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WASHINGTON, May 11 /PRNewswire/ --
InterAction, the largest coalition of U.S.-based humanitarian and
development agencies brought its members together on Friday to share
information about their activities and plans, conditions in-country, and
access, including issuance of visas and permission for international staff to
travel internally.
Concern was expressed by members of InterAction that more funds may have
to be included in the pending 08 supplemental to adequately finance the U.S.
Government's share of relief and rehabilitation costs. InterAction also put
members in contact with officials from the UN, who briefed them on what they
are hearing from colleagues in the field, diplomatic discussions in New York,
and the flash appeal announced yesterday.
Approximately 2,000 national employees of InterAction members are in the
field providing assistance to survivors of the cyclone. International staff
are directing these efforts from Yangon but as of last night had not been
allowed to leave the city. Some international staff have been issued visas
for travel to Burma to assist in relief efforts, while others still await
authorization by the Burmese government to travel. Discussions are underway
with government officials about flights members are prepared to send with
emergency supplies, once assured they will be delivered to their staff in the
country.
The national employees are, for the most part, being allowed to move
through the affected areas. However, their international colleagues are not
being allowed to leave Yangon. UN agencies and NGOs have reached 276,000
survivors with assistance of some sort.
For updated information on Burma relief and support efforts please
contact Nasserie Carew at ncarew@interaction.org
InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international
development and humanitarian nongovernmental organizations. Our 165 members
operate in every developing country, working with local communities to
overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life.
Web site: http://www.interaction.org
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