Uruguay head sacks six ministers

Mr Vazquez was elected in November 2004

Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez has announced that six members of his cabinet, including the defence and foreign ministers, are being replaced.

Mr Vazquez said the aim was to prevent their party activities, set to increase ahead of the 2009 general election, from disrupting the government's work.

The new cabinet members will take office on 1 March.

The changes could have implications for Uruguay's troubled ties with Argentina, correspondents say.

"Uruguay's political system is moving into an electoral phase, which means fundamental political players in the government will move on to party tasks without contaminating the government's work," said Mr Vazquez.

Among those being replaced is Foreign Minister Reinaldo Gargano, a veteran socialist.

He had been criticised by the opposition for not doing enough to smooth ties with Argentina that worsened in a row over a pulp mill based in Uruguay but which Argentines say poses a pollution threat to them.

He also refused to push ahead with trade talks with the US, Reuters reports.

His replacement will be Gonzalo Fernandez, currently the secretary of the presidency and a close ally of Mr Vazquez.

Other posts being changed include housing, education, agriculture and livestock, and industry.

Mr Vazquez, Uruguay's first left-wing leader, was elected in November 2004.