Man wanted by US takes top job in Panama Congress

PANAMA CITY, Sep 2 (Reuters) Panama's lawmakers elected as head of the National Assembly a man wanted by the United States in the murder of a US soldier, a move Washington said was deeply disappointing.

Legislator Pedro Miguel Gonzalez, 42, has been indicted in the United States on charges he shot and killed US Army Sgt Zak Hernandez in June 1992, a day before a visit by then-President George Bush.

Gonzalez was nominated by Panama's ruling Revolutionary Democratic Party, which has a majority in the legislature.

Before the vote, he received applause as he entered the assembly chamber, where he was described by colleagues as ''distinguished'' and a ''great patriot.'' The US State Department said in a statement it was ''deeply disappointed'' by Gonzalez's election yesterday, noting there was an outstanding arrest warrant out for him. The United States is Panama's top trading partner and built its famed canal.

At a tense time after the 1989 US invasion and capture of Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega, the soldier was killed when the Humvee he was driving was ambushed north of Panama City.

Gonzalez said he was at a demonstration miles (km) away to protest the Bush visit at the time of the shooting. He was acquitted at a 1997 trial in Panama.

Washington says the trial was marred by jury-rigging, witness intimidation and government harassment.

Panama has refused to extradite him and warned Washington not to try to influence the parliamentary vote.

Reuters BJR VP0525