Myanmar began three days of mourning for some 78,000 cyclone victims Tuesday, but some residents frustrated with the junta's response to the disaster called it a symbolic gesture that lacked sincerity.Despite the government's apparent acquiescence to accept more outside help, most foreign aid workers were still banned from the storm-devastated area and the United Nations said only 20 percent of the survivors had received some form of international assistance.
Flags at government offices, schools and large hotels were lowered to half-staff, but there was no period of silence. Shops were open as usual and many people in Yangon said they had little idea of what the government-announced mourning entailed. Others were angry.
"I don't think flying flags at half-mast is going to help. If they are sincere, they should welcome help from everyone," said Zin Moe, 32, who sells clothes. "They are not letting in aid quickly enough and people are angry."
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