Paraguay Leader Replaces Military Options

[André]

The new Paraguayan President, Fernando Lugo, has replaced the commanders of the army, navy, and air force.

The dismissals follow the removal earlier this week of the head of the national police by Mr Lugo - a centre-left former Roman Catholic bishop.

Correspondents say his actions form part of a campaign promise to reform the impoverished South American country's military and police.

Mr Lugo won elections in April, ending more than 61 years of right-wing rule.

Presidential spokesman Augusto Dos Santos told the Associated Press that Mr Lugo, who was sworn in on 15 August, had signed 30 decrees naming new commanders of the armed forces.

The decrees do not mention the reason for the appointments, but the president promised last week to reform the military.

The former bishop said soldiers would carry out humanitarian tasks for the poor and "never again ... be used to repress or harass" people.

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