UN blasts Myanmar for visa policy on aid workers
12-MAY-2008 Intellasia | AP
May 12, 2008 - 7:00:00 AM
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Myanmar's refusal to give visas to relief experts is "unprecedented" in the history of humanitarian work, the United Nations charged Friday.
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| An aerial view shows a cyclone-stricken village in Irrawaddy, Myanmar May 7, 2008. International relief aid from Japan, Bangladesh, Laos, China, Thailand, India and Singapore has been poured in Myanmar till Wednesday for the country's Cyclone Nargis' victims, according to Myanmar's state radio. Picture taken May 7, 2008. REUTERS/Burma News Agency via Xinhua |
A spokesman of the World Food Program says the organization has submitted 10 visa applications around the world, including six in Bangkok, Thailand, and none of have been granted.
Spokesman Paul Risley said Friday "the frustration caused by what appears to be a paperwork delay is unprecedented in modern humanitarian relief efforts."
Myanmar's military government said more than 62,000 people died or are missing in a cyclone that hit the country's Irrawaddy delta last Saturday. The junta says it needs international aid but not the foreign experts and staff to deliver it.
No visas are expected to be issued in Bangkok on Friday because of a Thai holiday.
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