DATE=MARCH 23, 2002

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-287903

TITLE=BUSH PERU (S)

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=LIMA

CONTENT:

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush has arrived in Peru amidst hightened security following a bomb blast near the U-S embassy Wednesday. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, more than 20-thousand Peruvian security forces are on their highest state of alert during the president's visit.

TEXT: Peruvian police say several small homemade bombs were thrown from a moving car in an eastern section of the capital Saturday. The explosions occurred before the president's arrival and there were no reports of casualties.

Police used teargas to chase demonstrators outside the Ministry of Justice. Sharpshooters are stationed around all the buildings where Mr. Bush will meet with Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo.

President Toledo has offered a one-million dollar reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Wednesday's bomb blast which killed nine Peruvians and wounded 30.

Security officials are investigating whether Colombian rebels might be behind the bombing. President Bush is asking Congress to lift limits on U-S military aid to Colombia so it can be used to fight those rebels. That assistance is currently restricted to anti-drug efforts.

While in Peru, Mr. Bush will also meet with the leaders of Colombia, Bolivia, and Ecuador to discuss expanding trade and efforts to stop cocaine smuggling.

(SIGNED)