Coalition Of Mercy Planned By ASEAN To Assist Myanmar Cyclone Victims

Yangoon, Myanmar (AHN) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is planning the formation of a coalition of mercy to help Myanmar's 2.5 million residents affected by Cyclone Nargis.

Myanmar is a member of the 10-nation regional bloc, but its ruling junta told visiting Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej the country does not need help from international relief workers.

Surin Pitsuwan, secretary-general of the ASEAN, said in Washington Wednesday, the association has to hurdle Myanmar's miltary government's long tradition of resistance. Thai Foreign Minister Noppadon Pattama, in a TV interview, quoted by Bloomberg, said, "We are trying to convince them to allow rescue teams into Myanmar. However, we can't put pressure on them. We are going to talk and convince them."

The United Nations has warned Myanmar leaders the cyclone victims may face a catastrophe from disease it if continues to refuse the entry of international medical aid teams. US Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told BBC the UN would send an official to Yangoon to convince its leaders to open the nation's door to foreign assistance.

Meanwhile, another cyclone that could have battered Myanmar a second time subsided, although heavy rains were still experienced in some regions around the Irrawaddy Delta.

ASEAN foreign ministers are meeting on Monday in Singapore to tackle the aid plan for member Myanmar.

Estimates of deaths among Irrawaddy River delta residents range from 39,000 to 69,000.