World | Other World Stories
US says it could pull out aid ships
Myanmar's military junta on Sunday defended its response to Cylone Nargis after stinging criticism from the United States, while a UN official said food supplies had yet to reach at least 200,000 people.
- Reuters
- Published: 23:35 June 1, 2008
Yangon: Myanmar's military junta on Sunday defended its response to Cylone Nargis after stinging criticism from the United States, while a UN official said food supplies had yet to reach at least 200,000 people.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, who has accused the regime of causing more deaths by stonewalling foreign aid, said yesterday US ships cruising near Myanmar could leave in a "matter of days" if they cannot deliver relief supplies.
Myanmar Deputy Defence Minister Aye Myint, in Singapore for a security conference also attended by Gates, insisted the government had acted swiftly and it was open to foreign aid with "no strings attached".
"Through the prompt and immediate supervision of the supervisory central body headed by the prime minister and member ministers, relief camps and hospitals were opened, debris was cleared, emergency power and water supply restored," Myint said.
State media had given plenty of advance warning of the May 2 cyclone, which left 134,000 dead or missing and up to 2.4 million others destitute, Myint told the annual gathering of security and defence officials in Singapore.
More from Other World Stories
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?
