Excellencies, ladies and Gentlemen,

Our International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement expresses deep sympathy to all those individuals and families who have been affected by Cyclone Nargis.

We therefore welcome this Pledging Conference and thank organizers for inviting us to it.

We would like to register our acknowledgement of the efforts of the national response to date, in particular those undertaken by the Myanmar Red Cross Society, other local organizations, the UN and international NGOs.

It is with some pride that we have witnessed the important role played by the Myanmar Red Cross in its capacity as humanitarian auxiliary of the authorities.

We would like to express our deep sense of gratitude to all staff and volunteers of the Myanmar Red Cross who have been working so hard in the affected communities.

There is however clear and definite need to scale up and we stand ready as a Movement to support all humanitarian efforts through our network of National Societies. 9 days ago, the International Federation launched a revised appeal for Myanmar of 51 million USD and we are thanking our donors for contributing generously to it.

We are ready to extend this appeal further based on needs identified by future assessments.

When scaling up, the International Federation concentrates its efforts on supporting the Myanmar Red Cross Society in its on-going relief programmes which include Shelter, Water and Sanitation, Community Based First Aid and disease prevention.

We pay particular attention to provide continuous logistical support to the local branches of the National Society.

We are ready to move forward and support recovery programmes aiming at rehabilitating livelihoods and focus in particular in supporting transitional shelter solutions together with our partners in the international humanitarian community.

While the International Federation together with the Myanmar Red Cross provide general direction and coordination for the Red Cross Movement international response, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) will provide all possible support to all activities in particular the restoring family links, and dealing with mortal remains of those who perished in this tragic disaster.

ICRC also continues in close cooperation with Ministry of Home Affairs to provide relief and rehabilitation activities to places of detention affected by the Cyclone Nargis.

Finally, Mr. Chairman, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies offers its experience and expertise to actively support the advisory group of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) humanitarian task force as presented by the ASEAN Secretary General today.

We continue to foster close cooperation for effective coordination between all members of our Movement and relevant coordinating bodies as set up by ASEAN , the United Nations and the Government of Myanmar.