Myanmar's President Kyaw resigns citing need for 'rest'

Naypyidaw, March 21: Myanmar President Htin Kyaw, the right hand of Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, has resigned just two years after assuming the office. Suu Kyi had picked him after the national Constitution barred her from taking up the role. Myanmar said that it'll fill up the position within seven working days.

The statement did not give any reason for Kyaw's resignation, but according to local media reports, there have been growing concerns about the 71-year-old's health in recent months.

Kyaw, became the President in 2016 following landmark elections that saw the end of decades of military leadership in the country. Suu Kyi was jailed for years under the military junta and is banned from the top job.

According to the country's constitution, Vice President Myint Swe, a former general, will move into the role until a new President is in place. The government is facing international criticism over the Rohingya crisis.

The civilian government is in a transitional power-sharing arrangement with the army which still retains huge political and economic power.

The army controls three key ministries home affairs, borders and defence effectively giving the army a carte blanche to conduct any security operations it chooses.

It also has a quarter of legislative seats reserved for officers, giving the military a de facto veto over any constitutional change.