YANGON. Dec 11: Myanmar's leaders have dissolved the 14-member advisory group to the ruling junta, only one month after it was formed in a major shake up of the regime, a senior government official said today, reports AFP

The group comprised generals and cabinet ministers who were ousted from the top echelons of the government when a new junta called the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) was formed last month.

"The advisory group has been dissolved because it is no longer required." the official said. Without giving further explanation.

It was unclear what would happen to the members of the group, some of whom are believed to be under investigation for alleged corruption.

Analysts here said the advisory group had clearly been formed as the country's top generals moved to sideline senior figures in the former junta, known as the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC).

However, they expressed surprise that the dissolution of the group had occurred so soon after its formation on November 15. and that the latest move had not been formally announced.

The establishment of the SPDC. which saw the promotion of a younger corps of generals. was viewed here as a bid to improve the tainted image of the junta, streamline the chain of command and crack down on graft.

Officials here have confirmed that investigations into corruption in several ministries are underway, and there are unconfirmed reports that over a dozen lieutenantcolonels in ministries have been sacked as a department heads and had their military status stripped.

Others with business and family connections with some of the sidelined generals have been held for questioning and were prevented from trying to travel abroad from Myanmar sources said.