[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 38 (Monday, September 29, 2008)]
[Pages 1250-1251]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks During a Discussion With President Elias Antonio Saca Gonzalez 
of El Salvador in New York City

September 24, 2008

    President Bush. Mr. President, thank you.
    I want to let my friend know, and the people of El Salvador, that 
the United States will extend TPS status to El Salvadorians living in 
our country. This is a decision that was made to improve the lives of El 
Salvadorians.
    I'm proud to make this announcement with you standing by my side. 
You've been a very strong and courageous leader, and you have been a 
friend. And I know this is an issue of concern to you because you care 
deeply about the people of your country. And so when you get back home, 
you can tell the people that TPS has been extended.
    Thank you, sir.

    President Saca. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, President, 
for extending for 18 months more the TPS for the people of El Salvador. 
This is going to benefit our Salvadorian people with--since we have been 
walking in liberty, in democracy, and in integration.
    Thank you very much this morning for this extension.

Note: The President spoke at 9:53 a.m. at the Council of the Americas 
Headquarters. President Saca spoke in Spanish, and his remarks were 
translated by an interpreter. The Office of the Press Secretary also 
released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.

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