BRIEFS. International relations

U.S. embassy opposes "mourning day" proposal

U.S. embassy officials have come out against a proposal before the Asamblea Nacional to declare Dec. 20 an annual "national day of mourning."

The date coincides with the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 to remove Manuel Noriega from power. He was later convicted of money-laundering in a U.S. court.

"We prefer to look ahead," embassy officials said. "We are pleased to have as a partner and friend a nation like Panama, which has achieved a mature democratic system." The proposal requires two more debates in the House as well as executive approval.

Proponents of the measure say it is too late for the holiday to be put in place this year, but hope it receives approval from the government in time for next year. They are planning to March on Dec. 20 in Panama City to mark the 1989 invasion.