Myanmar army junta makes way for civilian govt

Myanmars authoritarian military junta made way for a new government on Wednesday, ushering in a new era of civilian rule though one dominated by the same faces that have tightly controlled the secretive country for almost two decades.

The new parliament, packed with retired and serving soldiers, approved the dissolution of the powerful State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to make way for a new administration following a disputed election last November.

An announcement signed by paramount leader Senior General Than Shwe and read out on state television said lawmakers had approved a new president, two vice-presidents and 30 ministers which will rule for the next five years.

"It is hereby announced that the legislative power, jurisdiction power and administrative power being exercised by the State Peace and Development Council has been transferred to the Union level government,&" the announcement read.

The historic handover of power after 49 years of direct military rule will be greeted with broad scepticism by the international community and many of Myanmars estimated 50 million people, most of which have lived under a succession of army dictatorships.

Members of the SPDC, as the junta called itself, retained prominent roles in the new political system.