Washington - Myanmar failed to adequately warn the
population in advance of the cyclone that hit the Southeast Asian
nation over the weekend and killed thousands of people, US First
Lady Laura Bush said Monday.
'Although they were aware of the threat, Burma's state run media
failed to issue a timely warning to citizens in the storm's path,'
Bush said, using the country's historical name.
Bush has taken up the cause of Myanmar's political dissidents in
recent years and has been the leading White House voice on the issue
alongside her husband, President George W Bush.
The United States announced it would provide 250,000 dollars in
immediate emergency aid through the US embassy in Yangon, and the
first lady said there will be a 'substantial' amount more if
Myanmar's ruling military junta agreed to accept US help.
Bush urged Myanmar's rulers to accept US and other forms of
international assistance and called on Yangon to permit a US
disaster response team into the country to assess humanitarian
needs.
'The government of Burma should accept this team quickly, as well
as other offers of international assistance,' Bush said.
Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar over the weekend. The death toll so
far has reached 4,000, but Myanmar officials have said that number
could climb to 10,000. Myanmar's military regime is somewhat
notorious for its reluctance to allow international aid
organizations direct access to the people.
Bush said the regime's response to the cyclone coupled with the
repressive policies and mismanagement of the country showed the
ineptitude of its leaders and the need of the international
community to pressure the government for democratic change.
'The response to the cyclone is just the most recent example of
the junta's failure to meet its people's basic needs,' Bush said.
The United States has sanctions on Myanmar for human rights
violations, which means any US aid would have to go through thirds
parties or international organizations like the World Food
Programme.
billtmoreMay 6th, 2008 - 12:06:49
Our fearful administration is criticizing someone else's response to a natural disaster!!!!explain 250,000 US dollars in aid....we spend that in one hour in Iraq....this administration after 8 years still does not get it sad commentary.....
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