UN says it is ready to step up aid to Myanmar once it gets details of new openness
The Associated Press, Geneva, Switzerland | Fri, 05/23/2008 6:29 PM
United Nations agencies say they are ready to step up relief to
cyclone victims in Myanmar after the ruling junta agreed to allow
all humanitarian workers into the country.
But UN officials say they first need to know practical details
of the country's new commitment to admit all aid workers to the
devastated coastal area.
UN relief spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs says agencies have been
building up food and other supplies for the estimated 2.4 million
people affected by the storm.
But she told reporters Friday that she was unable to say
immediately how many aid workers would be going in. She said the
UN already has about 100 international staff in Myanmar.
Byrs said the United Nations now needs to send experts in
coordination and disaster management. (****)
