Media release

9 May 2008

Burma: Cyclone Nargis

The destruction and loss of life caused by Cyclone Nargis has been a terrible tragedy for the people of Burma.

I have already announced that the Australian Government will provide $3 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma. Australia stands ready and willing to provide further assistance as the disaster response unfolds.

Regrettably Burmese authorities have been slow in responding to offers of international assistance. The United Nations and other international donors have vital experience to offer in addressing this human tragedy, which is beyond the capacity of any one nation to cope with.

Australia continues to urge the Burmese authorities to quickly extend full cooperation to the international community to help alleviate this crisis. Australia’s Ambassador, Bob Davis, made this plea directly to Burmese ministers on 5 May.

Yesterday I asked my Japanese counterpart Foreign Minister Koumura to raise this issue with the Burmese Government. As well, in Tokyo today, I met briefly with US Deputy Secretary of State, Ambassador John Negroponte, and expressed Australia’s support for the international community’s efforts.

Australia will continue to be active in pursuing this issue.

Burma should make full use of the international assistance on offer, including other humanitarian aid workers trying to enter the country.

Australia and the international community stand alongside the Burmese people at this time.

Meanwhile, the Burmese regime is pushing ahead with its plans to hold a constitutional referendum on 10 May, with the referendum delayed by two weeks in areas worst effected by the cyclone.

The referendum is a rigged process to enact a deeply flawed constitution that will only entrench military rule.

Now is not the time for politics. Now is the time to focus on the humanitarian tragedy and unacceptable loss of life

At the very least, the regime should postpone the referendum and spend its time looking after the Burmese people.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555