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UN, US Again Blast Burma's Reluctance With Help

Posted May 8, 08 4:02 PM CDT in US,  World 

(Newser) – Officials the world over are expressing dismay at Burma's apparent disinterest in swift international aid to victims of the devastating cyclone that has 1 million homeless and perhaps more than 100,000 dead, Reuters reports. The US ambassador to the UN said today he was “outraged by the slowness of the response of the government of Burma to welcome and accept assistance.”

Others were more politic; the top UN humanitarian official said he was “disappointed” that the nation's military junta was hobbling efforts to aid 1.5 million people “severely affected” by the storm, which produced 120 mph winds and a 12-foot wave that wiped some villages off the map. The government has reported only 22,980 deaths, but observers fear the number will be much higher.

Source Reuters

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A baby is held by her mother as they wait for free rice from the government following devastating cyclone Nargis.   (AP Photo)
A Marine MH-53 helicopter, which could help in any Myanmar cyclone relief effort.   (AP Photo/U.S. Navy, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Didier )
Malaysian aid workers arrange boxes of relief supplies for cyclone victims in Myanmar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.   (AP Photo)
A homeless woman whose house was destroyed in last weekend's devastating cyclone feeds her daughter while taking shelter at a monastery in Kaw Hmu village, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of...   (AP Photo)
People whose homes were destroyed in last weekend's devastating cyclone take shelter at a monastery in Kaw Hmu village, about 62 miles southwest of Yangon, Myanmar.   (AP Photo)
Protesters display placards in front of the Thai Embassy to urge Myanmar's military junta to postpone the May 10 National Referendum following Saturday's devastating cyclone.   (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
A man stands at a broken pier following the cyclone.   (AP Photo)
A girl makes her way past a bus station destroyed by Nargis.   (AP Photo)
A monk makes his way past a fallen tree.   (AP Photo/Barry Broman)
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United Nations • Burma • Myanmar • Cyclone Nargis • cyclone • relief • humanitarian aid • displaced persons


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