The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Kyaw Thu met the US Charge d' Affaires Ms. Shari Villarosa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yangon at 1700 hours on 9 May 2008 and explained Myanmar's principles in receiving disaster relief assistance for the people affected by the cyclone Nargis.

    During the meeting, the Deputy Minister recalled that on 5 May 2008, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and the Minister for Information met the diplomatic corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Yangon and briefed them about the impact of cyclone Nagris and the disaster situation in the cyclone-striken areas. At that briefing, it was made clear that Myanmar would be pleased to receive from any country and agency, disaster relief supplies such as tents, plastic sheets, corrugated iron sheets, food and medicines, blankets, clothes, communication equipment.

    The Deputy Minister added that however rumours were spreading that the Myanmar Government was making selective acceptance of donations and was denying disaster assistance from certain western countries. In fact, disaster relief assistance donated by countries near and far, have been accepted by the authorities concerned and systematically transferred to disaster-striken areas with immediate effect.

    He also said that financial assistance from any country could be provided through the respective Myanmar Missions while disaster relief goods could be brought in to Yangon International Airport or Yangon International Seaport where they would be received by the authorities concerned for immediate transfer and distribution to the affected people in the disaster-striken areas.

    The US Charge d' Affaires then handed over a note to the Deputy Minister offering relief supplies to be delivered in the coming days from the US Government.

    The Myanmar side has already replied its acceptance of the offer for assistance with thanks.

    The Government of the Union of Myanmar, in accordance with its prevailing principles, has not refused but accepted with appreciation the offer of disaster relief goods and financial assistance from any government or agency.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Nay Pyi Taw.
Dated: 9 May 2008