BANGKOK, Thailand - The United Nations says it can reach the estimated 2.4 million Burma cyclone survivors by the end of the week if the country's military regime allows foreign experts into field.
Richard Horsey, a spokesman for the UN humanitarian operation in Bangkok, says logistical operations have improved over the last week to 10 days and that more boats and helicopters will be arriving in the coming days.
Horsey says if the experts can be sent out, relief workers can start putting in place the water purification machines, warehousing and other things they need.
Burma's leaders have virtually barred foreign aid workers and international agencies from the delta since the May 2-3 cyclone.
But after a meeting Senior Gen. Than Shwe on Friday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the reclusive leader agreed that international aid workers will be able `to freely reach the needy people.'