"At least" four ministers sacked

DVB ( July 26,2003 )

The military government today has dismissed at least four ministers, including Minister of Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, who is one of the secretaries in the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA) [the organization alleged to have been involved in the events of 30 May which resulted in the detention of Aung San Suu Kyi].

No definite news about the matter has yet been received, although a source in the military circles told DVB that more than four people had been sacked. According to the list in hand, the dismissed ministers are Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, and several other ministers. There is no definite information as to why these people were dismissed but observers believe that it might have something to do with the USDA.

Ministry of Industry-1 U Aung Thaung is an active and leading member of the USDA Secretariat. U Aung Thaung, who is a native of Taungtha in Mandalay Division, has been leading the drive to build model villages in his Taungtha Township. Although U Aung Thaung is believed to have been dismissed because of his links with the USDA, nothing is clear about why the others were sacked.

According to unofficial reports, Minister of Forestry U Aung Phone is said to be under arrest and being interrogated at Ye Kyi Ain [Military Intelligence Service headquarters]. The dismissals this time follow the sacking of Minister of Planning U Khin Maung Thein who was sacked last month. Also, about a dozen leading generals, including Secretary-3 Maj Gen Win Myint, were fired last year. The State Peace and Development Council has not made any announcement about the news yet. (BBC Monitoring Service)