Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 95.djvu/1581

 PUBLIC LAW 97-113—DEC. 29, 1981

95 STAT. 1555

(5) an end to extremist violence and the establishment of a unified command and control of all government security forces in this effort; (6) free, fair, and open elections at the earliest date; and (7) increased professional capability of the Salvadoran Armed Forces in order to establish a peaceful and secure environment in which economic development and reform and the democratic processes can be fully implemented, thereby permitting a phased withdrawal of United States military training and advisory personnel at the earliest possible date, (b) It is the sense of the Congress that the United States economic assistance to El Salvador should put emphasis on revitalizing the private sector and supporting the free market system. The Congress recognizes that the lack of foreign exchange to buy imported raw materials and intermediate goods is a major impediment to the ability of the Salvadoran economy to provide jobs. The Congress also recognizes that the funds budgeted for economic assistance are only a fraction of the foreign exchange needed, and United States economic aid should be used, wherever possible, to stimulate private sector lending. Therefore, the Congress urges the President to set aside a portion of the economic support funds to provide guarantees to private United States banks willing to give credits to the Salvadoran private sector. RESTRICTIONS ON MILITARY ASSISTANCE AND SALES TO EL SALVADOR

SEC. 728. (a)(1) The Congress finds that peaceful and democratic development in Central America is in the interest of the United States and of the community of American States generally, that the recent civil strife in El Salvador has caused great human suffering and disruption to the economy of that country, and that substantial assistance to El Salvador is necessary to help alleviate that suffering and to promote economic recovery within a peaceful and democratic process. Moreover, the Congress recognizes that the efforts of the Government of El Salvador to achieve these goals are affected by the activities offerees beyond its control. (2) Taking note of the substantial progress made by the Government of El Salvador in land and banking reforms, the Congress declares it should be the policy of the United States to encourage and support the Government of El Salvador in the implementation of these reforms. (3) The United States also welcomes the continuing efforts of President DUarte and his supporters in the Government of El Salvador to establish greater control over the activities of members of the armed forces and government security forces. The Congress finds that it is in the interest of the United States to cooperate with the Duarte government in putting an end to violence in El Salvador by extremist elements among both the insurgents and the security forces, and in establishing a unified command and control of all government forces. (4) The United States supports the holding of free, fair, and open elections in El Salvador at the earliest date. The Congress notes the progress being made by the Duarte government in this area, as evidenced by the appointment of an electoral commission. (b) In fiscal year 1982 and 1983, funds may be obligated for assistance for El Salvador under chapter 2 or 5 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, letters of offer may be issued and credits and guarantees may be extended for El Salvador under the

22 USC 2370 "°*®

Presidential co^n^^ess^°" *° 22 iJScf 2311, 2347.

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