Japanese Thought About Gen. Than Sh

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Subject: Japanese Thought About Gen. Than Shwe

                            Japan Economic Newswire

                             APRIL  24, 1992, FRIDAY



HEADLINE: Myanmar Expecting More Liberal and Realistic Government

DATELINE: YANGON, April 24 Kyodo

 BODY:
   The capital of Myanmar appeared to be normal with markets as busy as usual
Friday, one day after a change in the top post in the nation's military junta
known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).

   On Thursday, Gen. Than Shwe took over for Gen. Saw Maung, and local observers
with insight into the nation's politics say they are optimistic and expect a
more realistic and liberal administration under the new leadership. 
   The situation in Yangon seemed normal with commuter traffic bustling as
before, and no unusual military presence in the capital.

   Schools are on summer holiday and universities have been closed down since
last December.

   Observer optimism seems to center on the 59-year-old new leader Than Shwe.

   A high school graduate, Than Shwe attended the military officers training
school in 1953, and after receiving his commission, he served as commander in
various capacities in different parts of the country.

   He became deputy commander in chief of army in 1985 under Saw Maung, who was 
the commander in chief of the army.

   After Saw Maung seized power and became chairman of the SLORC and supreme
commander of the defense services, Than Shwe became deputy chairman of the SLORC
and commander in chief of army.

   Although he was second in the junta, he joined the cabinet as defense
minister on March 20 this year, when Saw Maung transferred his defense portfolio
to him. 
   Military sources describe Than Shwe as a sober and liberal military leader,
who is an able and brave commander and who possesses moderate habits.

   A retired politician who has been close to the military for decades expressed
his optimism by saying, 'I believe (the) new administration under Than Shwe will
be more realistic and liberal.'

   Asked about a foreign media reports about a possible power struggle over Than
Shwe's former post as commander in chief of army and deputy chairman of the
SLORC, a senior army officer said, 'there will be absolutely no power struggle
or anything of that sort.'

   'Like in the past, all successions in tatmadaw (the military) will take place
peacefully and systematically according to Myanmar military tradition,' said the
officer, who asked to remain anonymous.

   Saw Maung's retirement did not come as a surprise to local observers who know
the Myanmar military tradition and watch recent developments carefully.

   Mandatory retirement age in the military is 60, but there are precedents for 
extending the cutoff by one year.  Both Gen. Ne Win and Gen. San Yu retired at
age 61. 
   In Myanmar's military history there has never been so many commanders who
have overstayed past their retirement age.

   Replacement of superannuated commanders began in February this year when
63-year old Naval Chief and Vice Admiral Maung Khin was replaced by 58-year old 
Rear Admiral Than Nyunt.  The command also replaced 62-year-old Air Force Lt.
Gen. Tin Tun with 55-year-old Maj. Gen. Thein Win.

   More recently, Lt. Gen. Aung Ye Gyaw, 62, the Adjutant General, was replaced 
by Maj. Gen. Myint Aung, 60, and 61-year-old Lt. Gen. Phone Myint's post as
quartermaster general was filled by the younger Brig. Gen. Min Thein.

   Saw Maung, at age 64, is also expected to retire due to his age, and failing 
health is expediting his retirement, an observer said.