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CNN Live Saturday

Bush Talks Trade and Terrorism in Peru

Aired March 23, 2002 - 22:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Moving on now to President and Mrs. Bush -- they have just left the presidential palace in Peru, ending a hectic and historic day. In the seven hours he's been there, Mr. Bush has talked trade and terrorism threats with four of the region's leaders. Traveling with him, CNN White House correspondent Kelly Wallace.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A historic visit, the first sitting U.S. president to set foot inside Peru. A trip beginning with warmth, fanfare and extra tight security. The Peruvian military placed on the highest alert after Wednesday's car bombing near the U.S. Embassy left nine people dead.

At a news conference with President Toledo, Mr. Bush said he will do what he can to prevent terrorists from gaining a foothold inside this country.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And I would not discount the importance of our relationship when it comes to fighting terror. The world has called us to action. This is a new era.

WALLACE: However, no new pledges of aid to help Peru counter terrorism efforts. Instead, Mr. Bush said he was tripling funding in next year's budget to help Peru win the war on drugs.

PRESIDENT ALEJANDRO TOLEDO, PERU (through translator): We still have a long way to work together in this struggle, but we will do it.

WALLACE: While Peru would like to see a resumption of drug surveillance flights, which were suspended last year after the accidental shoot down of an American missionary plane. The president said the matter was still under review.

BUSH: As you know, we had a terrible situation where the young mom and her daughter lost their life. It caused us to step and to take a look at our policy at home and into work with the Peruvian government.

WALLACE: Mr. Bush touted trade as ammunition against the drug business, meeting with the leaders of the major drug producing countries in Latin America. The president calling on Congress to renew and expand the law eliminating tariffs on some of those country's exports to the United States.

BUSH: By building these ties of Congress, both our nations create more jobs.

WALLACE: There were some anti-American demonstrators. Peruvian police used tear gas to move them away, but the protests, a sign of the democratic reform in this country.

(on-camera): And one of the reasons why Mr. Bush wanted to come here, the visit as much about symbolism as substance. The president sending the message that he considers Latin America a priority even though -- since September 11, his attention has mainly been directed elsewhere.

Kelly Wallace, CNN, Lima, Peru.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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