| May 6, 2008 Bush pressures Myanmar government to accept aid
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(NECN: Washington, DC) - President Bush offered more assistance to the cyclone-ravaged nation of Myanmar this morning, and urged the government of Myanmar to welcome more aid from the U.S. government and non-governmetal organizations.
At a bill signing ceremony honoring activist Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and awarding her a Congressional Gold Medal, the President reiterated U.S. willingness to provide food and shelter assistance for as many as 1 million Burmese who are homeless after the weekend's cyclone.
President Bush said, "I just signed a bill passed by the leaders of the Senate and House who have joined me to honor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi with the Congressional Gold Medal.
"This is a fitting tribute to a courageous woman who speaks for freedom for all the people of Burma, and who speaks in such a way that she's a powerful voice in contrast to the junta that currently rules the country.
"Burma has been hit by a terrible natural disaster. Laura and I and members of the Senate and House here express our heartfelt sympathy to the people of Burma. The United States has made an initial aid contribution, but we want to do a lot more.
"We're prepared to move U.S. Navy assets to help find those who've lost their lives, to help find the missing, to help stabilize the situation. But in order to do so, the military junta must allow our disaster assessment teams into the country. So our message is to the military rulers: Let the United States come to help
