Brussels, 04/01/2001 (Agence Europe) - Just before the Christmas break, the European Commission approved aid of Euro 30 million for a "binational" development programme along the border of Honduras and El Salvador. The aid is aimed to encourage the attempts to normalise the cross border relations between the two Central American countries and should be released this year. In a press release, the Commission remarked that the programme will be of benefit to around 500,000 people (most of whom exist in extreme poverty) living in a border zone which has traditionally been a source of conflict between El Salvador and Honduras. The programme will focus on - technical assistance and studies; - training; - institutional support; - cofunding local development projects. The Commission is counting on the leverage effect of the aid it is providing to encourage investment in the region and enhance regional integration.