U.S. President George Bush wants Burma's military rulers to allow American relief officials into the country to help provide assistance from Saturday's devastating cyclone that is now believed to have killed more than 22,000 people. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports, Burma's reclusive leaders have rejected aid in the past but now say they will accept some help.

President Bush makes remarks after signing H.R. 4286, bestowing the Congressional Gold Medal in abstensia to Burmese Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, 06 May 2008

The United States has already contributed $250,000 to the relief effort. President Bush says America wants to do more.

"We are prepared to move U.S. Navy assets to help find those who have lost their lives, to help find the missing, and to help stabilize the situation," he said. "But in order to do so, the military junta must allow our disaster assessment teams into the country. So our message is the military rulers: Let the United States come and help you help the people."

The U.S. State Department says it has been told that an American assessment team will not be allowed inside Burma. White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says the United States will continue to try and help through the United Nations if disaster relief teams on two U.S. ships in the area are not allowed to enter.

While welcoming outside assistance, Burma's military rulers have told aid agencies that relief workers will still need visas.

This aerial view shows a devastated town, with many roofs missing, in the Irrawaddy Delta region, Burma, 06 May 2008

The United Nations is asking Burma to relax those requirements so assistance can quickly reach those needing shelter, food, and medical assistance. Officials say about 41,000 people are missing, and the toll is expected to rise as information comes in from hard-to-reach places.

In addition to U.S. assistance offers, India has dispatched two naval ships with food, tents, blankets and medicine and the European Union is pledging $3 million in humanitarian aid. Chinese President Hu Jintao is promising $1 million cash and relief supplies.

Cyclone Nargis hit at a crucial time for Burma's military-led government, which was scheduled to hold a nationwide referendum on a new constitution this coming Saturday in hopes of dampening international criticism of its crackdown on anti-government protesters last year.

Burma's rulers say the referendum will lead to democratic elections in 2010. Political opponents say the new charter will reinforce military control.

Aung San Suu Kyi (file photo)

President Bush spoke Tuesday from the Oval Office after signing legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Burmese democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi.

"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 is a powerful voice in contrast to the junta that currently rules the country," he said.

Asked if the recognition for Burma's detained opposition leader might complicate efforts to work with the military in providing aid, spokeswoman Perino says U.S. support for Aung San Suu Kyi has been clear for many years, and that position will not change. She says that does not affect Washington's promise to follow through on offers to help those affected by the cyclone.