据称缅甸总统考虑改组内阁以加速改革

Burmese President Thein Sein is reported to be planning to reshuffle his cabinet and appoint a new vice president as part of an effort to push for quicker reforms in Burma.

Senior government officials were quoted in reports Wednesday as saying the president will soon drop several hardliner government ministers who were opposed to the recent political reforms in Burma.

Officials also say the government has confirmed the resignation of Vice President Tin Aung Myint Oo, a former top general who is close to retired military leader Than Shwe.

Since taking power last year, President Thein Sein has faced criticism from some in his government who are reluctant to give up the powers enjoyed by the military dictatorship that ruled the country for nearly half a century.

The reconvening of the National Assembly is seen as a key test of continued reform in Burma, because it will now include a small but important minority of lawmakers from the once-banned National League for Democracy.