The Burmese government has turned back on it's recent decision to shut down ICRC field offices in Burma. The reason for the change of heart, just as the reason to halt operations, is unknown. Still, the ICRC is relieved.
Thierry Ribaux, deputy head of the ICRC delegation, said Thursday that during the meeting Home Minister Maj. Gen. Maung Oo "confirmed that our field offices in border areas could reopen, and we take good note of that.""It is indeed an improvement," he said, but noted that "modalities of works in border areas and how to continue with the activities in remote border areas still need to be discussed."
It seems the Red Cross must still go through a venting process to determine what is and isn't permited but as normally is the case in Burma, they are cheering any progress at all. Atleast the ICRC has not yet met the fate of GlobalFund, which due to ristrictions by the government was unable to continue it's work in Burma in any capacity. Though they will still not be allowed to visit prisoners, the Red Cross is hoping that will change in time.
The Red Cross said it had 332 staff in Myanmar, including 54 expatriates, last year. But due to the ongoing obstacles, their numbers have since dwindled to 220 including 20 expatriates.
