DATE=03/23/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT (S)

NUMBER=2-287905

TITLE= BUSH/PERU

BYLINE=GREG FLAKUS

DATELINE=LIMA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush met with Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo in Lima on Saturday to discuss trade, drug trafficking and the war on terrorism. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from Lima, both presidents expressed the need to combat poverty and terror at the same time.

TEXT: Coming before reporters after their meeting, both President Bush and President Toledo spoke enthusiastically about plans to increase aid, trade and business links between their nations. But, referring to the bomb blast Wednesday here in Lima that killed nine people near the U-S embassy, President Bush said people cannot prosper if terrorism holds sway.

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Peruvians have been reminded again this week of the terrible toll of terror. On behalf of the people of the United States, I express our deep sympathy for the victims of the recent bombing and our deep sympathy for their loved ones.

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Mr. Bush said the United States would back Peru and other Andean nations in their fight against both terrorists and drug traffickers. (signed)

NEB/MEM