Key figures hold on to power in Myanmar
Source: Agencies |
March 31, 2011, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
MYANMAR'S military government was officially disbanded yesterday after handing over power to a new civilian government, the latest phase of a transition to democracy.
The closed-door inauguration of the new government was announced after it took place. Despite the handover, key figures in the former government, including leader Senior General Than Shwe, are expected to retain substantial hold over power.
State television and radio reported that the new government headed by President Thein Sein was sworn in by parliament in the capital Naypyitaw. Thein Sein was the prime minister and a top member of the previous military government.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been ruled by the military since 1962. It held its first elections in 20 years in November.
The new government's arrival marks the end of the State Peace and Development Council, or SPDC, which has been in power since 1988, news reports said. "The SPDC is officially dissolved," state media reported, saying that the dissolution was ordered by Than Shwe, who wielded absolute power since 1992.
Almost immediately after the announcement, government offices underwent a makeover. Signs outside the Peace and Development Council offices nationwide came down and were replaced with new ones saying: "General Administration Office."
State media did not mention what becomes of Than Shwe. The dissolution of his party would render him effectively retired, but he is expected to remain a dominant force.
General Min Aung Hlaing, a senior defense official, was named the new commander of Myanmar's armed forces.
The new 30-member Cabinet is dominated by former military officers who retired in order to run in the elections. About a dozen of the ministers were members of the previous Cabinet. Only four appointees are strictly civilian.
The party of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, which won the last elections in 1990 but was blocked from taking power by the military, boycotted November's vote.
Suu Kyi, who still heads the opposition group, the National League for Democracy, said she hoped relations with the new government would be better. "We always want good relations with the government. I hope that the relationship improves," Suu Kyi said.
The closed-door inauguration of the new government was announced after it took place. Despite the handover, key figures in the former government, including leader Senior General Than Shwe, are expected to retain substantial hold over power.
State television and radio reported that the new government headed by President Thein Sein was sworn in by parliament in the capital Naypyitaw. Thein Sein was the prime minister and a top member of the previous military government.
Myanmar, also known as Burma, has been ruled by the military since 1962. It held its first elections in 20 years in November.
The new government's arrival marks the end of the State Peace and Development Council, or SPDC, which has been in power since 1988, news reports said. "The SPDC is officially dissolved," state media reported, saying that the dissolution was ordered by Than Shwe, who wielded absolute power since 1992.
Almost immediately after the announcement, government offices underwent a makeover. Signs outside the Peace and Development Council offices nationwide came down and were replaced with new ones saying: "General Administration Office."
State media did not mention what becomes of Than Shwe. The dissolution of his party would render him effectively retired, but he is expected to remain a dominant force.
General Min Aung Hlaing, a senior defense official, was named the new commander of Myanmar's armed forces.
The new 30-member Cabinet is dominated by former military officers who retired in order to run in the elections. About a dozen of the ministers were members of the previous Cabinet. Only four appointees are strictly civilian.
The party of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, which won the last elections in 1990 but was blocked from taking power by the military, boycotted November's vote.
Suu Kyi, who still heads the opposition group, the National League for Democracy, said she hoped relations with the new government would be better. "We always want good relations with the government. I hope that the relationship improves," Suu Kyi said.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
