Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Myanmar hardliners face axe in 'reshuffle' Suu Kyi's party makes parliament debut

Thursday, July 5, 2012
International

Several hardliners will leave Myanmar's top leadership in an imminent reshuffle, officials said yesterday, as the reformist regime welcomed the parliamentary debut of Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition.

The reshuffle hastens the pace of reforms since a quasi-civilian government replaced army rule last year and coincides with the ascension of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) to the heart of political decision making.

Around three senior ministers are expected to be replaced soon by more moderate figures in the new line-up, a government official told AFP. "Those who are about to be reshuffled are known as hardliners," the official said.

In addition, the speaker for both chambers of parliament announced the resignation of vice president Tin Aung Myint Oo, a renowned hardliner closely linked to former junta chief Than Shwe, citing health reasons.
The dramatic reorganisation comes as the NLD is recast from the role of dissident outsider to a mainstream player in Myanmar's politics, with an opportunity to shape policy for the first time.

After years muffled by the repressive former junta, NLD members are in Naypyidaw for the new parliament session.

Democracy champion Suu Kyi will miss the opening days as she recovers from her gruelling European tour. She is due to join proceedings on Monday.

Topping the agenda for parliament is the deadly communal violence in June between ethnic Buddhist Rakhine and Muslim Rohingya that left dozens dead and tens of thousands homeless.

A state of emergency is still in place after the outbreak of violence, which prompted reformist President Thein Sein to warn it could damage the country's emergence from decades of military rule.
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=240955

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