[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992, Book I)]
[June 11, 1992]
[Page 921]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Remarks at a Luncheon Hosted by President Guillermo Endara in Panama 
City, Panama

June 11, 1992
    The President. Mr. President and Mr. Vice President and members of 
the Cabinet, Barbara and I are just delighted to be with you to witness 
firsthand the great progress that Panama has made since its liberation 
from that dictatorship and tyranny back in December 1989. Panama is once 
again free, democracy restored, and the rule of law prevails.
    With your nation's return to democracy, Panama resumes its place in 
the world community. This country's path toward economic reform and also 
liberalization has rekindled economic enterprise. And maybe some don't 
realize it, but last year your nation's economic growth was the highest 
in the whole hemisphere. I salute your success and your efforts, which 
bring the prospect of a better future for all Panamanians.
    Our countries have enjoyed a unique partnership since Panama gained 
its independence nearly 90 years ago. That partnership is embodied today 
in the 1977 Panama Canal treaties. Mr. President, let me just assure you 
the United States keeps its word: Those treaties will be fully 
implemented on schedule.
    But what I really wanted to do to come here was to salute those of 
you in this room who stood up to the tyranny of Noriega and who dared to 
oppose him in the 1989 elections and who now have the responsibility for 
strengthening your democracy for future generations.
    As we were riding in in the car I sensed a little nervousness on the 
part of my friend President Endara. I think he was worried that I might 
be offended by some show of protest. But what I saw and felt was that 
overwhelming welcome from the people along the streets. It expressed, I 
think, a genuine friendship between Panama and the United States. And 
for the tiny, tiny handful of people that are protesting, I said they 
ought to go up to San Francisco and get an idea what a real protest is 
like. [Laughter]
    So we've been here, and we are very grateful to you. We salute you. 
And I would like to just propose a toast to the health of President and 
Mrs. Endara and to that lasting, strengthening friendship between Panama 
and the United States of America.

                    Note: The President spoke at 1:15 p.m. at the 
                        Presidential Palace.