JERUSALEM (AFP) - The White House on Thursday dismissed a controversial referendum held in cyclone-ravaged Myanmar which authorities said gave a 92.4 percent backing to the country's military-backed constitution.

"We have expressed our strong concerns about the legitimacy of the constitution and referendum since the beginning. The conduct of the referendum gave us no reason to change our position," said US national security spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

Myanmar's state television said the constitution was approved by 92.4 percent in a referendum held everywhere except in regions hardest hit by Cyclone Nargis.

"We hope the junta will focus on getting help to their people," said Johndroe who was in Jerusalem with US President George W. Bush "That's what the United States is focused on."

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