Iraq Reconstruction Remarks
September 12, 2005

Good Morning.   I would like to thank the Ministries of Defense and Economy for coordinating this event with representatives of our Embassy.  It is very important to the United States and allows our nations to work together and provide benefits to the Iraqi people.   The number of people in the room shows the high level of interest among Salvadoran businesses in seeking opportunities in Iraq.  I hope the information that will be provided over the next two days gives you insights as to how to pursue such opportunities as a partner with the United States Government.

President Bush has spoken highly about the support given to the coalition by the soldiers of El Salvador towards the reconstruction of Iraq.   I stand before you as President Bush’s representative here in El Salvador, and as such, take immense pride in saying thank you to the people of El Salvador for contributing to the coalition forces in Iraq.   Sending five rotations of troops to Iraq is proof of El Salvador’s desire to see the Iraqi people successfully transition to democracy.   Your contribution to the coalition is extremely important and appreciated, and will not be forgotten.

The program for the reconstruction of Iraq is one part of that transition to democracy.   Infrastructure, goods and services are needed to enable  the Iraqi people to settle into a state of normality in their lives that we take for granted, and thereby,  consolidate the rights they gained by losing a dictator.    You are here with us today to take part in continuing that transition.

I hope that you find the information that will be presented to you in the next two days as an opportunity to not only support the ongoing efforts there, but also as a means of providing your employees with increased production and job opportunities.   We have an excellent team gathered here to speak with you in a manner that I expect to be open and informative, and over the next two days they will provide you with a lot of information on which to base your decisions.   Many of you have worked with the United States government previously; we hope you will continue to do so through this program.  I think this will be a good opportunity for other companies to enter this market as well.  I believe it will be beneficial to all, most of all the Iraqi people.

Thank you.