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Myanmar to host UN conference on relief aid

By IRNA,

Kuala Lumpur : UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon flew to Myanmar on Sunday to guide a conference with international agencies aimed at boosting donations for the cyclone-struck nation, now that its ruling military junta has agreed to accept aid.

Myanmar’s ruling military junta, which has kept a tight leash on relief workers, is hosting the donor conference, involving some 50 countries.

The event was organized by the United Nations and the Association of South-East Asian Nations.

“The meeting intends to encourage cooperation in providing assistance to victims of Cyclone Nargis and show that the international community is united in helping the people of Myanmar,” said UN humanitarian chief John Holmes.

The conference follows a decision by Myanmar’s government to “allow all aid workers regardless of nationalities” into the country to help cyclone survivors, said Ban, who met with the leading figure, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, for more than two hours.

Ban toured the devastation — especially in the hard-hit Irrawaddy delta — Thursday and Friday, before briefly visiting China’s earthquake zone.

He was en route to Myanmar’s capital of Yangon Sunday morning.

International aid groups have criticized Myanmar for letting comparatively few relief workers into the country despite the severity of the storm, which the United Nations says killed more than 130,000 and left more than 2 million homeless.

Ban said the general made the statement “in front of many senior generals,” convincing him that he would keep his word.

Despite the assurance of relief workers, Myanmar will not allow foreign boats or helicopters into the country. Ban said Myanmar officials agreed to allow the Yangon airport to be used a logistical hub for aid distribution.

Word that relief workers may finally gain access to the storm-ravaged population swirled through Bangkok, Thailand, where a small army of aid workers has been waiting for permission to enter Myanmar.

“It’s extremely welcome news,” said Melissa Winkler, spokeswoman for the International Rescue Committee.

As a result of Myanmar’s delay in welcoming aid workers, however, many storm survivors have been drinking contaminated water, Winkler said.

The IRC worries that too few health professionals are in Myanmar to handle a disaster of this magnitude, raising fears about the outbreak of disease, particularly as a result of the lack of access to clean drinking water.