UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon, talking to reporters in Tokyo on July 1, called on the Myanmarese authorities to work towards bringing “genuine democracy” to the people. He also noted that despite the delay in accepting international aid teams, the junta had largely lived up to its promise of allowing access1. Ahead of the G8 talks in Japan, US President George Bush on July 6 also renewed his call for Myanmar's military regime to free opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi2.

Reports noted that the authorities were also looking for more aid to help in the settlement of people in the cyclone-hit areas. Among projects being implemented include the reclamation of land in the cyclone-hit areas and the building of up to 100,000 low-cost provisional housing accommodation for homeless victims of the storm3. Another involved the building and renovation of 37 embankments to prepare for future emergencies4. Meanwhile, international aid continued to flow with the Malaysian government granting $1 million on July 45.

• 1. “UN chief says will press Myanmar on democracy,” Associated Foreign Press, July 1, 2008 at http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iSi2ix3nsJwlY7AJPAzEkeyvM0mA
• 2. “Bush urges Myanmar to free Suu Kyi” Associated Foreign Press, July 6, 2008 at http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i9xdGQ0P-VvkPPRN8cf2AuoC7QNQ
• 3. “Myanmar pleads for more donations for resettlement of storm survivor” Xinhua, July 4, 2008 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/04/content_8489079.htm
• 4. “Myanmar to build 37 embankments in cyclone-hit areas” Xinhua, July 6, 2008 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/06/content_8500550.htm
• 5. “Malaysia aid $2.5 million to Myanmar and China” Xinhua, July 4, 2008 at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/04/content_8489072.htm