Cyclone aid conference opens in Myanmar

(CNN) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon flew to Myanmar on Sunday to guide a conference with international agencies aimed at boosting donations for the cyclone-struck nation, now that its ruling military junta has agreed to accept aid.

Myanmar's ruling military junta, which has kept a tight leash on relief workers, is hosting the donor conference, involving some 50 countries.

The event was organized by the United Nations and the Association of South-East Asian Nations.

"The meeting intends to encourage cooperation in providing assistance to victims of Cyclone Nargis and show that the international community is united in helping the people of Myanmar," said U.N. humanitarian chief John Holmes.

A U.S. diplomat at the conference said Myanmar must grant "unhindered access" to cyclone-devastated areas as a condition for receiving more American aid, according to news reports.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Scot Marciel said the United States is prepared to offer significant aid for cyclone survivors if the junta allows foreign experts to assess the affected areas, The Associated Press reported.

He told the conference the U.S. has already provided more than $20.5 million in aid.

The conference follows a decision by Myanmar's government Friday to "allow all aid workers regardless of nationalities" into the country to help cyclone survivors, said Ban, who met with the junta's leading figure, Senior Gen. Than Shwe, for more than two hours.

Ban toured the devastation -- especially in the hard-hit Irrawaddy delta -- Thursday and Friday, before briefly visiting China's earthquake zone. He was en route to Myanmar's capital of Yangon Sunday morning.

International aid groups have criticized Myanmar for letting comparatively few relief workers into the country despite the severity of the storm, which the United Nations says killed more than 130,000 and left more than 2 million homeless. Watch a UNICEF official describe a "dire situation" in Myanmar »

Ban said the general made the statement "in front of many senior generals," convincing him that he would keep his word.

Despite the assurance of relief workers, Myanmar will not allow foreign boats or helicopters into the country. Ban said Myanmar officials agreed to allow the Yangon airport to be used a logistical hub for aid distribution.

Word that relief workers may finally gain access to the storm-ravaged population swirled through Bangkok, Thailand, where a small army of aid workers has been waiting for permission to enter Myanmar.

"It's extremely welcome news," said Melissa Winkler, spokeswoman for the International Rescue Committee.

As a result of Myanmar's delay in welcoming aid workers, however, many storm survivors have been drinking contaminated water, Winkler told CNN.

The IRC worries that too few health professionals are in Myanmar to handle a disaster of this magnitude, raising fears about the outbreak of disease, particularly as a result of the lack of access to clean drinking water.

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All About Myanmar • Natural Disasters • United Nations • Ban Ki-moon