National Nine Mon May 19 2008
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has urged Australians not to hold back from donating to the relief operation in Burma, as aid was getting through.
Burma has been sharply criticised over its insistence on handling most of the cyclone disaster relief effort by itself, and its refusal to grant visas for most foreign disaster experts.
Mr Rudd moved to allay fears that aid was not reaching those affected by the cyclone which hit Burma 17 days ago, leaving more than 133,000 people dead or missing.
"I know there are widespread concerns about whether aid contributions are in fact getting through to those who need it, but I am assured that donations are making it through, albeit with great, great difficulty and setbacks on the way through," Mr Rudd said.
"I want to pass on the message from Tim Costello and other leaders of Australian aid efforts that our donations have succeeded in providing essential food and water to over 300,000 victims, saving many thousands of lives."
"No Australian should hold back from donating, because those donations are making a great difference to those on the ground."
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