May 11, 2008 (DVB)—The National League for Democracy has appealed to the international community to use all means available to help Burma immediately, without waiting for permission from the military regime.
In a statement read by NLD spokesperson U Thein Nyunt yesterday, the party condemned the Burmese government for obstructing the delivery of international aid to victims of Cyclone Nargis.
“The State Peace and Development Council is responsible for safeguarding as well as ensuring the longevity of the lives of the citizens of this country,” the statement said.
“Presently, the authorities are hampering and obstructing the delivery of assistance from the international community, including the United Nations. As a result, the number of deaths is growing with each passing day,” it went on.
“We, therefore, hold the SPDC responsible for the increasing number of deaths as well as for the diminishing security of lives and property in the country.”
The NLD called on the UN to take on its responsibility to protect civilians and come to the Burmese people’s aid.
“[W]e, the National League for Democracy, which is mandated by the people, once again appeal to the international community, including the United Nations, to make use of all available means immediately to send experts and humanitarian assistance and start undertaking relief and rescue missions in Burma.”
When asked by DVB if the statement was meant to be NLD's green light for humanitarian intervention in Burma, Thein Nyunt reiterated the need of the Burmese people.
“Well, people are dying and starving in the coastal areas. In urban areas, many homes are without roofs and others have collapsed, and people are living on the streets because their lives have been destroyed,” Thein Nyunt said.
“About 100,000 people were killed by the cyclone and over a million are left homeless in the coastal areas. Furthermore, secondary-effect diseases like cholera and others are about to happen.”
Thein Nyunt said the people of Burma urgently needed whatever assistance the international community could offer.
“We need to help the people and urgently need assistance from all international sources, including the United Nations and the United States Government,” he said.
“It is not only cash and kind but also expertise that is vitally needed and all forms of assistance that is given to Burma must be accepted.”
Reporting by DVB
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