BRIEF: Growing Frustration Over Burma Junta's Slow Response to the Cyclone Relief Effort

YANGON, Burma - The United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon has condemned Burma's military government for its "unacceptably slow response" to helping cyclone victims.  Ban said Burma's leaders had not returned his repeated calls and letters to them, including a second letter sent on Monday, seeking greater co-operation with the UN and other international relief efforts.

The United Nations said the World Food Program is getting in only 20 percent of the food needed because of bottlenecks, logistics problems and government-imposed restrictions.  "There is obviously still a lot of frustration that this aid effort hasn't picked up pace" 10 days after the cyclone hit, said Richard Horsey, spokesman for the U.N. humanitarian operation in Bangkok. 

The official toll for the cyclone has risen to almost 32,000 and almost 30,000 others are still missing.  Relief agencies have accused the Burmese military regime of keeping the high-quality supplies donated provided by the UN and other organizations for victims of cyclone and handing out rotten and low-grade food.

AP - UN chief condemns Burma response - 12 May 2008

AP - Myanmar cyclone victims getting low-quality supplies- 13 May 2008

BBC - UN critical of Burma's response - 13 May 2008

BBC - UN frustrated at Burma response - 13 May 2008

Independent - Burmese junta accused of hoarding food aid and handing out rotten rice - 14 May 2008