| Remarks by H.E. Ambassador LIU Zhenmin at the Meeting on the Launching of the UN Flash Appeal in the Wake of the Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar by OCHA |
| 2008-05-09 00:00 |
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Mr. Under-Secretary-General, The Chinese Delegation wishes to thank OCHA for launching this pledge appeal. This meeting fully demonstrates the great attention paid by the United Nations to the current natural disaster in Myanmar. On May 2, Cyclone Nargis struck some areas in Myanmar, causing heavy casualties and property losses. The Chinese government and people wish to express their deep sympathy and condolences to the Myanmar government and people. Immediately after the disaster, the Chinese government decided to provide 1 million US dollars of emergent assistance half in cash and half in kind to the Myanmar government. Emergency relief materials from China, including tents, blankets and high-energy biscuits, arrived at the Yangon Airport on May 7. Given the severity of the disaster in Myanmar, and to show our support to the Myanmar government and people, the Chinese government decided on May 8 to provide an additional 30 million Chinese yuan of emergency assistance to the Myanmar government to be used for emergency relief and post-disaster reconstruction. Chinese emergency relief team and medical team are also fully prepared to go to Myanmar at any time to engage in disaster relief. China calls on the international community to work actively to provide necessary assistance to Myanmar. We have noted that, emergency relief materials are arriving in Myanmar gradually and we believe that the relevant international agencies and donor countries should resolve specific issues arising during disaster relief through bilateral consultations. China also hopes that the Myanmar government strengthens dialogue and consultation with all the parties concerned and provides them with necessary assistance and facilitation in connection with the international humanitarian relief activities, so as to ensure speedy transportation and distribution of relief materials to those hit by the disaster to meet their urgent needs. We encourage all states to join together to create favorable conditions for the humanitarian relief in Myanmar without politicizing this issue. China believes that, with the sincere assistance of the international community, the Myanmar government and people will surely overcome the disaster and rebuild their homeland. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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