The Myanmar junta's reaction to international relief efforts is tragically revealing.

At a time when up to 1.5 million people in Myanmar face possible starvation and disease, the country's military rulers are barely keeping the door open to international aid.

"The situation is profoundly worrying," said the U.N. official leading the relief effort, John Holmes. "They have simply not facilitated access in the way we have a right to expect."

It has been a week since Cyclone Nargis swept over much of Myanmar's coast, leaving tens of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands homeless.

The first two U.N. flights arrived in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, Thursday. Many more flights and shipments will be needed to make a difference. Time is of the essence. Delay increases the chance of epidemics of diseases such as malaria and cholera. Malnutrition and starvation will occur on a massive scale if supplies do not get through soon.

Yet Myanmar's rulers have only reluctantly granted visas to aid workers. The officials have restricted supplies and placed roadblocks on shipments.

"We have now lost five or six days because of the government's intransigence," said Jan Egeland, former undersecretary for humanitarian affairs during the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami. "Children are going to die from diarrhea because of this government's inaction," he said.

The government said that about 23,000 people have died from the cyclone. But American diplomat Shari Villarosa said the death toll could reach 100,000 if people do not receive aid soon, the New York Times reported.

On Friday, the Bush administration announced that Myanmar's leaders had agreed to allow one U.S. cargo aircraft to bring in relief supplies for victims. Earlier in the day, U.S. relief official Ky Luu said that aid workers were forced to stand by while cyclone victims died.

Myanmar's rulers have shown their true colors. Their desire for power and control overrules any compassion they may have for their people.