Int´l aid distribution to Myanmar

Source: CCTV.com | 05-10-2008 09:47

The UN is seeking 187 million US dollars from donor nations to help cyclone survivors in Myanmar. Meanwhile, the country has denied rumors it's turning down relief materials from the West. Myanmar says it welcomes and is thankful for the timely aid from the international community.

UN officials made the appeal on Friday to provide food, water purification tablets and other supplies for at least one and a half million people over the next three months.

The UN humanitarian aid chief, John Holmes, stressed the urgency of getting aid to the victims. So far, nations and organizations have pledged more than 38 million US dollars. Many countries including China, Thailand and India, have provided relief and contributions.

Myanmar denied rumors it's turning down relief materials from Western countries.

Kyaw Tint Swe, Myanmar's permanent UN rep., said, "We will accept aid from any quarter. And United States have offered some assistance to us and our deputy minister had a meeting with the United States charge in Yangon and said you know we will gladly receive these assistance."

A foreign ministry statement said earlier on Friday that Myanmar welcomes international aid, such as materials for emergency shelter or financial assistance. But the country is not ready to receive search and rescue teams from foreign countries.

White House officials say the US welcomes the go-ahead to land a C-130 military cargo plane in the country on Monday, following permission by Myanmar.

Editor:Liu Fang