The Burmese junta has reshuffled some ministerial positions in the governing cabinet amid rumors of a major shift within the administration.

An official announcement in The New Light of Myanmar said Culture Minister Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and of Immigration and Population, had been granted permission to retire-a euphemism for dismissal.

The reshuffle also saw Col Zaw Min of the Cooperative Ministry switch positions with Maj-Gen Tin Htut, the former Minister for Electric Power. That ministry has been expanded into two-Electric Power 1 and 2.

Four new ministers, including three former regional commanders, are appointed. Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint leaves the Ministry of Defense to become Culture Minister; Maj-Gen Soe Naing, formerly Southeast commander takes over the Hotel and Tourism Ministry; Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, formerly Western commander, becomes Minister for Electric Power 2 and Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, formerly Coastal commander, as Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

The official announcement of the reshuffle was dated Monday and was signed by the junta’s Secretary 1, Lt-Gen Thein Sein. It came during a quarterly meeting of the junta’s top brass at the new administrative capital, Naypyidaw, near Pyinmana.

Unconfirmed reports say the announcement omitted several changes in key military positions, including the naming of three military commanders and the loss by Prime Minister Gen Soe Win of his air defense general post.