The United States and United Nations have expressed concern about the dismissal of Burma's prime minister, and reports that he has been placed under house arrest.
General Soe Win was named to replace General Khin Nyunt as prime minister.
Analysts say Khin Nyunt had promoted limited democratic reforms, while Soe Win is believed to oppose them. State media said Tuesday that Khin Nyunt retired for health reasons. But earlier, Thai officials said he was abruptly fired and arrested on corruption charges.
Both the U.S. State Department and the United Nations called on Burma to release political prisoners and make a commitment to dialogue with opposition parties.
A spokesman for the opposition National League for Democracy says Khin Nyunt's ouster will likely have no impact on the party.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.