Government News 2/2 Leaders pay tribute to Ho Chi Minh on Party founding anniversary A delegation of Party and State leaders paid floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum in Hanoi on the morning of February 2 on the occasion of the 85th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Prominent among the delegation were Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Truong Tan Sang, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan. The delegation later laid a wreath at the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Monument. The same day, delegations from the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence; the Central Public Security Commission and the Ministry of Public Security; the Party Committee and People’s Committee of Hanoi also paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh and fallen soldiers. Algeria marks 85th founding anniversary of CPV The Vietnam Embassy in Algeria on February 1 ceremoniously celebrated the 85th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). Speaking at the event, Vietnam Ambassador to Algeria Vu The Hiep affirmed that over the past 85 years, the CPV has faced many obstacles in its efforts to lift the country out of poverty and achieve regional and international integration. Ambassador Hiep highlighted the CPV’s achievements including the glorious victories of the August Revolution in 1945 and Dien Bien Phu in 1954. He also spoke about the struggle for national independence and sovereignty during the Doi Moi (Renewal) process over the past 30 years. On the occasion, the ambassador asked the Vietnamese community in Algeria to promote the glorious tradition of the CPV and always highlight an active spirit to fulfil their assigned tasks in the lead up to the upcoming 12th National Party Congress. Seminar features 85 years of the Party’s growth The Quang Ngai provincial Political School on February 2 hosted a symposium in commemoration of the 85th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) (1930- 2015). The event highlighted the 85- year glorious tradition of the development, maturity and sound leadership of the CPV through different historical periods. Attendees touched upon major lessons during 85 years of construction and development of the Party, the Party’s leadership role in the revolution and Party building work in Quang Ngai. Quang Ngai provincial Political School Rector Le Tien Dung described the symposium  as opportune occasion for the school’s Party members and staff to get a better understanding of the Party and enhance their sense of responsibility for studying and following the moral example of Ho Chi Minh President to do better with education propaganda and teaching methods in line with the new situation. Public Security Minister welcomes US, UN officials Public Security Minister General Tran Dai Quang on January 30 received new US Ambassador Theodore G.Osius and Security Advisor at the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) Micheal Center. At the meeting, Minister Quang welcomed Ambassador Theodore G.Osius upon assuming his tasks in Vietnam at a time when the two countries are launching celebratory activities marking 20 years of the Vietnam-US diplomatic relations towards the more substantial comprehensive partnership in the time ahead. Quang wished the US diplomat will successfully perform his working term in Vietnam as a contribution to strengthening and developing relations between the two countries in a multitude of fields, especially  the cooperation between the Vietnam Ministry of Public Security and the US law enforcement agencies. For his part, Ambassador Theodore G.Osius pledged to use his utmost efforts to consolidate and deepen the comprehensive partnership between the two nations. Receiving UN Security Advisor Micheal Center the same day, Minister Quang said over recent years, his ministry has worked cohesively with the UNDSS to ensure security and safety for UN headquarters and staff in Vietnam He said he hopes that the two sides will continue to promote coordination, enhance information sharing and build mechanisms for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and guarantee security and safety for the UN’s operations in Vietnam. Micheal Center appreciated the Public Security Ministry’s effective cooperation and assistance over the past years and expressed a desire for closer coordination with the ministry’s functional agencies. Meetings abroad observe Party’s founding anniversary The Vietnamese Embassies in Malaysia, India and Russia have hosted meetings to review the 85 glorious years of building and developing the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV). The birth of the CPV on February 3, 1930 constitutes an extremely important historical event and a significant turning-point in the history of the Vietnamese revolution and marking a brilliant milestone in the country’s development path. Under the Party’s leadership, the Vietnamese people successfully carried out the August Revolution in 1945 and the 1975 Spring Offensive, entering a new chapter of development, Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Pham Cao Phong spoke at the February 1 meeting. He called for greater efforts to promote traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia. Since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties in 1972 and strategic partnership in 2007, Vietnam and India have enjoyed deeper and wider cooperation in all fields, creating a basis for their stronger politic ties in the future, Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh said at the January 31 celebration. Addressing the January 30 meeting in Russia , Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Son said with love for peace, the CPV is willing to befriend and establish relationship with the ruling parties across the world. During the meetings, Party members also heard about the 2015 tasks, including preparations for the 12th National Party Congress. Vietnam, Laos step up inspection work A delegation from the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Inspection is on a working visit to Laos from January 30-February 2 with the hope of enhancing bilateral cooperation in inspection work. On January 31 in Vientiane, the Vietnamese delegation led by permanent deputy head of the commission Mai The Duong had a working session with a delegation of the Lao Party Central Committee's Inspection Commission and Government Inspectorate headed by Thongsi Uonlasi, who is deputy head of the commission and Deputy Inspector General. The Lao official expressed his thanks for the support of Vietnam’s Inspection Commission and Government Inspectorate in sharing information and documents as well as in training Lao personnel working in this field. The help has contributed to promoting traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, peoples, and the two countries’ inspection offices as well, he affirmed. At the meeting, both sides agreed to continue delegation exchange as well as information and experience sharing. Vietnam-Czech, Slovakia relations reviewed Relations and cooperation between Vietnam with the Czech Republic and Slovakia were reviewed at a ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh City on January 31 by the municipal Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) and the Vietnam-Czech and Vietnam-Slovakia friendship associations. Speaking at the ceremony marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the two European nations, HUFO President Le Hung Quoc stressed that Vietnamese people always remember and appreciate valuable support from governments of the Czech Republic and Slovakia for Vietnam over last decades. Over the last 65 years, friendship and all-around connection between Vietnam and the two countries have been constantly strengthened and developed, with many cooperation agreements being signed. Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Vietnam Martin Klepetko highlighted fruitful results in the bilateral diplomatic ties over the last 65 years, saying that his country will work together with Vietnam to bring their relations to a higher level, especially in economics, politics, and culture. Slovakian Ambassador to Vietnam Igor Pacolak said he hopes Vietnam and Slovakia will further promote their ties at all levels. He revealed that his country will accelerate economic and cultural projects in Vietnam in the time ahead, aiming to upgrade the Vietnam-Slovakia relations in to a comprehensive strategic partnership in the future. The Czech Republic is one of regular official development assistance (ODA) providers for Vietnam. Export-import turnover between Vietnam and the country in 2014 was valued at 294 million USD. Meanwhile, Slovakia is Vietnam’s second largest trade partner and important investor in Central and Eastern Europe. Total of export-import turnover between the two countries reached over 309 million USD. Slovakia has poured 305 million USD into projects in Vietnam so far. Vietnam-Russia diplomatic ties marked in HCM City The Russian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City held a ceremony celebrating the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic ties on January 30. Consul General Aleksei Vladimirovich Popov reviewed the traditional relations between the two nations. The Soviet Union was one of the first nations in the world recognising the State of Vietnam, contributing to increasing Vietnam’s position in the international arena and to the country’s victories in its struggles for independence. Russia helped Vietnam in building key infrastructure projects, such as Hoa Binh and Tri An hydropower plants, Pha Lai thermoelectricity plant and Vietnam-Russia Oil and Gas Joint Venture Vietsopetro, which play an important role in promoting Vietnam’s economic development. About 4,000 Vietnamese citizens are attending different training programmes in Russia, Popov said. The number of tourists travelling between the two sides has surged remarkably in recent years, with over 365,000 Russian holiday-makers visiting Vietnam in 2014. HCM City and other southern localities play an important role in promoting the ties between the two countries, he noted. In his speech, Le Thanh Liem, Vice Chairman of HCM City’s People Committee affirmed the municipal authorities will do their utmost to enhance cooperation with Russia and its localities in particular. All-around cooperation between the Vietnamese city and Russia saw positive results in recent times, Liem stressed, adding that the local authorities are willing to create favourable condition for businesses and investors from Russia to operate in the city. According to the vice chairman, trade turnover between HCM City and Russia hit almost 300 million USD in 2014. As many as 21 Russian-invested projects worth over 32 million USD are being implemented in the city. Vietnam always wants close relations with Russia: Ambassador Vietnamese leaders and people always want to strengthen and develop the relations with Russia, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Nguyen Thanh Son said on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (January 30, 1950). In an interview granted to Russia’s Sputnik News Agency, the Ambassador emphasised that the ties between the two countries are always mutually beneficial and pure and faithful, which have gone through many decades of hardship and challenges. He said the Vietnamese people will never forget the valuable support that the Soviet Union and later Russia have given Vietnam in the past struggle for national independence and the current construction and development. Discussing bilateral ties, Ambassador Son said the establishment of a free trade area with the Customs Union of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan is very important for Vietnam. He noted that the Russian Government hopes Vietnam will become the first Asian country to benefit from the preferential treatment provided by the union. Once signed, the trade deal will pave the way for Vietnam’s industrial, agricultural and food products and help Vietnamese businesses to reinforce their foothold in the market of Russia and this region. The ambassador also said in the field of military technology cooperation, Russia is a reliable traditional partner of Vietnam. As it was said at the meeting between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vladimir Putin, Russia remains a strategic partner of Vietnam, and the purpose of their bilateral technical military cooperation remains unchanged, he said. He affirmed that Vietnam will continue to maintain its cooperation with Russia in the traditional field of oil and gas despite the sudden decline in global oil prices and other difficulties facing the Russian economy, adding that Vietnam believes Russia will overcome the difficulties soon with its potential, the spiritual strength of the Russian people and sound leadership. Regarding Russia’s involvement in a nuclear power project in Vietnam, Ambassador Son said the two sides have agreed on the construction site of the project but further in-depth discussions are still needed to ensure safety in the long run. Vietnam is consistent in its choice of Russia as partner in the building of its first nuclear power plant, he said. The ambassador also said he hopes the Hanoi cultural-commercial complex in Moscow will become a symbol of the Vietnam-Russia friendship and a similar facility will be built in Vietnam.-VNA President Sang tells border areas to focus on key tasks in bolstering national defence Strengthening the political system and boosting socio-economic development in border areas are crucial tasks in national defence, President Truong Tan Sang said on January 31. Party committees, the Border Guard High Command as well as officials and soldiers in border areas should thoroughly understand the significance of the above-mentioned tasks, he said at a conference held in Hanoi. "This should be considered both a long-term imperative and an urgent political task," the President said. The conference, organised by the Border Guard High Command, aimed to review human resource reinforcements at border communes over the past 15 years. While praising achievements recorded during this period, the President cautioned that the regional and international situation would continue experiencing complex developments in the coming years, and hostile forces will continue attempts to undermine the revolution by all means. "The tasks to defend national sovereignty and territory and maintain border security in coastal areas pose numerous new issues that have to be addressed by the political system and the population as a whole," he said. Representatives from the Border Guard High Command in Kon Tum, Cao Bang, Quang Ninh and Thanh Hoa provinces presented a report demonstrating efforts made by border forces to reinforce the political system and promote socio-economic and cultural development in border areas. Hundreds of soldiers have been selected and assigned to border communes and impoverished communes in 32 cities and provinces nationwide since 1999. They have succeeded in strengthening the Party with over 17,200 new members. The border guards also exerted considerable effort in helping with poverty reduction in the areas they were assigned to work in. They successfully mobilised forces and resources to construct more than 6,900 houses and 272 other works essential for the daily lives of ethnic minorities. Together these projects were worth nearly VND300 billion (US$14 million). Quite a few soldiers are capable of providing medical checks and even treatment, and they have also taught illiterate children and adults, contributing to universal primary eduction in border areas, the report said. The soldiers have also actively mobilised locals to help manage borders, including border milestones, and maintain security in border areas. Conference participants also highlighted several shortcomings that continue to plague border areas. These included limited organisational quality of the local political system, a high percentage of poor households and inadequate infrastructure. Criminal activities in border and coastal areas have generated insecurities that can impact the nation's stable development, they said. The President said each unit and every soldier of the border guard force should actively help localities build up comprehensive, strong political and economic foundations. They should mobilise and encourage residents to abide by Party guidance and policies, as well as the nation's laws, he said. They should defeating distortions promoted by hostile forces and strengthen people's faith in the Party and State, he said. Based on the achievements and experience of the past 15 years, the President told concerned individuals and organisations to further enhance the quality and efficiency of their work. He recommended that the soldiers improve their own qualifications and capacities, especially in Party-building, governance and socio-economic development. He said they should set a good example in overcoming difficulties, being active and creative, and being a strong support for Party committees, administrations and people in border and coastal areas. This would strengthen border areas and strongly defend national sovereignty, he added. Party anniversary marked in Moscow On January 30, the Vietnam Embassy of Vietnam in Moscow ceremoniously celebrated the 85th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and devised orientations for party work in 2015. In his address at the meeting attended by 200 delegates from Party cells throughout Russian localities, Vietnam Ambassador Nguyen Thanh Son highlighted the historical significance and the leadership of the CPV during the 85-year path in which Vietnamese people defeated colonialists and imperialists for national independence and unification and carried out the Doi Moi (Renewal) process towards building a strong nation. Ambassador Son praised the tremendous success under the leadership of the Party, saying Vietnam is an undauntable nation that wants to join hands with other world nations to build a prosperous world. “During its 85 year path, our Party has faced a lot of difficulties and challenges, especially in the current period. However, in pursuit of renovation and integration, the CPV sets its sights on leading the country to socialism for the goal of a powerful country with rich people living in an equitable, democratic and civilized society, proactive international integration and ensured independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. After the meeting, the Moscow-based Party organization reviewed Party work in 2014, outlined tasks for 2015, shared Party building experience and honoured outstanding collectives and individuals in this field last year. Equality must be at the heart of judicial reform: President President Truong Tan Sang yesterday said draft amendments to the Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code must reflect the principle of justice and equality while protecting the interests of the State and people. Sang was chairing a session of the Central Steering Committee for Judicial Reform in Ha Noi which was reviewing reports on amendments to legal documents. A representative from the Ministry of Justice said one of the major amendments related to reducing the the number of death sentence. The ministry said the amendment aimed at imposing death penalty on only serious crimes so that the principle of respecting human rights was realised. The death sentence amendments are also aimed at bringing Vietnamese law in line with world trends. Regarding a proposal to include more kinds of crimes in law documents, the drafting committee said it believed it was more necessary to focus and regulate current kinds of crimes. Some important amendments were also suggested for the Criminal Procedure Code, including the right of people arrested to refuse to give evidence that was against their interests. The current Criminal Procedure Code states that the court has the duty to bear the burden of proof and the right to collect evidence. Meanwhile, defendants have the right to, but are not obliged, to prove they are innocent. Many participants at the session suggested that the law should be amended so that it clearly states that those arrested and defendants have the right not to provide evidence that are against them. President Sang said the draft amendments would improve Viet Nam's legal system and provide better protection for human rights. He said the law amendment projects should be completed soon.  VNA/VNS/VOV