Global response to Myanmar cyclone victims
AP
Posted: 2008-05-06 12:38:01
Initial aid offerings to help an estimated 1 million people made homeless by the cyclone in Myanmar in addition to shipments by the U.N., Red Cross and other aid organizations:

European Union: euro2 million (US$3.1 million)

China: US$1 million (euro640,000) in aid, including relief materials worth US$500,000 (euro320,000).

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said France minimized its aid to euro200,000 ($309,200) because of lack of confidence in how the money would be used.

The U.S. State Department said Myanmar officials had turned down permission for a U.S. assessment team to enter the country after an initial contribution of US$250,000 (euro162,000). “Let the United States come and help you,” President George W. Bush said Tuesday.

The Norwegian government said it would give up to 10 million kroner (US$1.96 million, euro1.25 million).

Sweden offered logistic support and water cleaning systems to the U.N. operation.

Danish relief agencies appealed for donations and the Danish government said it was giving 500,000 kroner (euro67,000; US$103,600).

Finland said it is ready to give financial aid and rescue support to Myanmar if such requests are made.

Spain said it would donate euro500,000 (US$775,000) to the World Food Program.

The Czech government allocated 2.5 million koruna (US$155,000; euro100,000).

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered “necessary aid and cooperation,” but no specifics were mentioned.

Switzerland said it is sending an initial 500,000 Swiss francs (US$475,000; euro305,900) and the Swiss Red Cross said it would give 200,000 francs (US$190,000; euro122,360).

Singapore said it will provide US$200,000 (euro129,000) for tents, ground sheets, sleeping bags, medical supplies, drinking water and emergency food.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was making euro500,000 (US$773,000) available to German aid organizations to help Myanmar build emergency housing, provide drinking water, and purchase household necessities and mosquito nets.

The German Red Cross is making an initial contribution of euro122,000 (US$189,000) and is appealing for donations for an expected increase later.