MYANMAR: The Japanese Nippon Foundation donates millions for displaced residents in Myanmar
Record ID:
860784
MYANMAR: The Japanese Nippon Foundation donates millions for displaced residents in Myanmar
- Title: MYANMAR: The Japanese Nippon Foundation donates millions for displaced residents in Myanmar
- Date: 22nd December 2012
- Summary: WOMAN AND CHILDREN
- Embargoed: 6th January 2013 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Myanmar
- City:
- Country: Myanmar
- Topics: International Relations,Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA59EGAVXIUOWONLWIWLESLVUJI
- Aspect Ratio:
- Story Text: Japan's Nippon Foundation donated $3 million USD worth of emergency and relief supplies on Saturday (December 22) to displaced residents living in regions controlled by the armed forces of ethnic groups in Myanmar.
Part of the donation ($70,000 USD) will go to the New Mon State Party consisting of 50 tons of rice, medical supplies for hospitals and 500 boxes of emergency kits.
The majority of supplies will go to groups near the Thai-Myanmar border.
According to the Nippon Foundation, this is the largest aid package the Myanmar Central Government has ever approved.
"We, Japanese like the Myanmar people very much because when Japan was in need of help after World War II, the Japanese people were helped by Burmese rice. I myself ate that rice at the time. So it is natural and I feel it's a duty for the Japanese people to support the Myanmar people now," said Yohei Sasakawa, the Chairman of the Nippon Foundation.
While the amount given has been unprecedented, Mon State officials say it's only the beginning of what's needed for the people suffering at the border.
"This is the very first step. This is not a big amount. If we distribute what we get, it can support them in some way," said Nai Htaw Mon, chairman of the New Mon State Party.
While part of the donation will go to villages in Mon State, including Tarana Village just outside the downtown area, residents there don't expect to see much of the relief supplies, if any.
"I don't think we will get a donation from the ceremony since we are far away from them (groups by the border)," said 40-year old Nai Zaw Min.
"It is better if we get this donation. This donation can help our village to develop," added 29-year old school teacher Khaing Thazin.
Despite sweeping reforms since the nominally civilian government took office last year, conflicts with ethnic groups remain.
The Nippon Foundation has given the donation with the promise of no discrimination in race or ethnicity. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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