WASHINGTON, May 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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.
SOURCE InterAction
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Related links:
http://www.interaction.org
CONTACT:
Nasserie Carew of InterAction,
+1-202-341-3814
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