[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[July 10, 1992]
[Page 1109]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Sentencing of Manuel Noriega

July 10, 1992
    The sentence imposed today on Manuel Noriega is a fitting punishment 
for drug crimes that have harmed all Americans. It demonstrates that 
international drug felons are not above the law, no matter how great 
their wealth, their status, or their armed might.
    Illegal drugs inflict great suffering throughout our Nation and the 
world. Anyone who trafficks in them should be brought to justice. 
Operation Just Cause freed the people of Panama from a brutal tyranny; 
the sentence handed down today demonstrates that it also led to the 
conviction and just punishment of an unrepentant drug criminal. For 
that, Americans and our allies abroad have reason to be proud.