The Presidency declares that the EU stands ready to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of southern Burma / Myanmar who have been struck by cyclone Nargis. It notes the readiness by Burma / Myanmar’s authorities to accept external assistance. Every effort must be made to make sure that assistance is delivered directly to the people most affected by disaster. The EU hopes that, in the interest of the population suffering from the emergency, the authorities will make every effort to co-operate with the international relief organizations. The EU will deliver its aid under the terms provided for in the current Council Regulation on Burma / Myanmar.
The European Commission has already launched a primary fast-track decision to provide emergency relief for victims of the cyclone amounting to € 2 million. Implementation will be the responsibility of the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Directorate General (ECHO), and will be channelled through experienced humanitarian partner organisations working in Burma / Myanmar, including the Red Cross, European NGOs and UN agencies.
