Rudd says Myanmar aid is getting through to needed people

China View 2008-05-19

CANBERRA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd urged Australians not to hold back from donating to the relief operation in Myanmar, as aid was getting through.

Rudd moved to allay fears on Monday night that aid was not reaching those affected by the cyclone which hit Myanmar 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," he told local media.

He said the Australian donations had 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," he added.

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