Mr. Fitzwater the president has directed United States forces to execute at 1 00 a. M. This morning preplanned missions to in panama to protect american lives, restore the democratic process, preserve the integrity of the panama canal treaties, and apprehend manuel noriega. The situation in panama under general noriega has reached a crisis. Democratic elections have been thwarted. American lives have been endangered. The integrity of the panama canal treaties is at risk. General noriega is under indictment for drugrelated charges, and the president has made every effort peacefully to resolve the situation through negotiations under the auspices of the organization of american states and latin american leaders. General noriega has rejected all of these efforts. Last friday, noriega declared a state of war with the United States. The next day, the pdf shot to death an unarmed, american serviceman, wounded another, seized and beat another serviceman, and sexually threatened his wife. Under these circumstances, the president decided he must act to prevent further violence. Our troops will use only the force necessary to achieve the objectives and will be withdrawn as quickly as possible. At approximately midnight tonight, the democratically elected leaders of panama, president endara and Vice President s calderon and ford, were sworn in and assumed the ir rightful positions. They welcome and support our actions and have stated their intention to institute a democratic government immediately. The United States has recognize that government and will restore normal relations and will cooperate to rebuild a free and prosperous panama. Pres. Bush i, today, directed the secretary of the treasury and the secretary of state to lift the economic sanctions with respect to the democratically elected government of panama and in cooperation with that government to take steps to affect an orderly unblocking of panamanian government assets in the United States. I am fully committed to implement the panama canal treaties and turn over the canal to panama in the year 2000. The actions we have taken and the cooperation of a new, democratic government in panama will permit us to honor these commitments. As soon as the new government recommends a qualified candidate, panamanian, to be administrator of the canal as called for in the treaties, i will submit this nominee to the senate for expedited consideration. I am committed to strengthening our relationship with the democratic nations in this hemisphere. I will continue to Seek Solutions to the problems of this region through dialogue and multilateral diplomacy. I took this action only after reaching the conclusion that every other avenue was closed and the lives of american citizens were in grave danger. I hope that the people of panama will put this dark chapter of dictatorship behind them and move Forward Together as citizens of a democratic panama with this government that they themselves have elected. The United States is eager to work with the panamanian people in partnership and friendship to rebuild their economy. The panamanian people want democracy, peace, and the chance for a better life in dignity and freedom. The people of the United States seek only to support them in pursuit of these noble goals. Thank you very much. [gunfire] [gunfire] [indistinct conversations] [gunfire] [indistinct conversations] [speaking foreign language] [gunfire] [indistinct conversations] [gunfire] [dog barks] [horn honks] [indistinct conversations] where at . [gunfire] [indistinct conversations] [indiscernible] 45. Get up. [indistinct conversations] our cspan campaign 2020 team is traveling across the country, asking voters, what issues should president ial candidates address . Campaign, i want a candidate who will advocate for everybody, regardless of how old they are or what kind of background they come from, what race they are, what their Sexual Orientation or gender may be. I feel like that has not been helping the past few years, and i think we need to get back to a president who will advocate for everybody. My top issues for the government for the 2020 election is what you do and what you plan to do to resolve the issue across the nation of injustice, and my how money influences our policies. The most important issue to [indiscernible] top 2020 issue is not a legislative issue but rather an ethics issue. I think political transparency is our Biggest Issue in washington and government. I think something they need to focus on is making sure the American Public really knows what is going on, because there are a lot of Committee Meetings and hearings that we cannot know about, so if the candidates would focus on being upfront about their views and what and once they do get into office stating what is actually going on and allowing the american participatory. Re voices from the road, on cspan. Is American History tv, exploring our nations past every weekend on cspan3. 1962 on reel america, a agency film about norman rockwell. Folk singer and songwriter tom glazer, who provides the soundtrack, visits rockwell at his stockbridge, massachusetts home and studio to learn about his working methods, influences, and career. In a halfhour, images captured by world war ii photographers, and as the u. S. Congress considers impeachment, American History tv looks back to the impeachment trial of president bill clinton, which took place over five weeks in january and february of 1999. On berkshire mountain their dwell an artist named norman