Burmese junta officially dissolved

Burma's junta was officially dissolved today after a swearing-in ceremony to appoint the country's so-called civilian government.

The transition to an elected government is widely viewed as a cosmetic makeover to continue the military's grip on power. The country's first elections in 20 years were held in November but were widely criticised as a sham.

State media reported the new government, headed by President Thein Sein, was sworn in at the remote capital of Naypyitaw.

Media said the junta's long-time ruling party, the State Peace and Development Council, was "officially dissolved".

The SPDC, led by Senior General Than Shwe, had ruled Burma since 1988.