Burma Related News

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Tuesday pledged U.S. help to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the aftermath of a typhoon, saying he was sending an aircraft carrier to aid in the relief effort.

Bush, after White House talks with Arroyo, expressed condolences for victims of Typhoon Fengshen, which hit over the weekend. Hopes were fading for around 800 people still missing after a ferry capsized in huge waves off Sibyuan.

"I know there are families that are hurting, some are wondering whether or not their loved ones will reappear," Bush told reporters in the Oval Office with Arroyo at his side. "We want to help our friends in a time of need."

He said Defense Secretary Robert Gates had informed Arroyo that the United States would move the carrier USS Ronald Reagan and other Navy assets to provide assistance.

Bush also voiced support for Arroyo's counterterrorism efforts. The United States and the Philippines are close allies in the fight against Islamic militants.

"I congratulated the president on her strong stand on counterterrorism -- more than strong stand, effective stand, on counterterrorism -- as well as laying out a vision for peace," Bush said.

He commended Arroyo for what he called a "carrots and sticks approach" in dealing with rebel groups.

"The sticks of course say 'we're not going to allow for people to terrorize our citizens.' The carrot approach is that there's peace available," Bush said.

Bush said the two leaders also discussed the situation in Myanmar but did not elaborate. He has led a campaign of sanctions against Myanmar's military rulers and has sharply criticized the junta for obstructing international relief efforts after last month's devastating cyclone.