Please come quickly say people of Burma

May 18, 2008 (DVB) – “…We want the international community to enter the country by any means…as it is very important to save lives…therefore, we want them to enter as soon as possible. They (the authorities) are unable to save people and they must accept people who could. There is nothing more important than human life.” (Reverend U Pyinnyar Wunthar, Buddhist monk)

“We are away from Cyclone Nargis and we don’t know the situation. But the Abbot of Thidagu Reverend Nyan Neisara, U Zagana (renowned comedian) said in the media that there are many people who are in trouble as the result of the storm and villages disappeared, people don’t have food and drink. People are in trouble. As the majority are accepting thus, as for us, the sooner the better. Whichever country comes to our country and helps, we like it the more. Here (in Burma), I heard that there are only 6 or 7 helicopters for rescue. And in the delta region, roads are in ruin and it is not very easy to travel on water paths…” (U Myin Lwin, National League for Democracy, Kyaupadaung, Upper Burma)

“It is time the international aid comes in. We are in trouble. All the people want it to come in. They are all the people who would welcome with garlands. Our hometown heard that the Americans, French and British are here and ready to come. If the American army, the French and British came, there are many people who will welcome them with garlands…people are feeling very dejected and we are in desperate need of the international aid.” (U Aye Khaing, National League for Democracy, Kyaukpadaung, Upper Burma)

“…The military government has no ability to help Cyclone Nargis victims. We support any kind of international aid whether it be the US or EU…We cannot say whose are our members due to security reasons inside the country.” (Myint Oo, New Generation Democratic Force, Burma)

“Our country desperately needs foreign expert knowledge, machinery and technicians, monetary and material helps and in this kind of situation, it is important that the government needs to allow them to come in urgently. If they do not do that, the UN should give necessary helps needed to protect lives, in accordance with the international law. We have great desire for the UN to intervene. If they do come, I will welcome them gladly as a monk and as a citizen.” (A Buddhist Abbot, Mandalay, Upper Burma)

“…I heard from the government media that the government donated 750 tents. Would they be sufficient while hundred of thousands of people are in trouble? As a civilian from Magwe Division, I feel great sadness and I don’t want anyone to be in trouble…In order to normalise situation, I want the international troops including the UN to come in as soon as possible. We also want to notify all the people who want to help, now waiting in international waters and the government concerns that we demand you to come in as soon as possible and help.” (Aung Hlaing Tha, National League for Democracy, Thayet, Upper Burma)

“We the people want the international aid troops to come in as soon as possible…If we are ignored, it will be an insult to humanity. We agree and accept the entry and we the audience are waiting when they are going to come in. We are praying for their entry…only then would we get help. Inside the country, the government could do nothing. Private helps are not effective. Even if they are effective, the size of destruction is so vast that it is necessary that the air force and navy of the EU, US, etc need to come in as soon as possible. People are readily waiting for the troops to help.” (A schoolteacher)