Distinguished delegates,
1 The international community has responded with speed and incredible generosity to the recent natural disaster in Myanmar. Countries, big and small, have pledged large amounts of aid in cash and in kind. Contributions have poured in from private companies and individuals. International organizations and volunteer groups have mobilized at short notice. Many are carrying out vital operations on the ground. Singapore has delivered US$200,000 of humanitarian aid in kind. We have also joined others in offering disaster assistance rescue teams, medical teams and heavy-lift helicopters.
2 To date, the United Nations Office for Coordination and Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that global pledges amount to US$103 million. This is in addition to a further US$110 million in uncommitted pledges. The total amount is significant, and reflects the concern of the international community for the people of Myanmar. However, this sum is not enough for the immense tasks ahead.
3 Emergency relief reaching cyclone victims continues to be of immediate concern. Beyond that, we need resources for longer-term reconstruction so that those affected can rebuild their lives. A report by the ASEAN Emergency Rapid Assessment Team (ERAT), comprising representatives from ASEAN member states, UN OCHA, and UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), highlighted the near collapse of healthcare and educational infrastructure in the affected areas, and the threat to food security caused by the ruin of large tracts of agricultural land.
4 On 9 May 2008, 7 days after the cyclone, Singapore as Chair of ASEAN sought the agreement of the Myanmar government to convene a Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting. We were greatly pained to see the lack of understanding between the Myanmar government on one side and members of the international community on the other. On Monday this week, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in Singapore agreed to establish an ASEAN-led coordinating mechanism to facilitate the distribution and utilisation of assistance from the international community, including the expeditious and effective deployment of relief workers. ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan will head a Task Force to set up this mechanism, and work closely with the UN as well as with the central coordinating body set up by Myanmar. During the Meeting, Myanmar also agreed to the immediate despatch of medical teams from all ASEAN member states.
5 On Wednesday, ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan met with Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein to discuss details. On Thursday, joining other countries in the region, Singapore deployed a medical team in Myanmar to provide medical care to cyclone victims.
6 The Singapore government pledges an additional US$5 million to an assistance fund and offers, in addition, assistance in the form of the continued deployment of medical teams, logistics support, heavy-lift helicopters, and water purification units. The assistance package will extend to the reconstruction of cyclone-affected areas. Private individuals, companies and NGOs in Singapore will also do their part.
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