Norwegian foreign ministry official heads for Myanmar
Oslo - A ranking Norwegian foreign ministry official was Tuesday to head for Myanmar and will try to meet with its military rulers, Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store told parliament.
State Secretary Raymond Johansen's visit will coincide with that of among others United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Store said.
Store said he hoped Johansens's visit will offer "first hand information" about the needs for the victims of Cyclone Nargis that devastated Myanmar early May.
Store also noted the "marked differences" in how earthquake- stricken China and Myanmar have handled the natural catastrophes that recently have impacted their respective countries.
China has welcomed offers of foreign assistance while Myanmar blocked access for foreign aid workers, the minister said.
Oslo has allocated 50 million kroner (9.8 million dollars) in disaster relief for Myanmar. (dpa)
