Myanmar's military government has forced out its home and labor ministers in a cabinet shake-up that follows the October dismissal of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. State media described both officials as having been "permitted to retire."
Colonel Tin Hlaing, the home minister, and Tin Winn, who held both the labor portfolio and a post in the prime minister's office, were considered close associates of Khin Nyunt, who was removed on 17 October 2004 on corruption charges and placed under house arrest.
Their replacements are loyalists of Senior General Than Shwe, the junta's leader. Major General Maung Oo, formerly a regional military commander, takes over the home ministry, which has been given expanded powers previously held by military intelligence. Technocrat U Thaung moves from the science and technology post to lead the labor ministry.
The reshuffle is the third major leadership change in two months. Former Foreign Minister Win Aung was removed in September, followed by Khin Nyunt in October. Analysts say the successive dismissals signal deeper isolation for Myanmar and reduce prospects for the release of detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Four deputy ministers were also dismissed, according to state television.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this AFP wire report, first published in November 2004, in its own words.