July 1992 - he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking, and this was already a mitigated term. The reason for the mitigation was directly recognized as long-term cooperation with the CIA of America.

In total, he served 15 years in prison, after which he was extradited to France, where he was again sentenced to seven years. However, he did not serve even a year here, since he was again returned to Panama, which gave him his term - 60 years on a sentence of political assassinations. Although, according to the laws of the country, he had the right to carry out his imprisonment under house arrest, the authorities of the country showed toughness and sent him to prison. He stayed there until he suffered a stroke in 2017, after which a brain tumor was discovered. Shortly thereafter, the former ruler of Panama died at the age of 83.