US official: Myanmar’s storm response appalling

Last Update: 9:52 am

Two weeks after Cyclone Nargis devastated Myanmar, the country’s reclusive junta leader Than Shwe visited a refugee camp. (CNN via MRTV)

WASHINGTON (AP) - A senior U.S. diplomat says Myanmar’s military-led government will be responsible for the deaths of thousands of cyclone survivors if it does not allow foreign aid into the country.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot Marciel says the generals are not capable of managing the distribution of aid to people facing disease, malnutrition and exposure to the elements. He is criticizing what he calls Myanmar’s appalling response to the deadly cyclone as hundreds of thousands of survivors face an increasingly desperate situation.

Marciel told lawmakers Tuesday that Myanmar’s decision to hold a referendum on its draft constitution shortly after the May 2-3 storm hit shows its indifference to its own people’s welfare.

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