U.S. feared return to militarism by Noriega cronies under former president

WikiLeaks revelations which have provoked a crisis in the present administration, have now spotlighted U.S, concerns  about the possible resurgence of militarism under the previous president.

During the administration of Martín Torrijos, officials with the U.S. embassy in Panama showed their concern over the large number of former collaborators with the military dictatorship who served in key posts.

Torrijos was a son of the first military dictator Omar Torrijos who, after his death in a plane crash, was followed by Manuel Noriega, currently sitting in a French Prison, serving a 7-year sentence for money laundering.

He was extradited from the U.S. to France after spending 20 years behind bars, following the 1989 invasion of Panama.

According to messages sent to Washington by  former Ambassador William Eaton (2005-2008) to Washington, the concern was not only about the possible resurgence of militarism, but also in the dubious credentials of civilians appointed by Torrijos to important positions, said a report published in La Prensa.

"The Government of Panama is more and more like the continuation of the government of Noriega, without Noriega," Eaton wrote in mid-2006.

The message mentions a number of  high ranking officials, including  Minister of Public Works Benjamin Colamarco, whom Eaton called a "convicted criminal," and economic advisor Orville Gooding, a Noreiga official accused of corruption.

The cable also listed concerns about legislator Pedro Miguel González, whose election as president of the National Assembly was initially blamed for the delay in the free trade agreement between the two countries.

Gonzales is still wanted in the U.S. for the  alleged murder of an American serviceman after the 1989 invasion.