ASEAN stresses importance of sending aid to Myanmar quickly

SINGAPORE: Singapore has offered to host a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers to discuss how ASEAN can help Myanmar in its relief and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis.

According to a statement from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore’s Foreign Minister George Yeo had earlier on Friday written to his Myanmar counterpart U Nyan Win to convey the offer by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

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In an informal meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting in Singapore, senior officials discussed how their countries could respond in support of the Myanmar government.

Officials suggested that Myanmar establishes a co—ordinating mechanism that could work with the international community and aid agencies.

According to a statement issued by the Singapore chair of the meeting, such a mechanism would work to assess the damage and needs in affected areas. It would also facilitate in—country distribution of humanitarian assistance, and entry and deployment of rescue and medical personnel and equipment.

Officials noted that many ARF countries have offered substantial help to Myanmar and are prepared to do more. They also stressed the importance of speeding up aid and deployment arrangements to stricken areas. — CNA/vm

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