Press Release January 2, 2005

Tsunami Victims Need Urgent Help: Burmese Communities Urged To Render Assistance

The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (NCGUB) is deeply saddened by reports that tens of thousands of people from several nations, including Burma, perished in the tsunami waves which originated from the earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.

We, the members of the NCGUB, extend out heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish to state that we share their sorrow in this time of sadness.

We also wish to express our thanks to the Royal Thai Government for extending every help to the Burmese migrant workers in the South who lost their family members, friends, and property as a result of the tsunami. We understand from Thai official statements that around 800 Burmese lost their lives in the tragic event and that the death toll is bound to rise later.

We are, therefore, deeply disturbed that the Burmese military regime, which is apathetic and showing very little enthusiasm to cooperate with international agencies for relief work in the country, has displayed no interest at all to extend any kind of help particularly to the Burmese victims in Thailand.

The military regime is once again more concerned about what the consequences will be to its survival than about helping the people. Under such a situation, we believe that it is incumbent upon the NCGUB and the Burmese communities all over world to do our utmost to render assistance to our fellow citizens.

The NCGUB will help all Burmese victims within its reach and will be cooperating with international relief agencies and governments which can provide assistance to them. We also hope that all the Burmese communities internationally will join us in our endeavors.

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