The United Nations and the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a workshop on Tuesday for civil society representatives to discuss the development of a truth commission on the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama.

Prensa Latina reports the commission would investigate the incident 26 year ago in which several civilians are believed to have been killed. The group would look to uncover the truth with regard to the identity of the victims, and how many lost their lives.

"For the first time after 26 years there is a government commitment to clarifying the facts related to the Dec. 20, 1989 invasion," said the Foreign Ministry, according to Panamanian newspaper La Prensa (via teleSUR).

In addition to the eventual publication of a "truth report," the investigation intends to pave the way for possible reparations for the victims' families, as well as the discovery of victim grave sites, the erection of public monuments and memorials, and an incorporation of the history into school curriculums.

The paper also cited Panama Vice President Isabel Saint Malo, who said a roadmap to honor the killed civilians was in the works.

Social organizations have suggested the commission consider declaring Dec. 20 a National Day of Reflection.

"This history of the country cannot be erased," a proposal to the commission said last month.

"Dec. 20 should be a day of national mourning to remember the people who died so that future generations know the historic facts regarding the U.S. invasion of Panama."

The U.S. invaded Panama with an army of 27,000 soldiers on Dec. 20, 1989. Dubbed "Operation Just Cause," the mission was supposedly to arrest dictator Manuel Noriega for drug charges.

Noriega was a former American ally and CIA informant, and many believe the operation was an excuse to oust the leader and implement a government supportive to the United States.

The operation resulted in a combined 3,000 military and civilian deaths. The U.S. has not compensated the survivors or families of the victims.

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