TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) -- Decades of military dominance
                  formally ended Wednesday when the Honduran commander-in-chief tuned
                  over control of the armed forces to a civilian president.

                  Brig. Gen. Mario Hung Pacheco handed his baton of command to President
                  Carlos Flores Facusse, one day after the Honduran legislature voted
                  unanimously to end more than 41 years of military autonomy.

                  Legislators from five parties on Tuesday ratified constitutional reforms
                  approved in September that eliminate the position of commander-in-chief of
                  the army and disband the Superior Council, the top military body.

                  Stripping control from a once-powerful military that for decades had toppled
                  governments "was necessary to strengthen our country's democracy," Flores
                  said.

                  The defense minister, who until now had only nominal control over the
                  military, replaces the commander-in-chief. A smaller council of commanders
                  will replace the 54-member Superior Council.

                  Flores will soon name a new defense minister who is likely to be a civilian for
                  the first time in modern Honduran history.

                  The military toppled governments in 1956, 1963 and 1972 before finally
                  abandoning power in 1981. But even after ceding office, it remained a
                  powerful force, largely beyond the control of civilian presidents.

                  The army has also long been accused of human rights abuses and corruption.

                  Copyright 1999 The Associated Press.