France : A U.S. State Department spokeswoman declines to comment on the matter . Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Santos will have a chance to appeal the extradition . French officials say the ` ` consent of the United States '' allows the process to start . Panama requests Noriega 's release on charges he had a political rival behind .
NEW : A U.S. State Department spokeswoman declines to comment on the case . Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega will have a month to appeal the extradition . French officials say the `` consent of the United States '' allows the process to start . Panama requests Noriega 's extradition on charges he had a political rival killed .