UN says it's ready to step up Myanmar aid once it gets details of openness

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
UN agencies said they were ready to step up relief to cyclone victims in Myanmar after the ruling junta agreed to allow all humanitarian workers into the country. But UN officials said they first needed to know practical details of the country's new commitment to admit all aid workers to the devastated coastal area. UN relief spokeswoman Elisabeth Byrs said agencies had been building up food and other supplies for the estimated 2.4 million people affected by the storm. But she told reporters Friday that she was unable to say immediately how many aid workers would be going in. She said the United Nations already has about 100 international staff in Myanmar. Byrs said the United Nations now needs to send experts in coordination and disaster management.