Burma military chief Than Shwe retires

[hubag bohol]

04-04-2011
 
Burma strongman Than Shwe, who ruled with an iron fist for almost two decades, has retired as head of the military after handing power to a nominally civilian government, officials have said.

Than Shwe, previously known as the "senior general", last week disbanded the ruling junta following a November election marred by the absence of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and claims of cheating and intimidation.

The army hierarchy retains a firm grip on power and many analysts believe Than Shwe will retain a significant role behind the scenes. -- http://www.rthk.org.hk/