Eric Arturo Delvalle

Born

**Eric Arturo Delvalle Cohen-Henríquez** (February 2, 1937 – October 2, 2015) was a Panamanian politician. He served as Vice President under Nicolás Ardito Barletta. Following the disputed 1984 election, and after Barletta's forced resignation, Delvalle served as President of Panama from September 28, 1985 until February 26, 1988.

In 1988, he attempted to remove Noriega as head of the armed forces, but was himself deposed by the Legislative Assembly, going into hiding and eventually exile.

## Background

Delvalle was born in Panama City. His brother Raúl is a former member of the National Assembly (1984–1989). Both he and his uncle, Max Delvalle, were members of the Kol Shearit Israel Synagogue. His uncle Max was the first Jewish president in Latin America. He belonged to the Republican Party founded by his family.

## Presidency

Delvalle was elected as Nicolás Ardito Barletta's Vice President in the disputed 1984 election, and after Barletta's forced resignation he served as President of Panama from September 28, 1985 to February 26, 1988. Delvalle's presidency occurred during Manuel Noriega's *de facto* military rule of the country, and he was a loyal ally of Noriega for much of his administration.

In 1986, US Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs Elliot Abrams openly called on the Panamanian military to overthrow Noriega and suggested that it could lead to the restoration of military aid. The Delvalle government protested, filing a complaint with the Organization of American States; sixteen Latin American states joined Panama in condemning the US statement.

After Noriega's indictment on February 4, 1988 by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Delvalle unsuccessfully attempted to remove Noriega from his formal post as head of the Panamanian Defense Forces. Instead, Noriega's allies in the Legislative Assembly voted on February 22 to oust Delvalle as president, appointing Education Minister Manuel Solis Palma in his place. Delvalle then went into hiding with the help of the American government. Though initially stating that he intended to remain in Panama, Delvalle soon went into the exile in the US. The administration of US President Ronald Reagan refused to recognize the legitimacy of Delvalle's successors and continued to officially support the legitimacy of Delvalle's presidency until his term's official ending in late 1989.

Delvalle and his Noriega-appointed successors are nicknamed the "Kleenex presidents" in Panama due to their "disposability".

In 1994, he was pardoned by President Guillermo Endara for any crimes committed during the Noriega years.

## Personal life and death

Delvalle was married to Mariela Delvalle. He died on October 2, 2015 at the age of 78 in Cleveland, Ohio.

## References

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3. ↑ Harding 2006, p. 106.
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5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Harding 2006, p. 108.
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7. ↑ Harding 2006, p. 100.
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10. ↑ Obituary

## Bibliography

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