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           Myanmar Swears in First Civilian Head of State Since 1962

   by VOA News

   Myanmar has sworn in its first civilian head of state in more than five
   decades.

   Seventy-year-old Htin Kyaw took the oath of office Tuesday during a
   brief ceremony before a joint session of parliament, pledging loyalty
   "to the republic of the union of Myanmar." The country's two vice
   presidents, Myint Swe and Henry Van Tio, also took the oath alongside
   Htin Kyaw.

   Htin Kyaw will formally assume office Friday, marking the end of total
   or partial military rule in Myanmar dating back to 1962.

   Htin Kyaw's election as president on March 15 was a foregone conclusion
   -- he is a childhood friend and longtime confidant of Nobel laureate
   Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy,
   which took control of both chambers of parliament in November's
   historic elections.

   Aung San Suu Kyi is barred from becoming president herself, due to a
   provision in the constitution that prohibits anyone with a foreign-born
   spouse or children from the office.  Her late husband and two sons are
   British.  But she has vowed to rule the country through Htin Kyaw, who
   will serve as her proxy.

   Aung San Suu Kyi is one of 18 members of the president's new cabinet.
   She has her choice of four posts, including that of foreign minister,
   which would require her to give up her seat in parliament and
   leadership of the NLD.
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   -of-state-since-1962/3260795.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/myanmar-swears-in-first-civilian-head-of-state-since-1962/3260795.html