U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2008)

The White House

For Immediate Release
May 8, 2008

Press Gaggle by Gordon Johndroe

Aboard Air Force One
En Route Waco, Texas

9:35 A.M. EDT

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Q: There's some conflicting reports about Burma. First reports said that there was a U.S. plane that landed. Then we had reports that said that the U.S. did not have permission to go. What's the latest on that?

MR. JOHNDROE: The latest on Burma is we are involved in negotiations with the Burmese government, as are many governments and aid organizations from all over the world, trying to make arrangements so that our assistance and these other countries and aid organizations' assistance can get into Burma to help the people there. I would just say at this point there are ongoing discussions. We're hearing conflicting reports as well. We have -

Q: So we don't have permission yet?

MR. JOHNDROE: As of our departure time, I was not aware that permission had been granted, but I would just say that we are hopeful. We are hopeful that permission will be granted not only for United States aid but all sorts of international aid. As you know, we have been involved through the State Department in talking with a number of governments, both in Washington as well as in their capitals, such as the Chinese and the Thais. We appreciate the Chinese and any other governments who have used what influence they have on the junta to encourage the junta to allow aid in. And so all of these efforts are ongoing. The bottom line is, we want to get aid into Burma as quickly as possible.

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END

9:43 A.M. EDT