Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 13, 2008 8:51:49 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

First Lady Steps Up for Cyclone Relief

Posted May 5, 08 5:17 PM CDT in Politics,  World 

(Newser) – First Lady Laura Bush took a rare turn in the spotlight today and pressed Burma to let a US disaster response team into the country, CNN reports. In a press conference, she also slammed the junta for its "failure to meet its people's basic needs" after a cyclone killed more than 10,000 people there.

Meanwhile, the UN and other relief organizations are rushing aid to the beleaguered nation. "I think it's the biggest disaster to hit this country in recent memory," says a spokesman for UNICEF. The UN has made $30 million available to deal with the crisis, and the US $250,000—but Washington has sanctions imposed against Burma and has not yet received permission to help.

Source CNN

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Burma Indicts Dissident Comedian

    Aug 7, 08 9:54 AM CDT
    Burma Indicts Dissident Comedian A popular comedian who became one of the most prominent critics of Burma's military government has been formally charged with several political offenses. Zarganar, who had been leading a citizen effort to aid victims of Cyclone Nargis, has been indicted on five counts, including unlawful association and creating public unrest. More »

  • Burma Aid Delays Less Deadly Than Feared

    Jun 18, 08 5:13 AM CDT
    Burma Aid Delays Less Deadly Than Feared Delays in getting help to cyclone survivors in Burma's Irrawaddy Delta have not caused the catastrophe initially feared, according to aid workers. Hardy villagers have managed to survive on fish and coconuts, helped by aid from private Burmese citizens and monks, reports the New York Times. Expected massive outbreaks of disease have not occurred—but aid workers warn that many are still at risk. More »

  • Burma Arrests Activist Linked to Cyclone Aid

    Jun 5, 08 6:58 AM CDT
    Burma Arrests Activist Linked to Cyclone Aid The Burmese junta has arrested a leading activist who led a private aid program for victims of last month's Cyclone Nargis. Zarganar, a top comedian in Burma who was also arrested during September's protests, was taken away by secret police last night, Reuters reports. The junta continues to block aid to millions of survivors, and today four American warships abandoned efforts to provide aid. More »

  • Blocked US Ships Will Abandon Myanmar Aid

    Jun 4, 08 6:04 AM CDT
    Blocked US Ships Will Abandon Myanmar Aid US warships laden with aid for Burmese cyclone survivors will sail out of the region tomorrow still carrying their loads, Reuters reports. Burma's military junta has refused 15 requests to allow American forces to deliver aid supplies to the disaster zone, according to the admiral in charge of the operation. More »

  • Gates: Junta Aid Delays Killed Thousands

    May 31, 08 6:21 AM CDT
    Gates: Junta Aid Delays Killed Thousands Tens of thousands of Burmese have died because of their government's refusal to allow in foreign aid after Cyclone Nargis, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said yesterday. Gates accused the military leaders of being "deaf and dumb" to the plight of their people, Reuters reports. American ships in the region have not been allowed to deliver relief supplies to Burma. More »

In this photo released by Democratic Voice of Burma, a tree falls over a car after tropical cyclone Nargis hit Yangon, Myanmar on Friday May 2, 2008.   (AP Photo/ Democratic voice of Burma)
In this photo released by Democratic Voice of Burma, a fallen tree is seen on a street after tropical cyclone Nargis hit Yangon on Sunday May 4,2008.   (AP Photo/ Democratic voice of Burma, HO)
First lady Laura Bush speaks in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Monday, May 5, 2008, in Washington, on the cyclone in Myanmar.   (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

Burma  • Myanmar  • disaster  • cyclone  • aid  • Laura Bush


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »