The World - News from Feb. 9, 1986

Panama has charged a U.S. congressman with meddling in its domestic affairs by linking funds for improvements in the Panama Canal to a guarantee of jobs for thousands of canal workers once it comes fully under Panamanian control in the year 2000. In a letter of protest to U.S. Ambassador Everett Briggs, Foreign Minister Jorge Abadia Arias said statements by Rep. Michael Lowry (D-Wash.), chairman of a House subcommittee on Panama Canal affairs, during a recent visit to Panama, “contradict the letter and spirit of the pact between our two countries, but also represent meddling in Panama’s domestic affairs.”