26 March 2002

Fact Sheet: Counternarcotics and Regional Security in El Salvador

The White House issued a fact sheet on March 24, offering an outline of counternarcotics efforts and regional security in El Salvador. According to the White House, the United States and El Salvador "have a strong and cooperative law-enforcement relationship" marked by "a strong commitment to combating drug trafficking and crime, and to promoting democracy and human rights."

Following is the text of the fact sheet:

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
(San Salvador, El Salvador)

For Immediate Release

March 24, 2002

Fact Sheet: Counternarcotics and Regional Security in El Salvador

Solid Relationship:

The United States and the government of El Salvador have a strong and cooperative law-enforcement relationship. The two countries have much in common, such as a strong commitment to combating drug trafficking and crime, and to promoting democracy and human rights. We also have substantial trade and investment flows, and innumerable personal bonds between our people. The government of El Salvador is committed to assisting the United States to promote and uphold regional security, even more so after September 11. El Salvador Policy:

El Salvador has enacted legislation against alien smuggling, money laundering, drug trafficking and cultivation, and arms smuggling, as well as legislation regulating precursor chemicals and psychotropic drugs. In January 2002, the National Police had already seized more cocaine than in all of 2001. El Salvador is also seeking to upgrade border security at air and land ports of entry. U.S. Assistance:

U.S. training and technical assistance is aimed at enhancing existing Salvadoran programs and sponsoring new initiatives to increase the Salvadoran government's capabilities to combat crime and to ensure border security. In counternarcotics, the United States supports both demand- and supply-side programs related to youth gangs. The United States likewise supports the Central American regional anti-drug effort. El Salvador has played a leadership role in promoting a regional approach to combating transnational organized crime.

end fact sheet