Legislators doubt Salvador has better rights record

Voicing doubts over continued United States aid to El Salvador, two influential Republican congressmen said talks here left them unconvinced the Salvadoran government was making progress in curbing human-rights abuses and promoting land reform.

The congressmen reported findings from a three-day visit to El Salvador to the House subcommittee on international affairs, which has jurisdiction over US foreign aid. Their visit was prompted by growing concern in Congress (soon to vote on the issue) over the Salvadoran government's commitment to land reform and to human rights.