DATE=02/13/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-287929

TITLE=BUSH ARRIVAL (S-O)

BYLINE=GREG FLAKUS

DATELINE=SAN SALVADOR

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush has arrived in the Central American nation of El Salvador for a half-day visit with regional leaders. As V-O-A's Greg Flakus reports from San Salvador, trade is at the top of the agenda, even though a U-S/Central America trade agreement remains in the talking stage.

TEXT: /// WELCOME MUSIC ESTABLISH, THEN FADE... ///

There was music from a military band as President Bush stepped down from Air Force One in El Salvador. During his short visit the president will meet with the leaders of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, and Belize.

Mr. Bush says trade will be the main theme, but speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Secretary of State Colin Powell said a comprehensive trade agreement with Central America is still far off. He says the main problem is resistance in Congress, where he says "some are not favorably disposed to these kind of agreements."

Security is tight around the meeting site in San Salvador, but thousands of people have gathered along the motorcade route and near the Salvadoran presidential palace to greet the U-S president. (SIGNED)

NEB/GF/RAE