VNA NA discusses socio-economic tasks National Assembly deputies continued to evaluate the implementation of the socio-economic tasks and State budget for last year and the early months of this year, discussed the implementation of the socio-economic tasks and the State budget for the rest of the year during the plenary meeting, chaired by Deputy NA Chairman Mai Thuc Lan. Twenty deputies from 20 cities and provinces contributed their opinions yesterday, the seventh working day of the NA's on-going ninth session. They pointed both strong and weak points in the implementation of the socio-economic tasks and the State budget. They also analysed the reasons for shortcomings and suggested measures to remove difficulties. Several other deputies suggested measures to overcome difficulties in the production and business activities, particularly measures to boost up production and consumption of farm produce, and to better resolve the relationship between agricultural production, farmers and rural areas. The deputies also put forth measures to ensure benefit for agricultural production. They reported the results of the implementation of the national programmes, targeted programmes under the NA's Resolution, particularly in the remote, far-flung areas and areas of ethnic minority groups. Measures to improve education quality were also mentioned. They also spoke about the implementation of an administrative reform programme and suggested solutions to overcome existing difficulties. Some deputies expressed their concern over security and national defence strategies as well as measures to ensure political security and social law and order in the new period. They raised their voice on a number of social issues, including the implementation of social policies, particularly priority policy for the contributors to the country; public healthcare for people, especially for those living in remote communes and villages; the fight against social evils, corruption, drug using, prostitution and HIV/AIDS. Today, the NA deputies discuss for the approval of the amended Land Law. In the morning, NA Deputy Chairman Mai Thuc Lan welcomed pupils from Nguyen Hue Primary School, Hanoi to come to congratulate the session. Four delegations with about 200 pupils in total will attend the session. This aims at helping future voters understand about the NA. **** Party leader meets Cuban, DPRK ambassadors Party leader Nong Duc Manh receives DPRK Ambassador Ri Hong. Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh met Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Fredesman Turro Gonzalez and Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to Vietnam Ri Hong, in Hanoi on May 29. Mr Gonzalez and Mr Hong wished the Vietnamese people success in implementing the Resolution of the Ninth National Party Congress and more achievements in the renovation process and national construction and defence. The Cuban ambassador promised to do his utmost to foster the traditional solidarity and friendship between the Parties, States, and people of Cuba and Vietnam. Party General Secretary Manh warmly congratulated the Cuban people on the achievements they recorded under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba headed by First Secretary Fidel Castro, in the struggle to build and defend their socialist homeland in the midst of the US blockade policy, The Vietnamese Party leader also noted that Vietnam would continue to do its best to further consolidate and strengthen the traditional friendship, solidarity, and mutual trust between the two Parties, States, and people. For his part, Mr Hong expressed the sincere thanks of the DPRK Party, State and people to Vietnam for its assistance and support. Mr Manh warmly congratulated the DPRK people on their achievements under the leadership of General Secretary of the Workers' Party Kim Jong Il. The Vietnamese Party leader thanked the DPRK Party, State, and people for their assistance and support to Vietnam. He expressed his delight at the fine development of the Vietnam and DPRK relationship and his belief that the two countries' traditional co-operation and friendship would be constantly consolidated and developed. (VNA) **** Vietnam wants to share agricultural experience with Tanzania: PM PM Phan Van Khai receives Mr Jakaya Kikwete. Vietnam is willing to share with fellow agricultural country, Tanzania, its experiences in agricultural production, the development of a market economy, and the implementation of an open door policy. Prime Minister Phan Van Khai said while receiving Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Jakaya Kikwete in Hanoi on May 29. Tanzanian Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete informed Prime Minister Phan Van Khai of the results of his delegation's talks with Vietnam's Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He said, at the talks the two sides agreed to promote the exchange of information and experts, establish a joint committee, explore market demand and boost economic and commercial co-operation between Vietnam and Tanzania. He said he hoped that the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Tanzanian Revolutionary Party would establish a relationship of co-operation on the basis of developing the two countries' diplomatic, economic, and trade ties. Prime Minister Khai expressed his pleasure at the results of the talks and working sessions between the Tanzanian delegation and Vietnam's Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He said that Vietnam and Tanzania should explore market demand, exchange experts, and promote trade ties to match their traditional friendship and potential. He expressed his hope that the two countries would continue supporting each other at international forums. (VNA) **** Deputy PM wants more int'l help in drug control Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem on May 29 expressed his hope for more help from international donors in the fight for a drug-free Vietnam by 2015. Mr Khiem was receiving a delegation of foreign donors in drug control led by French ambassador to the United Nations, Mrs Berengere Quincy. The delegation was here in Hanoi to attend a workshop on international co-operation in drug control. The host expressed thanks to the donor countries for approving an international drug control programme sponsored by the United Nations Drug Control Programme, UNDCP, which has granted Vietnam comprehensive assistance. The deputy prime minister assured the international donors of Vietnam's firm stance on this issue. He said the Vietnamese government always considered drug control a key task in the nation's yearly socio-economic development masterplan and has constantly upgraded the relevant legal framework. This was shown in the recent National Assembly's approval of a new law on drug control and a number of firm measures to be taken when dealing with drug-related crimes. Vietnam is determined to fulfil its joint pledge with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, for a drug-free region by 2015, Mr Khiem emphasised. However, the country needs more help from foreign donor countries and the UNDCP in order to efficiently implement its drug control programme in 2001-2005, Mr Khiem said. In reply, Mrs Quincy praised Vietnam's efforts in implementing its pledge on drug control, made at the United Nations General Assembly, in 1998. She added that Vietnam's initial achievements in its project on socio-economic development in the fight against drug-related crimes and the rehabilitation of drug users, has laid the foundation for expanded international co-operation in the country's drug control programme in 2001-2005. Donor countries and the UNDCP would make greater efforts to help turn to good account Vietnam's drug control programme and draw lessons for other countries in the region and the world to follow, Mrs Quincy emphasised. (VNA) **** Vietnamese, Tanzanian foreign ministers hold talks FM Nguyen Dy Nien and his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete. Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien held talks in Hanoi on May 29 with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Tanzania Jakaya Kikwete, who is on an official friendship visit to Vietnam from May 28 to June 1. Foreign Minister Nien informed his counterpart Jakaya Kikwete of Vietnam's achievements in the renovation process over the past 15 years as well as the socio-economic targets set by the Ninth National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The Vietnamese foreign minister spoke highly of positive socio-economic and political changes in Tanzania in recent years and Tanzania's contributions to the common struggle of African countries, Group 77 countries and the Non-Aligned Movement for peace, co-operation, and development. Foreign Minister Nien affirmed that in the process of regional and international integration, Vietnam attaches great importance to its relationship with traditionally friendly countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, particularly the United Republic of Tanzania. He noted that the exchange of high-ranking official visits between Vietnam and Tanzania over recent years was aimed at boosting the two countries' friendship and co-operation, particularly in economics and trade. Tanzanian Minister Jakaya Kikwete said he was deeply moved during his first visit to Vietnam - homeland of the late President Ho Chi Minh. He said that the Tanzanian people greatly admire the Vietnamese people's undaunted spirit of struggle for national independence and freedom. He informed the host of his country's socio-economic development, particularly his government's efforts to stabilise the political situation and implement national re-conciliation and economic reform. He praised Vietnam's achievements in renovation, describing it as a fine example for Tanzania to follow in its own national construction. He also expressed the hope that Tanzania and Vietnam would further promote their friendship and multi-faceted co-operation, particularly in agriculture and small and medium industry. The two ministers reviewed Vietnam and Tanzania relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern. Tanzanian Minister Jakaya Kikwete invited Foreign Minister Nien to visit Tanzania and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure. The talks took place in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cordiality. The same day, Minister Jakaya Kikwete held a working session with Vietnam's Ministry of Trade and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. In the evening, Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien offered a banquet in honour of Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Jakaya Kikwete, and his delegation. (VNA) **** Activities mark children�s day Many activities are taking place these days to mark the International Children�s Day, June 1. Two hundred gifts have been presented to children in special difficulties in Nguyen Cu ward in Ho Chi Minh City, on May 29, by the city�s Committee for Protection and Care of Children, the Department of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs and the city�s Trade Union. The Municipal Committee for Protection and Care of Children also presented 200 gifts to disabled children who are being taken care of, at Hoang Mai parish, Ky Quang Pagoda and Go Vap district. Saigon Water Park entertained 1,500 children in special difficulties at the park. They also presented Nguyen Thi Minh Khai scholarships to poor, outstanding pupils. Dong Nai southern province�s Committee for Protection and Care of Children has prepared 1,000 gifts for children in difficulties. Quang Nam central province organised a meeting to praise 635 outstanding pupil in difficulties. Mu Cang Chai mountainous district in Yen Bai province is making preparations for the organisation of June 1 celebrations for local children in all villages. The district has 116 villages with a 100% Mong ethnic population. This is the first time, Mu Cang Chai has organised celebrations on children�s day for young villagers. Hundreds of Hanoian children enjoyed a free art performance on May 29, at the Central Circus. The programme was jointly held by the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Vietnam Circus Federation and Prudential Life Insurance Company. Artists of the circus donated a total of VND 3 million for disabled children and Agent Orange victims. Prudential donated VND 40 million to children in Da Nang central city, chanelled through the Fund for Vietnamese Children. The artists will give another free show for children on May 30. **** Denmark funds legal reform project Denmark signed in Hanoi, on May 29, a project worth more than US $6.41 million to help increase the operational capacity of Vietnamese law-making and enforcement agencies in the next three years. The project, signed by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Vo Hong Phuc, and Danish Ambassador Ove Ullerup, covers training courses in legal information skills as well as technical skills for staff members of the National Assembly Office, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuracy. Training forms will also include overseas study tours. (VNA) **** Four terrorists sentenced to 20-year imprisonment The People's Court in Ho Chi Minh City on May 29, sentenced four defendants to 20 years in prison for terrorism and anti-government activities. The sentences, handed down to Le Kim Hung, Van Ngoc Hieu, Ho Long Duc and Nguyen Thanh Van, reflect the Vietnamese government's humanitarian policy, as they deserved the highest punishment, said the court's verdicts. They were found guilty of destabilising the national security, causing social disorder, threatening ordinary people's lives, and sabotaging national construction and development. Sentences to other defendants ranged from 30 months to 18 years in prison for the same crimes. (VNA) _________________________________________________ KOMINFORM P.O. Box 66 00841 Helsinki Phone +358-40-7177941 Fax +358-9-7591081 http://www.kominf.pp.fi General class struggle news: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe mails to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Geopolitical news: [EMAIL PROTECTED] subscribe: [EMAIL PROTECTED] __________________________________________________
