[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 9 (Monday, March 5, 2001)]
[Page 392]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.