Myanmar's Suu Kyi to be foreign minister: party

Aung San Suu Kyi will mainly be the foreign minister, although she may take up other roles. PHOTO: EPA

NAYPYIDAW, MYANMAR (AFP) - Aung San Suu Kyi will become foreign minister in Myanmar's new civilian government, her party said Tuesday (March 22), giving the democracy champion a formal position despite being blocked from the presidency.

"She will be the foreign minister mainly. If she wants to share the duties she has in other ministries with qualified people, she can assign them," said Zaw Myint Maung, spokesman for her National League for Democracy, hinting that she would hold other roles as well.

Suu Kyi was the sole woman and one of only six members of her party in a cabinet list read out to lawmakers earlier Tuesday by the parliament speaker, who did not specify which position she or others would hold.

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