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 News from Around the Americas | October 2005 
Despite Repression, Students Protest Bush Visit to Panama
 Prensa Latina
| | University students clash with riot police at the University of Panama in Panama City October 10, 2005. Students protested against high gasoline prices and U.S. President George W. Bush's visit to Panama in November. (Reuters/Alberto Lowe) |
Panama - Panamanian student leaders declared they will stand firm in their decision to publicly condemn the US president's visit, despite recent police repression and the closure of educational centers.
"We will give a warm welcome to the greatest genocidal killer on earth," university leader Javier Vasquez told reporters, referring to US President George W. Bush´s visit to Panama on November 6 and 7.
Vasquez added that the current Panama government policy is to obey the mandates of "Emperor Bush", a position most Panamanians condemn.
The student leader added that the peaceful protests will be resumed next week, with leaflets calling the people to reject Bush´s visit as well as the rise in fuel prices and a possible increase in bus fares.
A coalition of trade unions and social organizations, headed by the Panamanian Human Rights Committee, have announced several actions to condemn Bush´s presence in Panama.
"The visit should not take place, because Bush is persona non grata in Panama and in the entire world. He is a human rights violator," said Fr. Conrado Sanjur.
The prelate, who leads the National Movement for the Defense of Sovereignty, told reporters that the United States is trying to promote neoliberal policies in Panama through a Free Trade Agreement, "which will asphyxiate our economy". |
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