DATE=02/13/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT (S)

NUMBER=2-287933

TITLE=BUSH/CENTRAL AMERICA

BYLINE=GREG FLAKUS

DATELINE= SAN SALVADOR

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush is in the Central American nation of El Salvador for a half-day visit with regional leaders. As VOA's Greg Flakus reports from San Salvador, trade is at the top of the agenda, even though U-S officials say a trade agreement with the region remains a long way off.

TEXT: In a joint news conference with Salvadoran President Francisco Flores, just before the lunch meeting with all seven regional leaders, Mr. Bush emphasized his commitment to free trade. He noted that he had proposed a free trade agreement with Central America in January and that this is part of an overall strategy to strengthen commerce throughout the western hemisphere.

/// BUSH ACT ///

We are also going to continue to pursue the Free Trade of the Americas, which aims to encompass the entire hemisphere in a free trade agreement. Completing these agreements will promote prosperity throughout the hemisphere and reinforce the region's progress towards political, economic and social reform.

/// END ACT ///

U-S officials concede that such agreements are unlikely to be completed any time soon, but Mr. Bush wants to at least start the process of talking about the issue, with an eye towards possible future accords. (signed).

NEB/GF/FC