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Bush to Junta: Let the US Help

Posted May 6, 08 2:07 PM CDT in World 

(Newser) – President Bush today expressed “heartfelt sympathy” to the victims of the Myanmar cyclone and called on the ruling junta to allow the US to offer more help, the Voice of America reports. The government has accepted $250,000 of US aid but balked at letting US Navy rescue teams assist in finding the 41,000 people who remain missing.

"We are prepared to move US Navy assets to help find those who have lost their lives, to help find the missing and stabilize the situation," Bush said. “Our message to the military rulers is: Let the United States come and help you help the people.” Bush also approved Congress’ decision to award the Congressional Gold Medal to dissident Aung San Suu Kyi.

Source Voice of America

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An aerial view of devastation caused by the cyclone Nargis on Saturday, is seen at an unknown location in Myanmar, Tuesday, May 6, 2008.   (AP Photo)
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino answers questions about U.S. aid to the Myanmar area in the wake of Cyclone Nargis during her daily briefing at the White House in Washington Tuesday, May 6, 2008....   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Thai soldiers load supplies for victims of a devastating cyclone in Myanmar onto a Thai military transport plane at the military airport in Bangkok, Thailand Tuesday, May 6, 2008.   (AP Photo/Apichart Weerawong)
A resident walks past a tree fallen by a devastating cyclone, Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in Yangon.   (AP Photo)
Myanmar girl makes her way past a bus station destroyed by a last weekend cyclone, Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in Yangon.   (AP Photo)
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George W. Bush • Burma • Myanmar • Cyclone Nargis • democracy • cyclone • junta • Aung San Suu Kyi • military junta


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