RAY SUAREZ: The first U.N. humanitarian aid began trickling in to devastated Myanmar today. But the military government continued to block large-scale efforts six days after a cyclone ravaged the country, also known as Burma.
We have a report narrated by Paul Davies of Independent Television News.
PAUL DAVIES: This is the official government version of what's happening in Burma today, Burmese television showing pictures of its own military aircraft dropping aid to where it's needed most, government officials personally taking part in distributing emergency supplies.
But, according to the U.N. and aid agencies, only a tiny proportion of those left without the basics to survive are getting help. Planeloads of food and equipment that could save lives is still held up at various airports, awaiting permission to land in Burma, help from the United Nations, from Europe, and individual countries delayed by Burmese officialdom.
America's ambassador in Thailand spoke for many when he voiced his frustration.
ERIC JOHN, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand: You know that you have the tools just right here at your fingertips, and they're at the fingertips of the Burmese to use. And they're not picking the tools up to use them. That's incredibly -- it's beyond frustrating. I mean, it's -- it's a level of tragedy that gets worse by the day.
PAUL DAVIES: While red tape and an apparent reluctance to cooperate with the outside world is holding up the aid effort, journalists reaching some of the worst affected areas say there is little or no help for tens of thousands of survivors.
This woman weeps for those swept away by the cyclone, whole families who were lost. Slowly, the bodies are being recovered from the waters that claimed them. The emphasis now has to be on preventing the death toll rising. Outside help is ready and waiting, if it's allowed in, in time.
RAY SUAREZ: In Washington, Defense Secretary Robert Gates reported, U.S. aircraft and ships are being moved into the area to help. But he said he could not imagine dropping aid by air without the Myanmar government's permission.
ROBERT GATES, Secretary of Defense: If we cannot get in directly, that we would be prepared to work creatively with others in any way we could to help. And if that involves using an intermediary, perhaps that -- we would do that. I think our interests here is totally nonpolitical. It's to try and help the people of Myanmar. And I think, if we can't do it directly, then we would be prepared to consider other means of doing it.
RAY SUAREZ: We will have more on Myanmar right after this news summary.
Sectarian battles spread through Beirut, Lebanon, today. Reports said at least eight people were killed. Machine gunfire and explosions rang out in a second day of violence. Shiite supporters of the Hezbollah fought with Sunnis allied with the Lebanese government.
The trouble started after the government declared Hezbollah's private communications network illegal. The militant group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, called it a declaration of war. Later, the leader of the governing coalition offered a deal to end the conflict. Hezbollah rejected it.
The Iraqi Defense Ministry today announced, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq has been captured. A spokesman said Abu Ayyub al-Masri, an Egyptian, was arrested in Mosul, but there were no other details. The U.S. had a $5 million bounty on his head. Also today, continued clashes in Baghdad claimed at least 19 more lives.
Much of the recent fighting was centered on Sadr City. U.N. officials warned today food, water and medicine is running short in that district.
The U.S. House today approved a series of bills to help troubled homeowners. Among other things, they would provide up to $300 billion to refinance problem mortgages. Democrats said they would help cut down on foreclosures, but President Bush warned, the bills would mostly help lenders and speculators. He has promised a veto.
We will have more on this story later in the program.
In the presidential campaign, Barack Obama made new efforts to wrap up the Democratic presidential race. He visited the floor of the U.S. House, trying to win over Democrats who are also superdelegates.
Later, he told reporters he's not relaxing yet.
SEN. BARACK OBAMA (D-IL), Presidential Candidate: I think our goal is going to be to try to bring this party together as soon as possible. But we still have contests remaining. And so in no way and I taking this for granted. We're going to have to keep on working.
Senator Clinton's a formidable candidate. She is very likely to win West Virginia and Kentucky. I mean, those are two states where she's got insurmountable leads.
RAY SUAREZ: Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton pressed on with stops in West Virginia, South Dakota, and Oregon, ahead of their upcoming primaries. In Charleston, West Virginia, she dismissed growing calls for her to drop out of the race.
SEN. HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON (D-NY), Presidential Candidate: This is a little bit like deja vu all over again. Some in Washington wanted us to end our campaign, and then I won New Hampshire. Then we had huge victories on Super Tuesday. Then we won Ohio and Texas and Pennsylvania, and I was never supposed to win Indiana.
Well, I'm running to be president of all 50 states, and I want to be sure that we count all 50 states.
RAY SUAREZ: That would include Michigan and Florida. They were stripped of their delegates for holding primaries too early.
Democrats in Michigan offered a plan yesterday to give 69 delegates to Clinton and 59 to Barack Obama, who wasn't on the ballot there. And party leaders in Florida called today for their delegates to be accepted.
Vladimir Putin was confirmed as prime minister of Russia today. His powers shift from the presidency, which he handed over yesterday to Dmitry Medvedev. Today, the lower house of parliament made Putin's new post official. The overwhelming vote came after Putin made a speech promising to help the Russian economy recover.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert faced new questions about his future today. Police said prosecutors are investigating whether he took significant illegal payments from a U.S.-based businessman before he became prime minister. Olmert said they were campaign donations, not bribes. He insisted he will not resign unless he's indicted. The disclosure came as Israel celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding today.
Environmental groups today announced the largest conservation deal in California's history. The Sierra Club and others agreed not to fight a housing retail development on part of a wilderness ranch in Southern California.
In exchange, 90 percent of the ranch, some 240,000 acres, will be protected. The huge tract will be nearly the size of the city of Los Angeles.
On Wall Street today, the Dow Jones industrial average gained 52 points, to close above 12866. The Nasdaq rose more than 12 points to close at 2451.
Pioneering country singer Eddy Arnold died near Nashville, Tennessee. He had been ill for some time. Starting in the 1940s, Arnold's folksy baritone helped him sell more than 85 million records. His many hits included "Make the World Go Away," among others. Eddy Arnold was 89 years old.
