Laura Bush Comments ‘Inappropriate’ Says Analyst

Much of the Burmese community was surprised and shocked by comments made by the US first lady who said the United States will consider sending relief assistance to Burma only if the Burmese military junta accepts a US disaster assistance response team to assess the scope of the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis.

Speaking on May 5 at the White House, Laura Bush said, “If we can get some sort of team in there to assess what the other needs are, then I feel very assured that the United States government will follow with [greater assistance].”

She also accused Burmese military rulers of having failed to warn their citizens in time about the approach of a killer cyclone.

Mrs Bush went on to urge Burma's government to ensure its referendum is free, fair and inclusive as the military junta moves forward with the constitutional referendum scheduled for this Saturday, May 10, despite the havoc created by Cyclone Nargis.

“The US first lady’s political demands were inappropriate,” said Aung Naing Oo, an exiled Burmese political analyst. “This is a time when people are dying and suffering to a horrible degree, so if the US really wants to help, it can help without making political demands,” he said.

Aung Naing Oo suggested that the US might get no response from the junta due to Mrs Bush’s demands. “She might get nothing in return,” he said.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said that the international community should focus on humanitarian aid to Burma instead of criticizing the ruling junta's handling of the deadly cyclone. His comments came a day after the US first lady’s press conference.

Washington has released an initial sum of US $250,000 toward the relief effort.

However, Mrs Bush made it clear that any assistance would go through the United Nations or international non-governmental organizations—not directly to a regime under US sanctions for failing to embrace democratic reforms.

Initial International Aid to Burma

The US has released US $250,000 in initial emergency aid.

Canada has released $2 million in emergency aid for Burma.

Australia has released $3 million for relief operations in the first month of the crisis.

The European Union has released 2 million euros ($3 million) in initial emergency aid.

France announced it has made 200,000 euros available and would be working with the Red Cross and French aid agencies to help Burma.

The Netherlands' Aid and Development Ministry announced it had released an initial 200,000 euros and said more would be released if it proved necessary.

Norway offered up to 10 million Norwegian kroner ($2 million dollars) in aid.

Germany said it was sending 500,000 euros.

Japan is to give 28 million yen ($266,364) in emergency aid.

Sweden said it would send generators and other equipment through the United Nations.

Thailand donated $100,000 with medicine and ready-to-eat meals from Thai military supplies.

India sent two naval ships containing rice, medicine and temporary tents.

China released $1 million for emergency aid.

Singapore has released $200,000 for initial emergency aid.