Speaker. 2 short months ago. tropical cyclone Nargis struck the coast of Burma. killing tens of thousands of Burmese citizens. The response of Burmas military leaders to this devastating catastrophe demonstrated their fundamental disdain for the welfare of the Burmese people. Repeated offers from the international community to provide desperately needed assistance went unanswered. Thousands of veteran international relief workers were denied visas. Instead of dispatching Burmese groups to help the victims. the government proceeded with its referendum on a constitution drafted by an illegitimate assembly. This referendum was written without the input of Nobel Laureate and Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.