[Talon]

Burma rumours say PM 'ousted'
Unconfirmed reports from Burma say that Prime Minister Khin Nyunt may have been removed from office.
According to a Thai government spokesman, Khin Nyunt has been accused of corruption and placed under house arrest.

There has so far been no official word from inside Burma.

Diplomats have spoken of a growing power struggle between Khin Nyunt, number three in the military junta, and senior General Than Shwe.

It seems like hard-line forces have prevailed, according to the BBC's South East Asia correspondent, Kylie Morris.

More soon.


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.u...fic/3755052.stm

[Talon]

Burma's prime minister 'arrested'
Conservative elements in Burma's military junta have ousted Prime Minister Khin Nyunt and put him under house arrest, Thai officials say.
"Khin Nyunt was removed from his position," Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra told reporters.

In recent months diplomats have spoken of a power struggle between Khin Nyunt, number three in Burma's hierarchy, and the hard-line Senior General Than Shwe.

The dispute appears to be more about business than politics, analysts say.

Khin Nyunt's reported ouster would be a blow to those hoping for reform in Burma, says the BBC's South East Asia correspondent, Kylie Morris.


He was at least prepared to discuss the release from house arrest of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Witnesses have told the BBC they have seen soldiers taking up position outside Khin Nyunt's house in Rangoon.

"We can confirm that Khin Nyunt has been removed from the position of prime minister and is being detained under house arrest," said Thai government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair in Bangkok.

"The person who signed the order said Khin Nyunt had been involved in corruption and not suitable to stay in his position," he added.

The secretive military government in Burma has yet to confirm or deny the reports, which have come from both Thai officials, Indian intelligence sources and other unofficial sources inside Burma.

Khin Nyunt was also head of military intelligence, and several companies run by the intelligence service have been shut down in recent days, amid reports that intelligence officials have been arrested.

There was an increased troop presence outside military intelligence headquarters in the city, witnesses said.


Losing grip on power

As Prime Minister, Khin Nyunt has relied upon Burma's secret police to shore up his power.

But Senior General Than Shwe and his number two, Maung Aye, hold the loyalty of the key factions within the army.

Amid mounting signs of disagreement within the high echelons of Burma's military hierarchy, a cabinet reshuffle last month promoted so-called hardliners at the expense of others who - like Khin Nyunt - took a more open stance.

Consequently Khin Nyunt's position has weakened of late, and it now seems like hard-line forces have prevailed, according to our correspondent.

Khin Nyunt was seen as favouring talks with pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and soon after his appointment announced a seven-point roadmap to democracy.

But Than Shwe remains strongly opposed to any role for the Nobel laureate.

Her release was widely expected prior to the resumption of the National Convention in May but Aung San Suu Kyi remains under house arrest.


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.u...fic/3755052.stm

[Talon]

Burma ends rebel talks early
Burma's military has cut short talks with the Karen National Union (KNU), the nation's largest rebel group.
The move appears to be connected to the surprise dismissal of Prime Minister Khin Nyunt on Tuesday.

A 16-member Karen delegation was told to leave Rangoon and return to the KNU base on the Thai border.

The KNU, which has been fighting for autonomy for more than 50 years, is the only major ethnic group yet to sign a formal ceasefire with the ruling junta.

Burma's military rulers announced on Tuesday that Khin Nyunt had left his post for "health reasons", and was being replaced by the more hardline Lt Gen Soe Win.

But officials in Thailand said Khin Nyunt had been forced from office as a result of a power struggle with the country's top general Than Shwe, and was under house arrest on charges of corruption.

Khin Nyunt was seen as responsible for persuading 17 ethnic groups to sign ceasefire agreements with the military regime.


His departure has ignited fears that the military will now take a tougher line against ethnic groups opposed to the current regime.
So far no pact has been signed with the Karen rebels, although the two sides agreed a provisional truce in January.

The KNU delegates were in Rangoon for talks on the ongoing peace process.

But on Monday the junta asked the KNU delegation to leave the capital because it was not ready for a meeting that was due to start that day, according to spokesman Nierdah Mya.

"The talks have not been held because the government has political problems," Mr Nierdah told the French news agency AFP.

Ethnic minority groups make up about a third of Burma's population of 50 million.


Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.u...fic/3762402.stm