'Use your liberty to promote ours'

"Please use your liberty to promote ours." The words of imprisoned Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi were echoed by numerous speakers at conference today as they spoke of their growing alarm at the unfolding natural disaster in Burma.It is now several weeks since Cyclone Nargis hit Burma, but the country is still reeling from its impact.Meanwhile, international aid agencies have been denied access to the stricken areas.Delegates said they were appalled at the military junta's failure to put in place any meaningful relief and rescue operation.Its response illustrated the contempt in which the regime holds the wellbeing of its own people, conference said.Talking about the problem was all very well, "but now is the time to act," urged Salford City rep Ray Walker, as conference voted to send a clear signal of support and solidarity to Burmese trade unions and the Burmese people.One of the most moving speeches of the morning came from University of Bristol rep Toe Aung, who left Burma for Britain 22 years ago.He had been to the low-lying delta devastated by the cyclone, he said, painting a picture of the people who live there – mainly farmers, growing rice for a living. His mother was born there."The people there have a simple life. They are good natured, which is why they have been exploited by the military government for so long." He did not dare visualise their pain and suffering in the wake of the cyclone, he said, telling conference: "They desperately need our help. Please show your generosity and solidarity."