| NLD offers to help distribute cyclone aid
May 8, 2008 (DVB)—The National League for Democracy has expressed its sadness at the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis and offered its assistance in getting aid to the victims.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NLD said the number of dead, injured and missing from the cyclone could reach 100,000, while floods have cut off transportation, commodity prices have risen and health conditions are deterioriating.
“The NLD is extremely saddened by the overwhelming loss of life, property, and infrastructure in the nation,” the statement said.
“In addition to the people's continued daily struggles for food, shelter and clothing, a major natural disaster like this is like adding salt to the wound and forcing people into an abyss of poverty and desperation.”
The party also criticised the government’s lack of response to the crisis and appealed to the international community to provide urgent assistance to the people of Burma.
“Ordinary relief efforts cannot solve this national crisis. The NLD will render its cooperation to distribute this international aid directly into the hands of the cyclone victims, quickly and rightly,” the party said.
NLD special information committee member U Thein Nyunt condemned the regime’s decision to continue with its plans for a constitutional referendum, despite five states and divisions being designated natural disaster zones.
“These five states and divisions are densely populated and play a very important role in the nation's agriculture sector,” Thein Nyunt said.
“How can you have a free, fair and trustworthy referendum in these states and divisions under such circumstances?” he asked.
“At a time of a national crisis where humanitarian aid is urgently needed, our national duty is for the people who are not affected by the storm to help fellow citizens affected by the storm.”
The referendum on the military regime’s draft constitution is due to go ahead as planned in most areas on 10 May and has been put back until 24 May in townships in Rangoon and Irrawaddy divisions most affected by the cyclone.
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