Berlin  -  Germany has called the ambassador of Myanmar to the foreign ministry to hear Berlin's concerns at delays in channelling relief to the victims of the recent cyclone, diplomatic sources said Thursday.

Ambassador U Tin Win was expected to meet German diplomats Thursday afternoon, the sources said. The talks were expected to concentrate on what Germany sees as obstacles placed in the way of relief organizations reaching the stricken areas.

Germany on Wednesday doubled its humanitarian aid to the people of Myanmar to 1 million euros (1.5 million dollars) to help them overcome the effects of the cyclone.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman said Berlin was experiencing difficulty in getting the funds to the needy.

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Germany was concerned at the scope of the disaster which has left 23,000 dead and 41,000 missing.

Saying Germany was ready to do more to help, Steinmeier repeated his appeal to the military government to facilitate an effective assistance operation and to cooperate with international aid organizations.

Cyclone Nargis left Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, without electricity and water after it struck over the weekend, causing untold damage to the fragile infrastructure and food supply. (dpa)