Myanmar state television reported the military's State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) "has been officially dissolved", quoting an order signed by Senior General Than Shwe who has ruled since 1992 and was referred to only as "chairman of the SPDC" in the report.

The SPDC, previously known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council, or SLORC, seized power in 1988, but Myanmar has been under military authority since 1962.

The historic announcement of the nominal end of its rule came after an official said a new army chief attended the inauguration of Thein Sein as president.

General Min Aung Hlaing was present at the swearing-in as Commander in Chief of the country's army, a post held by Than Shwe until now.

Prime Minister Thein Sein, who shed his army uniform to contest controversial elections last year, was formally sworn in as president.

AFP