HELPING CENTRAL AMERICA
The International Commission for Central American Recovery and Development, composed of 47 members from 20 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia, issued the following recommendations Monday for restoring economic growth in the region:
$500-million increase to $2 billion annually in external financial aid over next five years to help region achieve and sustain economic growth of 5.5%; at least $850 million should be earmarked during first three years to care for estimated 2 million to 3 million refugees created by regional conflicts.
Full international support for peace and democracy as envisioned in the Central American peace plan signed by the region’s five presidents in 1987; suspension of military aid to rebel forces.
Nations complying with regional peace accord should not be denied financial or trade benefits because of ideology.
Outside aid to finance revival of Central American Common Market and creation of other regional institutions.
Unilateral trade concessions, lower tariffs and higher quotas on regional exports for at least 10 years.
Measures to ease region’s debt burden.
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