Bush to Junta: Let the US Help

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. (More Myanmar stories.)