Being a Panamanian, and having just returned from home, I want to make some comments on your Jan. 9 editorial.

In spite of the outrage expressed by many countries for the U.S. intervention in Panama, most Panamanians, 92 percent according to a recent poll, approve the military action that removed Noriega from power.

We do not see this intervention as contradicting the principle of state sovereignty. We never voted for or liked any of the dictators we had since Torrijos took power in a military coup in 1968. They were in power against the will of most Panamanians.

I strongly feel that sovereignty rests on the will of the people and not on the government as most of the other countries in Latin America seem to believe. They didn't do much for the Panamanian people but now complain against the "big brother." Nevertheless, the U.S. troops are regarded in Panama not as invaders, but as liberators, and as such they are more than welcomed guests.

We are also grateful for the restraint shown by the U.S. forces and their respect and concern for civilian lives. For this, they were applauded from balconies and streets everywhere.

Also, most Panamanians welcome the U.S. forces to stay as long as the military actions are deemed necessary.

Most Panamanians feel that the U.S. intervention corrects 20 years of backing and support of a dictatorial government. This might be interpreted as a change in U.S. foreign policy toward genuinely supporting democracy at the international level. I truly hope so.

In the case of Panama, we can now see the future with hope and with a feeling that we have the power to positively contribute to a better tomorrow.