Myanmar junta defends cyclone response

rents carry their child receiving medical treatment near the Irrawaddy Delta town of Labutta, some 320 kms (200 miles) from Myanmar's largest city of Yangon on May 31, 2008. US Defence Secretary Robert Gates warned on June 1 during a visit to neighbouring Thailand that more people would perish in Myanmar's cyclone disaster zone unless the regime lifts restrictions on foreign aid, accusing it of "criminal neglect." AFP PHOTO/Khin Maung Win (Photo credit should read KHIN MAUNG WIN/AFP/Getty Images)12:04 p.m. ET, 6/1/08

YANGON, Myanmar - Myanmar's junta said Sunday that it was prompt in providing relief to cyclone victims, an apparent response to global criticism over its handling of a disaster that left more than 130,000 people dead or missing.

Deputy Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Aye Myint made the comments in Singapore as authorities back in Myanmar pushed ahead with plans to open schools in several cyclone-battered areas Monday — a move that aid groups fear could put children in harm's way.

The country's military leaders broadcast warnings about the May 2-3 cyclone more than a week in advance and moved quickly to rescue and provide relief to the estimated 2.4 million survivors, Aye Myint told an international security conference.

"Due to the prompt work" of the military government, food, water and medicine was provided to all victims, he said.

"I believe the resettlement and rehabilitation process will be speedy," he added.

He spoke a day after human rights and aid groups criticized Myanmar for kicking cyclone survivors out of shelters and sending them back to their devastated villages.

Cyclone Nargis killed 78,000 people and left another 56,000 missing.

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