KIKO APPEALS TO GOVERNMENT OF BURMA: ALLOW ENTRY OF FOOD AID AND SUPPLIES; URGES TOP LEVEL ASEAN INTERVENTION TO HELP BREAK IMPASSE

After the United Nations suspended relief work for cyclone victims in Myanmar, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator today called on Myanmar's military government to allow the entry of food aid and supplies.

"I call on the military government of Myanmar to allow the entry of food aid as well as foreign volunteers to help in the search and rescue operations. According to the UN report, at least 1.5 million people have been harshly affected by the disaster." Kiko said.

The United Nations yesterday suspended relief operations after the Burmese government denied entry of foreign personnel to help in the on-going relief operations. The United States is also contemplating on dropping food aid even without approval from Burma's military government.

With at least 62,000 people dead and missing, Kiko said, "The current impasse is unacceptable and ASEAN should exercise quiet yet firm and unwavering diplomacy to help end this impasse and begin the free low of aid to the devastated."