The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-10

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Referendum in Myanmar to Go Ahead

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: AFP, ÁNA-ĚPA

Defying the UN appeal on focusing on the distribution of aid to the cyclone-hit people, which number 1.5 million, the junta in Myanmar has decided to proceed to the referendum for the approval of the Constitution. The regime argues that the new Constitution will pave the way for democratic elections in two years, despite the fact that those opposing the referendum believe that military regime will continue ruling. It is worth mentioning that the army has been governing the country for almost half a century. The referendum will be held in all parts of the country except for the devastated ones.

Meanwhile, UN flights with aid to Burma have commenced again despite reservations as to whether the aid will reach the needy ones. The regime insists that it will be responsible for the distribution of the aid. At the same time, the Myanmar ambassador told the UN that it his country will accept aid from all. However, the UN Secretary General has warned Myanmar that it will have to face the repercussions of its refusal to accept aid from foreign rescue groups.

In parallel, the UN has appealed to the international community to raise US$187million as aid for the hundreds of thousands of the cyclone-hit people in Burma.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Burma warned over cyclone delays

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