[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[March 2, 2001]
[Page 185]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Relief and Reconstruction Assistance for El Salvador
March 2, 2001

    I had a good meeting today with El Salvador's President Francisco 
Flores. I commended him for the strong 
leadership he and his government have shown in the aftermath of two 
recent earthquakes that killed and injured thousands of people and left 
many more homeless.
    The United States responded to these earthquakes by quickly sending 
rescue workers and over $16 million in relief assistance to the people 
of El Salvador. Today I told President Flores that the United States has pledged $52 million in 
reconstruction assistance to El Salvador this fiscal year, and I will 
seek to match or increase that amount for next year.
    In addition, I informed him of the 
Attorney General's decision to grant temporary 
relief from deportation for a period of 18 months for Salvadoran 
citizens living in the United States. This will allow them to continue 
to work here and to remit some of their wages back home to support El 
Salvador's recovery efforts.
    The recent earthquake in Washington State brings home to the 
citizens of our Nation how natural disaster can strike any of us. And it 
reminds us of our obligation to reach out to help those in other nations 
struggling in the wake of disaster to rebuild their homes and lives.