Do More With Reuters
Partner Services

WRAPUP 6-Myanmar mourns dead, U.N. reports aid progress

Tue May 20, 2008 7:51pm IST
 
Email | Print | | Single Page
[-] Text [+]

* Myanmar starts three days of mourning

* Top U.N. aid official in talks with Myanmar PM

* Myanmar to allow Japanese aid workers (Adds U.N. Secretary General quote)

By Aung Hla Tun

YANGON, May 20 (Reuters) - Flags flew at half-mast across Myanmar on Tuesday for the victims of Cyclone Nargis as the U.N.'s top aid envoy pressed the military government to allow foreign helicopters to fly in supplies to survivors.

The first day of the three-day mourning period passed in torrential rain and diplomatic prodding of the reclusive generals to allow more international aid after a cyclone that struck two weeks ago, leaving nearly 134,000 dead or missing.

"There are still a lot of supplies needed to get in in the future in terms of food, but not just for now but for some months to come," U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes told reporters after meeting Prime Minister Thein Sein.

He said military-run camps in the devastated Irrawaddy Delta for the homeless "seemed well organised" but most survivors were still without shelter.

Holmes said he had discussed the use of helicopters with the general, who "took note" of his suggestion.  Continued...

India Investment Summit 2009
India Investment Summit 2009

Top executives and bankers discuss their own plans and the broader opportunities and challenges for India during the Reuters India Investment Summit in Mumbai and Bangalore.  Full Coverage | Blog 

Hugh Hefner
PLAYBOY SALE
An icon bows to changing times

With his Playboy Enterprises in talks to be sold for about $300 million, the 83 year-old Hugh Hefner will be giving up control over the iconic adult entertainment empire he founded that was instrumental in shaping society's opinions on nudity, sex and free speech.  Full Article 

A man walks past a bronze statue of a bull outside the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building in Mumbai in this March 25, 2008 file photo. REUTERS/Punit Paranjpe/Files
Bubble trouble?

With India's benchmark stock index, the BSE Sensex, at around 17,000 points, are the Indian equity markets looking at a possible bubble?  Commentary 

Market Update

  • IndiaIndia
  • USUS
  • UKUK
  • Asia
  • Most Actives

SPECIAL REPORT

Himangshu Watts
India's food dilemma

Indian farms are failing to attract capital or talent, either from rich landlords or the students who graduate from agricultural universities.  Full Article | Related Story 

showcase

U.S. Recession
U.S. Recession

A trip through the epicenters of the American recession.  Full Coverage 

 
Central Banks Cautious
Central Banks Cautious

Reuters tracks the policies of the world's top central banks as the debate over global economic recovery rages on.   Full Coverage 

 
T P Raman
Column - RBI leads the world

Reserve Bank of India's approach ring-fenced the banking system.   Full Article 

 
Funding Blues
Funding Blues

A popular tactic used by Indian brokerages to raise money for rich clients is likely to be banned.  Full Article 

 
Not Enough Jobs
Not Enough Jobs

Venture capital creates jobs, but not enough.  Full Article 

 
Column - A Sweet Dream
Column - A Sweet Dream

There are good reasons for Ferrero to consider a combination with Cadbury.  Full Article