Washington - Senator Hillary Clinton called on the regime in Myanmar to allow international aid workers into the country to help the relief effort following a cyclone that killed thousands of people.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the people," Clinton said at a campaign rally late Tuesday after polls closed in the presidential primary contests in Indiana and North Carolina.

"I call on the junta that has ruled Burma for so many years to please, please, let the rest of the world in to help."

Myanmar, also known as Burma, was struck by a massive cyclone over the weekend that killed more than 22,000 people. The repressive junta has long been reluctant to allow international organizations into the country but appears to be easing that position following the devastating storm.

The White House earlier Tuesday announced an additional 3 million dollars in aid to help the relief effort while urging Myanmar's ruling generals to open the country to international assistance. (dpa)