Martinelli to declare national emergency, talk of re-election brushed aside

A  state of national emergency  to provide support to communities affected by flooding. will be declared in Panama on  Friday, says president, Ricardo Martinelli.

Martinelli, made the statement  at the laying of the foundation stone for the new headquarters of the Electoral Tribunal.

He said the company AES will have to take responsibility for damage caused by the discharge of water  from the Bayano dam in the eastern sector of the province of Panama leading to flooding and the evacuation of hundreds of families in the Pacora
district

He left to tour flood stricken areas, and brushed aside questions on reports that a motion was being prepared to permit his re-elecytion.

He replied, says La Prensa that  he is working for people who need help and had no time for re-election gossip.