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KNU Europe Statement on Cyclone Nargis

• The KNU is deeply moved by the devastation and loss of human lives estimated to be around 100,000, with 70,000 missing and about one million homeless.

• We deplore the Burmese junta’s blocking of major international humanitarian assistance, which would definitely lead to higher death toll and human suffering.

• The junta clearly shows its indifference towards the faith of suffering people in the wake of Cyclone Nargis disaster and only demonstrates once more what the regime is only interested in maintaining its grip on power but doesn’t care for the well-being of the people.

• We are saddened that the Irrawaddy Delta population has to endure this natural catastrophe, on top of man-made disaster in form of human rights violations and suppression, perpetrated by the military junta in this region.

• At the same time, we would like to remind the world that all the peoples of Burma are subjected to oppressive, harsh rule by the military junta and like to point out that the Karen and as well, other non-Burman ethnic nationalities in general are being the prime targets of its military occupation, suppression and extermination and cultural genocide, who are supporting the restoration of democracy, federalism and equal rights in Burma.

• Although the Irrawaddy Delta   is not geographically considered Karen State we would like to stress that nearly half of the population here are Karens, inhabiting together with Mons, Burmans and other ethnic groups.

• We urge the United Nations and the International Community to put more pressure on the Burmese junta and countries which could effectively exert influence so that the people in this affected areas would not have to die a second death.

• In case of out right rejection for massive humanitarian assistance, which clearly the junta is incapable due to logistic nature of lacking materials and means of transport, the UN and international community should adhere to “Responsibility to Protect” notion, recognised by the United Nations in 2005, and consider “humanitarian intervention “as a last resort to safe the people in this affected areas.

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