Single U.S. Aircraft Allowed To Bring Aid To Cyclone-Ravaged Burma

Washington, DC (AHN) - Burmese authorities have given permission for an Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft to deliver supplies to the cyclone-ravaged country on May 12, officials said.

The United States welcomes the Burmese government's permission for the C-130 to deliver emergency relief supplies, said Deputy White House press secretary Gordon Johndroe.

"We hope this is the beginning of major U.S. assistance to the Burmese people," he added.

The U.S. C-130 will fly out of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and will land in the former Burmese capital of Yangon. Burmese officials will distribute the delivered supplies.

The U.S. government will continue to work with the Burmese government on additional access for the U.S. Agency for International Development, nongovernmental organizations, and international aid agencies, said the spokesman.

"We certainly appreciate the efforts that some countries such as China and others have made to talk to the junta about the need to get help in," Johndroe said.

American aircraft are standing by in neighboring Thailand once the Burmese junta gives permission for further aid flights. In addition, USS Essex Strike Group has deployed a dozen helicopters to a Royal Thai Air Force base.

"The helicopters and some relief supplies are being staged in Thailand because they could reach Burma in a matter of hours with relief supplies," a Defense Department official said on Friday.