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Bush Calls on Burma to Let US Help Cyclone Victims |
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Tuesday, 6 May 2008
President Bush has called on Burma's military government to allow U.S. disaster teams into the country to help after the devastating cyclone that killed thousands.
Mr. Bush Tuesday expressed "heartfelt sympathy" to the people of Burma and said the United States is prepared to move U.S. Navy assets to help find the missing.
He described the cyclone as a "terrible disaster."
The president spoke at the White House after signing legislation authorizing the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
He described the pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate as a courageous woman who speaks for freedom, and a powerful voice in contrast to the ruling military in Burma.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress.
Mr. Bush thanked lawmakers present at the ceremony for sending the message that the United States stands with Aung San Suu Kyi.
On Monday, Canadian lawmakers granted honorary citizenship to the pro-democracy leader. Foreign Minister Maxime Bernier presented a framed certificate to a cousin of Aung San Suu Kyi, Sein Win, who heads Burma's government in exile.
Aung San Suu Kyi is under house arrest in Rangoon. She has been in detention for 12 of the last 18 years. Her National League for Democracy party won national elections in 1990, but the military refused to recognize the results.
By VOA News
06 May 2008 |
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Burma
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