I can't understand why they would refuse aid? Surely the more people there are helping (especially if they are specially trained), the higher the chance of finding survivors? Is it simply pride that made them refuse it? Or was it that they didn't want 'dirty laundry' aired and didn't want international aid organisations to be aware of the structure of the buildings or overcrowding that was occurring?? Such a shame. Perhaps some lives could have been saved. It just adds to the tragedy!