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PANAMA CITY: Former Panamanian president Guillermo Endara, who led the country's transition to democracy after the ousting of military strongman Manuel Noriega, has died at the age of 73.
Endara "was a great man and a good friend," said President Ricardo Martinelli announcing his predecessor and some-time political opponent's death from a suspected heart attack on Monday.
He was president of Panama between 1989 and 1994.
Endara's victory in May 1989 elections and its rejection by Noriega spurred widespread discontent at the general's rule, culminating in a US invasion at the end of that year.
Legislators in Panama's national assembly, who on Monday were gathered as news of his death trickled in, observed a minute's silence for a politician who was a key player in the small Central American country for the last two decades.
His presidency saw breakneck economic recovery, which has largely continued since, transforming Panama City from a sleepy Central American capital to the area's most glittering metropolis.
"I am sure that the Panamanian people will always remember him as a wholesome, good, jocular person who have done a great deal for Panama," said Martinelli.
Cardiologist Sergio Solis said Endara died peacefully in Panama City. He was earlier treated for renal failure and diabetes.
Endara's running mate Guillermo Ford – who, complete with bloodstained guayabera shirt, was famously photographed being attacked by Noriega's thugs – said his former colleague would now rest in peace.
- AFP/so
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