NA session closes with new changes
The second session of the 13th National Assembly, which was wrapped up in Hanoi on November 26 after a 29-day sitting, has left a lasting impression on voters and people across the country.
The legislature met as the national economy is facing numerous difficulties and challenges, including high inflation and stagnant business production. This session was considered an opportunity for the deputies elected eight months ago and the Cabinet that was elected five months ago to demonstrate their capabilities and responsibility toward the nation.
The usual question-and-answer session that lasted two and a half days captured great public attention with four Cabinet ministers and the Governor of the State Bank taking the floor to answer the deputies’ questions about current hot social issues.
Five Cabinet members to be questioned at NA session
The Prime Minister also presented a report clarifying the Government’s performance and responded to deputies’ questions.
PM asserts sovereignty over Hoang Sa, Truong Sa archipelagos
For the first time, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Vietnam’s sovereignty over the Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos. He said Vietnam has sufficient historical and legal evidence to assert that both groups of islands belong to Vietnam.
PM affirms sovereignty over East Sea islands
In his speech broadcast live on national radio and television, the PM said Vietnam wants to settle the issues in the East Sea through peaceful negotiations.
Restructuring banking system highlighted
The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, Nguyen Van Binh, said his organization has completed preparations for the project to restructure the banking system and will submit its plan to the Government in November for approval. The project focuses on ensuring a healthy banking system in the context of a changing competitive international market.
Xoan singing recognized as world intangible cultural heritage
UNESCO approved Vietnamese 'xoan' folk singing as a world intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of protection.
The Cultural Heritage Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism said the official approval was announced at 11.30am (Vietnam time) on November 24.
UNESCO also said that Vietnam’s dossier seeking recognition for this type of singing was one of the best submitted to the world’s cultural governing body.
Well-known Buddhist patriarch dies
Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, passed away in Hanoi on November 26 at the age of 85.
He made significant contributions to merging nine Buddhist sects and organisations into the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, and cementing unity between the various religions living under the same roof of the Vietnamese nation.
He also took an active part in revolutionary activities under the leadership of the Party and the Viet Minh Front.
Buddhist Patriarch Tu passes away
Egypt’s new Prime Minister needs time
On November 25, Prime Minister-designate Kamal Ganzouri asked Egyptians to "give me a chance" as tens of thousands rallied against the military rulers in Cairo.
In his first public comments since being named, he said he would not name a new government before the November 28 polls.
The protesters in central Cairo's Tahrir Square want the parliamentary elections postponed.
Iran dismisses new sanctions from the West
Iran dismissed a new wave of sanctions on November 22, saying the West's attempts to isolate its economy would only serve to unite Iranians behind their government's nuclear program.
The US, Britain and Canada announced new measures against Iran's energy and financial sectors the day before and France proposed “unprecedented” new sanctions, including freezing the assets of Iran's central bank and suspending purchases of oil from the country.