YANGON - MYANMAR 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 said on Monday.
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 senior general and vice-senior general (Maung Aye) have retired already,' a Myanmar official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
'They are going to have a rest now.' A second official said: 'Although they are retired, they will give some advice when the government asks for it.'
The army hierarchy retains a firm grip on power in the resource-rich South-east Asian country, and many analysts believe Than Shwe will retain a significant role behind the scenes. -- AFP
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