British PM Demands Aid Access To Cyclone Victims

PM Demands Access To Cyclone Victims

The Prime Minister has demanded that the Burmese authorities grant "unfettered access" to aid agencies trying to provide support to victims of cyclone Nargis.

Speaking to journalists in Downing Street today, Mr Brown said that obstruction of aid by Burma's military rulers was "completely unacceptable" and that he was talking to governments "across the world" about applying coordinated pressure.

The PM said:

"We are determined to make sure that even with the lack of cooperation of the Burmese authorities, they are pressured now into the unfettered access that should be available for all humanitarian operations."

Mr Brown said that a UK humanitarian team in Rangoon was assessing the situation, and that a flight was on its way from Dubai with shelters for 9,000 people. The UK has already pledged aid totalling around £5 million.

ENDS

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