Myanmar Cyclone Appeal

It's been several days since a deadly cyclone struck Myanmar. So why has it taken so long for the military junta to let aid in? WFMZ's Joscelyn Moes reports. >> With so many people lacking the basic necessities like food and water ... time is of the utmost importance. But when you're responding to a disaster in a country like Myanmar it's not only a battle against the clock but a battle against the government. >> Reporter: These Lehigh University students may be in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania ... but their hearts and minds are half a world away ... with their family and friends in Myanmar. >> Soe Thi Ha: I'm still worried for a few of my relatives that I haven't heard about. >> Sai Lu Mon Aung: I hope the people there get the stuff they need water, shelter, stuff as soon as possible. >> Reporter: Days after the disaster ... hours after a plea by President Bush ... Myanmar's military junta has finally said it will welcome aid ... but now the relief effort is being hampered by travel and visa problems. >> Kim Spiezio: The big loser in all of this of course are the people who've been affected by this tragedy and the victims of the tragedy itself. >> Reporter: Political Science professor at Cedar Crest College ...Kim Spezio says closed societies that are run by authoritarian governments ... place a premium on being able to control access and information. Spezio says to allow outsiders in ... even in the form of international aid workers ... is to compromise both. >> Kim Spiezio: It's not easy to put yourself in the shoes of that government's leadership but from their standpoint they have been under attack from the outside world over human right's issues for some time now. >> Reporter: As a result ... Spezio says he's not surprised Myanmar has been slow to embrace offers of goodwill and good faith ... because he suspects the country suspects there are strings attached. Rob.


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Fears rise over Burma aid delays

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7389263.stm