May 7, 2008 — Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02), today responded to the catastrophic loss of life being exacerbated by the Burmese military regime’s refusal to issue visas to foreign aid workers or accept disaster assistance from the United States for the victims of the devastating cyclone that occurred on Saturday, May 3rd.

“Millions of innocent people who are already living under dire government-imposed circumstances are now the victims of another preventable catastrophe.” Franks stated.  “While millions of dollars in supplies and assistance continue to flood in from all over the world in response to last weekend’s tragic cyclone, Burma’s illegitimate military regime continues their genocidal oppression, leaving millions of innocent and now homeless civilians suffering, starving, and dying as we speak. 

“If the regime continues to refuse access for aid workers and assistance, the final death toll will make current figures pale in comparison.  Such a scenario is unnecessary and avoidable.  I urge my Colleagues, the Administration, and the international community to continue to apply diplomatic pressure on the Burmese regime.  If we cannot stop Burma’s military regime from perpetuating this tragic situation, nothing less than a deliberate genocide will occur.

“The people of Burma are facing an increasingly desperate situation and I appeal to the conscience of those generals who do not want to have more innocent blood on their hands to allow aid workers to come in and provide international relief directly to the innocent victims."