Euro News 5 May 2008
As aid starts to get through after Saturday's deadly cyclone, Myanmar's military leaders say a referendum on a new constitution will still go ahead. More than 350 people were killed in the storm, according to the government. The United Nations says hundreds of thousands are without shelter and drinking water.
While the former capital Yangon was the most obvious place to be hit, more damage was suffered by remote islands and villages. It means the number of victims is likely to climb.
The senior UN representative in the region Terje Skavdal stressed poorer areas had been hardest-hit because their buildings are most fragile. He said it is the traditional position in Myanmar not to appeal for aid, but added that help might be welcomed at this time.
The May 10th vote is presented by the former Burma as part of a "roadmap to democracy" meant to culminate in multi-party elections in 2010. Critics say the army intends to retain its grip on power.
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