Bush asks Myanmar to accept US help

President George W Bush on Tuesday asked Myanmar's military junta to allow the United States to provide disaster relief to thousands of people, who were left homeless by the devastating cyclone that ravaged the country.

"Our message is to the military rulers: Let the US come to help you, help the people. Our hearts go out to the people of Burma. We want to help them deal with this terrible disaster. At the same time, of course, we want them to live in a free society," Bush said.

Bush's plea came as Washington announced another three million dollars in aid, through the US Agency for International Development.

"Burma has been hit by a terrible natural disaster. Laura and I and members of the Senate and House here express our heartfelt sympathy to the people of Burma. The United States has made an initial aid contribution, but we want to do a lot more," Bush said.

Bush said the US was prepared to send US navy ships to Myanmar.

"We're prepared to move US navy assets to help find those who've lost their lives, to help find the missing, to help stabilise the situation. But in order to do so, the military junta must allow our disaster assessment teams into the country," Bush said.

The death toll from the cyclone has soared above 22,000. The storm hit the country early on Saturday. Hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless.

Bush's appeal to Yangon came in brief comments after signing a legislation to honour Aug San Suu Kyi with a Congressional Gold medal.

"This is a fitting tribute to a courageous woman who speaks for freedom for all the people of Burma, and who speaks in such a way that she's a powerful voice in contrast to the junta that  currently rules the country," Bush said.