Myanmar's military leadership has admitted the ouster of the nation's premier was linked to corruption but denied it signalled an end to tentative democratic reforms, a diplomatic source said yesterday.
Junta leaders told foreign diplomats that General Khin Nyunt had been allowed to retire for health reasons but also said he was "responsible" for corruption within military intelligence, which he headed for 20 years, the source said.
Khin Nyunt was however not named as being personally involved in corrupt dealings, said the source, who did not want to be identified.
State media reported Tuesday that the ex-premier had retired on health grounds. Officials in neighbouring Thailand said he had been sacked for corruption.
Senior diplomats in Yangon were briefed at a meeting on Thursday attended by Soe Win, the military hardliner named the new premier, and foreign minister Nyan Win.
Diplomats were told the military would continue with a seven-point "road map" to democracy outlined by Khin Nyunt in August 2003.
The stalled process, which is supposed to conclude with multi-party elections, has been dismissed as a sham by the United States and boycotted by the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD).
Khin Nyunt supported dialogue with NLD leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been under house arrest for the past 16 months, and analysts said his sacking and arrest had deepened gloom for the prospects of her release.
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