FM Spokeswoman rejects Human Right' report on ethic minority

On April 24, 2002, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh answered question from many journalists:Please provide Vietnam's reaction to a report by the Human Rights Watch on 23 April 2002 accusing Vietnamese authorities of suppressing Central Highland ethnic minority people.

Answer:

President Tran Duc Luong and PM. Koizumi


Ha Noi, Apr. 28 (VNA) -- Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has expressed his admiration for Viet Nam's unceasingly improved prestige in the regional and international arena.

PM. Koizumi also highly valued the country's efforts in boosting multi-form cooperation with Japan during his meeting with Vietnamese President Tran Duc Luong in Ha Noi on Sunday. He said that a number of Japanese business people have found Viet Nam a trustworthy investment venue, therefore pouring their investment into long-term projects in the country.

Vietnam highlights non-aligned movement's role


Ha Noi, Apr. 28 (VNA) -- Since its establishment 40 years ago, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) has gone through many ups and downs to gain its position and have its voice as today on the global scale.

The remark was made by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Phu Binh while addressing the ministerial conference of the NAM in Durban, South Africa, on Sunday.

Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and PM Koizumi hold talks

Ha Noi, Apr. 27 (VNA) - Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and his Japanese counterpart, Junichiro Koizumi, held talks in Ha Noi today, April 27, to discuss ways to broaden bilateral cooperation in all areas in preparation for the 30th founding anniversary of Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties in 2003.

The talks took place immediately after Koizumi's arrival here this afternoon for a two-day official visit to Viet Nam, the first leg of his week-long trip that also includes Australia, New Zealand and East Timor.

World Bank: Vietnam exports to increase

External demand for Vietnamese exports are projected to increase in 2002, according to the World Bank country economic monitor report for spring 2002 in Hanoi on April 18.

The report assesses economic performance in 2001 and the first quarter of 2002 and takes stock of the implementation of structural reforms in the last six months.

NA Chairman: Peace depends on independence and sovereighty

Peace can only be maintained on the basis of respect for each other's independence and sovereignty, non-intervention into each other's internal affairs, and equal co-operation for mutual benefits, stated Vietnam's National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An.

At the third General Assembly of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace (AAPP) in Chongqing, China on April 18, Mr An stressed that complexity and diversification in the world nowadays have neither dimmed nor changed the era's common trend for peace and stability for development.

Program to develop training system in Vietnam

Ha Noi, Apr. 20 (VNA) -- The Prime Minister has approved a plan to develop the vocational training system both quantitatively and qualitatively for the 2002-2010 period.

In order to contribute to the national industrialisation and modernisation programme, the plan aims to increase the proportion of trained and skilled workers in the country's workforce.

Vietnam to extend co-operation on human rights

Vietnam, as a committed member of the UN Commission on Human Rights for 2001-2003, will extend its constructive co-operation for the cause of human rights of every individual, every community and every nation, said Ton Nu Thi Ninh, Assistant to the foreign minister.


Ms Ninh delivered a speech at the 58th session of the Human Rights Commission in Geneva on April 2, highlighting Vietnam's great efforts and achievements with respect to democracy and human rights.

Vietnam's economy continues on high growth path

Ha Noi, Apr. 15 (VNA) -- Viet Nam's economic growth is expected to increase by 6.2 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively, in 2002 and 2003, compared to 5.8 percent in 2001, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

"Viet Nam's growth rate was one of the highest rates of expansion in Asia last year. Developing Asian countries recorded an average GDP growth of only 3.7 percent in 2001," Country Director of the ADB for Viet Nam John Samy noted.

Preparation for National Assembly election on May 19


Ha Noi, Apr. 13 (VNA) -- Preparations for the nationwide May 19 National Assembly elections have been progressing smoothly, the NA Standing Committee announced in Ha Noi on Apr. 13.

It added that according to local reports presented at the May 13 meeting between the NA Standing Committee and the Council for Elections of Deputies to the 11th NA, constituencies have been putting the final touches on the lists of local voters to be officially publicised before Apr. 19.

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