Dec 28, 2009 (DVB), Around 30 high-ranking Burmese embassy officials have been reshuffled in what could be a diplomatic offensive prior to 2010 elections, said a former military intelligence officer.

Also included in the reshuffle are 12 directors of Burma's foreign ministry, while Burma's ambassador to Washington has changed.

But the move could also have something to do with the current trial of former senior army officials, Win Naing Kyaw and Thant Zin Kyaw, who are being tried on charges of leaking state secrets, said the former intelligence officer.

They are accused of leaking the details of the junta's second-in-command, Maung Aye, to Russia, and General Shwe Mann's visit to North Korea. Both trips focused on advancing weapons and military intelligence trading.

A letter signed on behalf of Burmese foreign minister Nyan Win and obtained by DVB said that the current director general of the junta's political department, Yin Yin Oo, was appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Included in the letter were details of the reshuffle, notably Myo Thant Pe, also from the government's political department, appointed as head of mission to Beijing, and Kyaw Tin Shein appointed first secretary of the embassy in Washington.

Reporting by Htet Aung Kyaw