Hai Phong police seizes over 1kg of drug

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Hai Phong police seizes over 1kg of drug<br /><p>Police in the northern port city of <a href='http://bit.ly/1knUmjs'>Hai Phong on April</a> 30 arrested Nguyen Quoc Vuong and seizing 1 kilogram of drug and 1,300 ecstasy pills.</p><br /><p>Vuong, 40, residing in <a href='http://bit.ly/1sOKxRH'>Ngo Quyen</a> district, Hai Phong city, was found to hide drugs in his place.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJC1P'>According to Hai Phong</a> police, Vuong has criminal history record of murder conviction.</p><br /><p>Further investigation is underway.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Hai Phong police seizes over 1kg of drug Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Hai Phong police seizes over 1kg of drug

Hai Phong police seizes over 1kg of drugPolice in the northern port city of Hai Phong on April 30 arrested Nguyen Quoc Vuong and seizing 1 kilogram of drug and 1,300 ecstasy pills.Vuong, 40, residing in Ngo Quyen district, Hai Phong city, was found to hide drugs in his place.According to Hai Phong p…

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Bridge opens to traffic in Kien Giang province

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Bridge opens to traffic in Kien Giang province<br /><p>The February 3 Bridge opening ceremony was held in the <a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJA9Y'>Mekong Delta’s Rach Gia</a> city on April 30 with the participation of Politburo member <a href='http://bit.ly/1knUlMv'>Le Hong Anh</a>, leaders and people of southern <a href='http://bit.ly/1rNistF'>Kien Giang</a> province.</p><br /><p>The four-lane bridge, spanning <a href='http://bit.ly/1knUlMw'>Kinh Nhanh</a> river, is 325 metres long and 18 metres wide. It is built at a cost of more than 356 billion VND (16.7 million USD) from the local budget.</p><br /><p>The bridge especially benefits local people at sea-encroached urban area of Rach Gia city and the 16-hectare <a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJAa1'>Hoa Bien</a> urban area.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1483721'> </span> </p><br /><p>In addition to reduce traffic jam in the city, the bridge is expected to help boost the province’s socio-economic development as it links with the coastal road system of the Mekong Delta region.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Bridge opens to traffic in Kien Giang province Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Bridge opens to traffic in Kien Giang province

Bridge opens to traffic in Kien Giang provinceThe February 3 Bridge opening ceremony was held in the Mekong Delta’s Rach Gia city on April 30 with the participation of Politburo member Le Hong Anh, leaders and people of southern Kien Giang province.The four-lane bridge, spanning Kinh Nhanh river, is…

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Dien Bien Phu victory in focus at Moscow seminar

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Dien Bien Phu victory in focus at Moscow seminar<br /><p>The Dien Bien Phu victory of Vietnam (May 7, 1954) and the triumph by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1knUhMA'>Soviet Red Army in the Great Patriotic War</a> (May 9, 1945) were the main theme of a seminar held in <a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJwqP'>Moscow on April</a> 29.</p><br /><p>Speaking at the seminar, Russian military experts agreed that the Dien Bien Phu victory was the result of Vietnamese soldiers’ and people’s arduous struggle against French forces at a very challenging time for the newly independent country.</p><br /><p>Participants also noted that the victory was the perfect combination of modern military strategy and decisive guerilla tactics. The victory directly led to the signing of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJwqQ'>Geneva Agreement</a> on ending the war. It brought an end to French colonialism in Vietnam, and restored peace in Indochina .</p><br /><p><span id='more-1483712'> </span> </p><br /><p>Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Pham Xuan Son said despite happening in different timelines, the victories of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1knUhMM'>Vietnamese and Soviet Union</a> had a very close link that is a continuation of the history of the heroism of the two peoples.</p><br /><p>The triumph of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War was also a positive factor encouraging revolutionary movements in the world in general as well as in Vietnam , Son said.</p><br /><p>He affirmed that Vietnamese people are always grateful to the Soviet Union for its tremendous support in Vietnam ‘s struggle for liberation and its national construction.-VNA</p><br /><br/><br />Dien Bien Phu victory in focus at Moscow seminar Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Dien Bien Phu victory in focus at Moscow seminar

Dien Bien Phu victory in focus at Moscow seminarThe Dien Bien Phu victory of Vietnam (May 7, 1954) and the triumph by the Soviet Red Army in the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945) were the main theme of a seminar held in Moscow on April 29.Speaking at the seminar, Russian military experts agreed that…

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PM identifies tasks for a safe holiday

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>PM identifies tasks for a safe holiday<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483731'><a href='http://bit.ly/1knUgZc'><img alt="Patrols should be increased at public sites to ensure social order for the public." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="168" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iHJxv1" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Patrols should be increased at public sites to ensure social order for the public.</p><br /></div><br /><p>Nhan Dan Online – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has recently issued a dispatch to ensure public safety during the five-day holiday to celebrate the 39th anniversary of the Southern liberation and the national reunification (April 30) as well as May Day.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1483730'> </span> </p><br /><p>In the document, he asked ministries, Government agencies and People’s Committees to ensure food safety and to control market prices, particularly the prices of essential goods and services at tourist sites.</p><br /><p>Patrols and inspections are to be carried out at bus and train stations to avoid any action to increase ticket prices or any violation of traffic safety regulation in order to facilitate travel.</p><br /><p>He also asked for further measures to fight against measles to keep the disease from spreading. Doctors should be on duty 24 hours a day to provide timely treatment to patients while actively treating traffic accident victims and seasonal diseases such as dengue fever and hand-foot-mouth.</p><br /><p>The Ministry of Public Security and People’s Committees at all levels are assigned to increase patrols at commercial districts, entertainment places and tourists sites to maintain social order and prevent fires and explosions.</p><br /><p>Authorities in border areas and sea and islands regions are requested to heighten vigilance to protect the national sovereignty, support fishermen and facilitate maritime economic activities.</p><br /><p>(Source: VNA/ Translated by Nhan Dan Online)</p><br /><br/><br />PM identifies tasks for a safe holiday Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1iHJxv1" width="200"/><br/></div>

PM identifies tasks for a safe holiday

PM identifies tasks for a safe holiday Patrols should be increased at public sites to ensure social order for the public.Nhan Dan Online – Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has recently issued a dispatch to ensure public safety during the five-day holiday to celebrate the 39th anniversary of the Southe…

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Using fake credit cards, four Chinese arrested

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Using fake credit cards, four Chinese arrested<br /><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – On Monday, Hanoi police arrested four Chinese to clarify the behavior on charges of using computers and the Internet or digital devices to appropriate assets of others.</em> </p><br /><p>The arrested Chinese include a 31-year-old from the city of Tianjin, a 25-year-old man from <a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJvTH'>Hunan Province</a>, a 39-year-old man from <a href='http://bit.ly/1knUek6'>Hubei Province</a> and a 36-year-old man from <a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJxey'>Shandong Province</a>.</p><br /><p>Earlier, on April 22, the police were informed of a group of Chinese who did not use taxi services but had asked many taxi drivers to use credit cards to pay fares.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1483688'> </span> </p><br /><p>After searching the rooms of these four persons at a hotel in the <a href='http://bit.ly/1or1mTf'>Ba Dinh District</a>, Hanoi police seized one laptop, one machine that recorded the magnetic strips of credit cards, one credit card embossing machine, one point of sale (POS) machine and 109 credit cards.</p><br /><p>According to the initial investigation, the people had brought the devices from <a href='http://bit.ly/1eT2MBC'>China to Vietnam</a> to make forged credit cards with the information and magnetic codes they had managed to obtain from real cards. They then combined with some taxi drivers to use the taxis’ POS devices to levy charges against the accounts of those cards that had been copied.</p><br /><p>Until they were arrested, the four Chinese had conducted 95 transactions and stolen over VND54 million ($2,500).</p><br /><p><strong><em>Le Ha</em> </strong> </p><br /><br/><br />Using fake credit cards, four Chinese arrested Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Using fake credit cards, four Chinese arrested

Using fake credit cards, four Chinese arrestedVietNamNet Bridge – On Monday, Hanoi police arrested four Chinese to clarify the behavior on charges of using computers and the Internet or digital devices to appropriate assets of others. The arrested Chinese include a 31-year-old from the city of Tianj…

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Flag-raising ceremony marks Liberation Day

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Flag-raising ceremony marks Liberation Day<br /><p>(VOV) – Quang Tri central province on April 30 held a flag-raising ceremony marking 34 years of southern liberation and national unification.</p><br /><p>At the ceremony, speakers reviewed the 20-year traditional heroic struggle of the Vietnamese army and people against US imperialists.</p><br /><p>The flag-hoisting ceremony aims to uphold the patriotism, revolutionary heroism and solidarity, and affirm great achievements the country gained during the past struggle for national liberation, they said.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJvDo'><img alt="1483689-thuong-co" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="168" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1knUe3r" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>Speaking at the ceremony, Politburo member and <a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJxej'>Secretary of the Party Central Committee Dinh The Huynh</a>, said the recognition of the Hien Luong-Ben Hai river banks, the <a href='http://bit.ly/1knUgs2'>Quang Tri Old Citadel</a> and places depicting 81 days of defending Quang Tri town in 1972 as national relic sites is an important event.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1483689'> </span> </p><br /><p>He expressed the deep gratitude of the Party, State and people for the dedication and sacrifices of fellow soldiers who laid down their lies for national independence and freedom.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJxek'><img alt="1483689-anh-hao" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="168" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1knUe3u" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>He also acknowledged the efforts made by provincial Party committee, authorities and people in preserving and promoting the historical values and cultural traditions of previous generations.</p><br /><p>“Quang Tri needs to continue boosting socio-economic development in combination with tourism development and heritage conservation to promote its image to the people nationwide as well as international friends.” Huynh added.</p><br /><br/><br />Flag-raising ceremony marks Liberation Day Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1knUe3r" width="200"/><br/></div>

Flag-raising ceremony marks Liberation Day

Flag-raising ceremony marks Liberation Day(VOV) – Quang Tri central province on April 30 held a flag-raising ceremony marking 34 years of southern liberation and national unification.At the ceremony, speakers reviewed the 20-year traditional heroic struggle of the Vietnamese army and people against …

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Quang Ninh: 28-month-old boy loses arm to bear

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Quang Ninh: 28-month-old boy loses arm to bear<br /><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – On Monday, a baby boy in Ha Long was bitten by a bear and lost an arm.</em> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483676'><a href='http://bit.ly/1knUdMX'><img alt="The boy in hospital. Photo: Lao Dong Newspaper. The victim, Bui Xuan Vuong, is 28 months old. He is the grandson of the bear's owner." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iHJwXO" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The boy in hospital. Photo: Lao Dong Newspaper. The victim, Bui Xuan Vuong, is 28 months old. He is the grandson of the bear's owner.</p><br /></div><br /><p>According to initial information, while playing, the boy ran close to the bear cage. The bear grabbed the baby’s arm and chewed it off. The boy was brought to the hospital in critical condition due to blood loss.</p><br /><p>Doctors say that they were unable to rejoin the arm.</p><br /><p>The caged bear was one of two that the owner, Mr. Bui Van Ba, was raising, apparently for breeding purposes. Local authorities are investigating the incident and Ba’s illegal bear breeding activity.</p><br /><p>Breeding bears for galls and to serve tourists is not uncommon in Quang Ninh Province, in which Ha Long City is located. Earlier this year the local government requested owners of bear farms to close their farms and sign agreements not to welcome tourists to visit the farms.</p><br /><p>Until now, captive bear breeding to serve tourism and extract bear bile in Ha Long City has gradually been controlled. However, there are still two bear farms in operation. The farms usually welcome Korean tourists, who can directly see the bear bile extraction, try bear bile alcohol and purchase bear bile to bring to their country.</p><br /><p><strong><em>Thu Ly</em> </strong> </p><br /><br/><br />Quang Ninh: 28-month-old boy loses arm to bear Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1iHJwXO" width="200"/><br/></div>

Quang Ninh: 28-month-old boy loses arm to bear

Quang Ninh: 28-month-old boy loses arm to bearVietNamNet Bridge – On Monday, a baby boy in Ha Long was bitten by a bear and lost an arm. The boy in hospital. Photo: Lao Dong Newspaper. The victim, Bui Xuan Vuong, is 28 months old. He is the grandson of the bear's owner.According to initial informat…

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VFF President congratulates Vesak Day 2014

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>VFF President congratulates Vesak Day 2014<br /><p>(VOV) – In observance of United Nations Day of Vesak 2014 (Buddhist calendar-2558), <a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJqj6'>President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front</a> (VFF) <a href='http://bit.ly/1knU7F7'>Nguyen Thien Nhan on April</a> 30 sent a congratulatory letter to Buddhist clergies nationwide.</p><br /><ul><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1iHJrU8'>Gearing up for 2014 UN Day of Vesak</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1knU8cd'>Deputy PM guides preparations for 2014 Vesak</a> </li><br /></ul><br /><p>The letter states UN Day of Vesak 2014 hosted by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1knU7Fe'>Vietnam Buddhist Shangha</a> (VBS) provides people a chance to honour the teachings of Buddha such as human compassion and wisdom, tolerance and harmony, respect and protection of human rights democracy and social justice, against hegemony, violence, crime, war, terrorism and social evils, building a social community for sustainable development in harmony with peace, friendship and friendly cooperation.</p><br /><p>Nhan said the <a href='http://bit.ly/1ljbHyk'>VFF Central Committee</a> hopes the VBS continues to be an active VFF member and strives to become an international Buddhist centre, thereby promoting peace solidarity and cooperation between <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAHnX'>Vietnamese Buddhism</a> and other Buddhist nations for sustainable development in the region and wider world.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1gWOJd2'>Earlier on April</a> 29, a culture week welcoming the UN Day of Vesak 2014 was launched in <a href='http://bit.ly/1grLj3c'>HCM City</a> with diverse activities such as vegetarian food exhibitions and fairs, a flower art contest, calligraphy writing and Buddha painting competitions and Dharma preaching.</p><br /><p>The week runs through May 4.</p><br /><br/><br />VFF President congratulates Vesak Day 2014 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

VFF President congratulates Vesak Day 2014

VFF President congratulates Vesak Day 2014(VOV) – In observance of United Nations Day of Vesak 2014 (Buddhist calendar-2558), President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Nguyen Thien Nhan on April 30 sent a congratulatory letter to Buddhist clergies nationwide.Gearing up…

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VFF Chairman offers 2014 Vesak greetings

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>VFF Chairman offers 2014 Vesak greetings<br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483729'><a href='http://bit.ly/1knTWJP'><img alt="President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="167" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iHJj7c" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan</p><br /></div><br /><p>Nhan Dan Online – President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan on April 30 sent a congratulatory message to Buddhist dignitaries and followers on the occasion of the upcoming 2014 United Nations Day of Vesak.</p><br /><p><span id='more-1483728'> </span> </p><br /><p>In his message, the VFF President stressed that the 2014 UN Day of Vesak provides a good opportunity to promote the values of Buddhism, such as compassion and wisdom, tolerance and harmony, and respecting and protecting human life and the environment for peace and social progress.</p><br /><p>He said he hopes the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) will do its best for national development and continue working as an active VFF member while contributing to the role of Vietnamese Buddhism in international integration as well as promoting solidarity, friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and other countries, contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world..</p><br /><p>Under the theme of ‘Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals’, the event—which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha—is being organised by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) in collaboration with the International Council for the Day of Vesak.</p><br /><p>The event is scheduled to be held at Bai Dinh Pagoda in the northern province of Ninh Binh from May 7-11.</p><br /><p>(Source: VNA/Translated by Nhan Dan Online)</p><br /><br/><br />VFF Chairman offers 2014 Vesak greetings Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1iHJj7c" width="200"/><br/></div>

VFF Chairman offers 2014 Vesak greetings

VFF Chairman offers 2014 Vesak greetings President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien NhanNhan Dan Online – President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan on April 30 sent a congratulatory message to Buddhist dignitaries and foll…

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Vietnam police seize 4 for stealing $99,000 via cellphone spyware

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Vietnam police seize 4 for stealing $99,000 via cellphone spyware<br /><p><strong>Vietnamese police have arrested four local men for using spyware to steal almost US$100,000 from more than 100,000 cellphone users throughout the country.</strong> </p><br /><p>The four have been identified as Ha Xuan Tien, 23, Nguyen Duc Luc, 24, Nguyen Van Tu, 25, and Tran Ngoc Hai, 29, police in Hanoi said Tuesday.</p><br /><p>They were detained on charges of “using computer networks, telecommunications networks, the Internet or digital devices to appropriate property,” the police said.</p><br /><p>Tien, Luc, and Tu are workers at Soloha Investment, Construction and Trade Co. Ltd, while Hai is the administrator of the website adrocket.vn.</p><br /><p>The arrests were made after detectives found out that some websites such as soundfest.com.vn and clickdi.com provided malicious applications to steal money from cellphone users, said Senior Lieutenant Colonel Thanh Kien Trung, deputy head of the police division in charge of busting this ring.</p><br /><p>Police investigations show that when cellphone users install such applications on their phones, the apps will automatically deliver text messages from the cellphones to numbers 8xx8, 6xx6, 8xx7 without the users’ knowledge.</p><br /><p>Cellphone users will lose VND15,000 ($0.71), to be credited to the gang’s accounts, after each message is sent, Trung said.</p><br /><p>With such a trick, the gang has appropriated about VND2.1 billion ($99,000) from more than 100,000 cellphone users across the country since late last year, the official said.</p><br /><p>This is a new trick employed by hi-tech criminals and this case is the first to have ever been discovered in Vietnam, police said, adding that they are expanding their investigation into the fraud.</p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483656'><a href='http://bit.ly/1knTMCf'><img alt="Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="176" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1knTNWO" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!</p><br /></div><br /><br/><br />Vietnam police seize 4 for stealing $99,000 via cellphone spyware Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1knTNWO" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam police seize 4 for stealing $99,000 via cellphone spyware

Vietnam police seize 4 for stealing $99,000 via cellphone spywareVietnamese police have arrested four local men for using spyware to steal almost US$100,000 from more than 100,000 cellphone users throughout the country. The four have been identified as Ha Xuan Tien, 23, Nguyen Duc Luc, 24, Nguyen Va…

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Photo exhibition about Vietnam’s seas and islands opens in Gia Lai province

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483073'><a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAK36'><img alt="Students to the exhibition (Source: VNA)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="225" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1rDj81K" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Students to the exhibition (Source: VNA)</p><br /></div><br /><p>As many as a 120 photos on the daily life of residents and soldiers on Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos as well as other islands are on display at an exhibition which opened in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on April 28.</p><br /><p>The exhibition provided the public with a closer look at this inseparable part of the country, raising the awareness of people, especially the young, of patriotism and the national sea and island sovereignty.</p><br /><p>The event will run at Gia Lai provincial museum until May 4.</p><br /><p>On the same day, a similar exhibition kicked off in the northern port city of Hai Phong./.</p><br /><br/><br />Photo exhibition about Vietnam’s seas and islands opens in Gia Lai province Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1rDj81K" width="200"/><br/></div>

Photo exhibition about Vietnam’s seas and islands opens in Gia Lai province

Students to the exhibition (Source: VNA)As many as a 120 photos on the daily life of residents and soldiers on Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos as well as other islands are on display at an exhibition which opened in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on April 28.The exhibition provided t…

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Folklore games to be held at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology over holidays

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483063'><a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAIYV'><img alt="A folklore game at the museum ( Photo provided by the Organizing Board)" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="192" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1rDj6XD" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>A folklore game at the museum ( Photo provided by the Organizing Board)</p><br /></div><br /><p>(CPV) -</p><br /><p><b><a href='http://bit.ly/1jvamCb'>From April</a> 30 to May 4, many folklore games will take place at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to celebrate the <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj6XF'>National Reunification Day</a> (April 30) and <a href='http://bit.ly/1iO8RPl'>May Day</a>.</b> </p><br /><p>Visitors to the museum can actively participate in the folklore games of the Si La, Cong, Giarai, <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj6XH'>Bana and Ede</a> ethnic minority groups. Children can enjoy learning how to make animals using leaves.</p><br /><p>Water puppetry performances will take place at 10am, 11:30am, 2:30pm and 4pm during the four days.</p><br /><p>This year, instead of having a two-day break for Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1st) and returning to work on Friday, civil servants will have a five-day break from <a href='http://bit.ly/1oxxCUK'>Wednesday to Sunday</a>. Civil servants will not have to work on Friday (May 2) but have instead worked on Saturday (April 26)./.</p><br /><br/><br />Folklore games to be held at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology over holidays Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1rDj6XD" width="200"/><br/></div>

Folklore games to be held at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology over holidays

A folklore game at the museum ( Photo provided by the Organizing Board)(CPV) -From April 30 to May 4, many folklore games will take place at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to celebrate the National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day. Visitors to the museum can actively participate in the fol…

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Book exhibition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483066'><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj6He'><img alt="The Organizing Board presented book to military units" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="226" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAJMA" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The Organizing Board presented book to military units</p><br /></div><br /><p>On April 28, in Dien Bien Phu city, the Ministry of Information and Communications coordinated with Dien Bien provincial People’s Committee to open a book exhibition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory.</p><br /><p>The exhibition brings to visitors more than 1000 books, including many updated documents, newspapers, magazines, studies and reminiscences by officers and soldiers who participated in the Dien Bien Phu campaign. Documents affirmed the lucid leadership of the Party and Uncle Ho, the effort and solidarity of the people nationwide in the struggle against the French colonialists in general and in the Dien Bien Phu campaign in particular.</p><br /><p>Books are displayed arranged according to topics about Uncle Ho and General Vo Nguyen Giap with the Dien Bien Phu victory, Dien Bien’s 60 years of development and achievements in the publishing sector.</p><br /><p>The event is an opportunity to introduce readers to the historical values and significances of the Dien Bien Phu victory as well as the achievements of the publishing sector over the past years.</p><br /><p>At the opening ceremony, the Ministry of Information and Communications and publishers presented books to agencies and military units in the Dien Bien province.</p><br /><p>The exhibition will run until May Day./.</p><br /><br/><br />Book exhibition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAJMA" width="200"/><br/></div>

Book exhibition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory

The Organizing Board presented book to military unitsOn April 28, in Dien Bien Phu city, the Ministry of Information and Communications coordinated with Dien Bien provincial People’s Committee to open a book exhibition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory.The exhibition br…

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Old photos of Ha Long Bay to be displayed in Quang Ninh

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><b>Nearly 100 outstanding photos of Ha Long bay taken in the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century will be displayed at an exhibition to be opened in the northern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAIIp'>Quang Ninh on April</a> 29.</b> </p><br /><p>These photos are in the collections of about 150 photos of Ha Long bay taken from airplanes, mountain peaks and boats, as well as images of people living in the bay. The collection, mostly taken by French experts between 1885 and 1950, belongs to Hanoi-based retired history teacher <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj6H2'>Doan Thinh</a> and his son, architect <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAJMt'>Doan Bac</a>.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj6H3'><img alt="1483068-btatn29414hlb" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="169" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAIIq" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj6H5'><img alt="1483068-btatn29414hlb2" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="169" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAJMw" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483071'><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj4PC'><img alt="Photos in the collection to be displayed" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="169" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAJMy" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Photos in the collection to be displayed</p><br /></div><br /><p>The exhibition also features 100 bottles of Da Lat wine bearing photos from the collection, which will be auctioned to raise funds for needy children in the province.</p><br /><p>The exhibition is an event in the annual Ha Long Carnival, which started on April 25th and lasts until May 1st./.</p><br /><br/><br />Old photos of Ha Long Bay to be displayed in Quang Ninh Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAIIq" width="200"/><br/></div>

Old photos of Ha Long Bay to be displayed in Quang Ninh

Nearly 100 outstanding photos of Ha Long bay taken in the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century will be displayed at an exhibition to be opened in the northern province of Quang Ninh on April 29. These photos are in the collections of about 150 photos of Ha Long bay taken from airp…

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Master plan to build “Cinema Development Strategy and Plan up to 2020 and orientation of 2030″

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAIrS'><img alt="1483047-29-15-28-51-109" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="192" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAIrU" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(<a href='http://bit.ly/Q6KJNt'>Cinet</a>)- On April 24, the MOCST organized an online seminar in <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj6qI'>Hanoi and HCM</a> city introduced a content of master plan for “<a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAIrY'>Cinema Development Strategy and Plan</a> up to 2020 and an orientation of 2030″.</p><br /><p>The Plan aims to contribute to get a target of <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj4zd'>Cultural Development Strategy</a> up to 2020.</p><br /><p>Also, the Plan gives some detail tasks for some activities to carry out <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAIs2'>Plan and Strategy</a>, fulfill a responsibility for some agencies and locals to give some measures for Strategy and Plan.</p><br /><p>At the seminar, <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj4Pr'>Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan</a>, head of <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAJMq'>Cinema Department</a> made a speech for Draft to carry out “Cinema Development Strategy and Plan up to 2020 and an orientation of 2030″. In detail, Plan focuses on some detail contents such as building some material infrastructures of cinema technique, film production according to a schedule and measure in each period and every year.</p><br /><p>At the seminar, some representatives gave some master plans in Strategy and Plan to carry out according to a schedule.</p><br /><p>Ngo Phuong Lan expressed some contributing opinions to fulfill Plan and makes a report to leader of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1pV1Yhc'>MOCST</a> as in Decision.</p><br /><p>Based on some contributing opinions, Cinema Department will fulfill Plan and make a report to leader of the MOCST for a decision.</p><br /><br/><br />Master plan to build “Cinema Development Strategy and Plan up to 2020 and orientation of 2030″ Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAIrU" width="200"/><br/></div>

Master plan to build “Cinema Development Strategy and Plan up to 2020 and orientation of 2030″

(Cinet)- On April 24, the MOCST organized an online seminar in Hanoi and HCM city introduced a content of master plan for “Cinema Development Strategy and Plan up to 2020 and an orientation of 2030″.The Plan aims to contribute to get a target of Cultural Development Strategy up to 2020.Also, the P…

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Gia Lai: photo exhibition “Vietnam’s sea and island”

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj4yW'><img alt="1483039-29-16-24-15-625" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="225" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAJvW" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(<a href='http://bit.ly/Q6KJNt'>Cinet</a>)- On April 28, a photo exhibition entitled “Vietnam’s sea and islands” was opened at a museum of the <a href='http://bit.ly/Pf0mBt'>Gia Lai</a> province.</p><br /><p>The event aims to celebrate the 39 th anniversary of liberation of the south and national reunification, the 60 th anniversary of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1jXkQbL'>Dien Bien Phu Victory</a> (1954-2014).</p><br /><p>The display features 120 photos on daily activities of residents and soldiers on <a href='http://bit.ly/1hJkPoZ'>Hoang Sa and Truong Sa</a> archipelagos as well as other islands, thus raising the awareness of people, especially the young, of patriotism and the national sea and island sovereignty.</p><br /><p>The exhibition will run until May 4.</p><br /><br/><br />Gia Lai: photo exhibition “Vietnam’s sea and island” Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAJvW" width="200"/><br/></div>

Gia Lai: photo exhibition “Vietnam’s sea and island”

(Cinet)- On April 28, a photo exhibition entitled “Vietnam’s sea and islands” was opened at a museum of the Gia Lai province.The event aims to celebrate the 39 th anniversary of liberation of the south and national reunification, the 60 th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (1954-2014).The d…

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Ninh Binh be ready for Vesak 2014

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj5CY'><img alt="1483049-29-16-20-48-375" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="184" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAG3k" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(<a href='http://bit.ly/Q6KJNt'>Cinet</a>)- <a href='http://bit.ly/1lmWNYP'>Ninh Binh</a> is ready for picking up about 10,000 participants, including 1,500 guests from 100 countries and 8,500 local Buddhists and visitors at <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAHnU'>Bai Dinh Temple</a> in the northern province of Ninh Binh from May 7-11.</p><br /><p>The event will focus activities on Buddhist responses to sustainable development and social change, global warming and environmental protection, healthy living, peace-building and post-conflict recovery, and Buddhist education and university level curriculum.</p><br /><p>The festival themed “<a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj5D0'>Buddhist Perspective towards Achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals</a>” is expected to attract around 15,000 domestic and foreign delegates and Buddhist followers, including world leaders, ambassadors and Buddhist dignitaries and scholars.</p><br /><p>A wide range of activities will take place, such as international seminars, a Buddhist cultural fair and exhibition, international art exchange, firework displays, and Buddhist preaching during the festival.</p><br /><p>The event will be an international event contributing to the role of <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAHnX'>Vietnamese Buddhism</a> in international integration and promoting the country’s culture and people,” said Nhieu.</p><br /><p>This is the second time Vietnam has hosted the event. In 2008, the fifth Vesak celebration was organised in Hanoi with attendants from over 600 Buddhist delegations from around the world.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj3ey'>Hosted by Vietnam Buddhist Sangha</a> (VBS), the event is expected to be an excellent opportunity for Vietnam to promote its land, people and culture, especially the continuous development of Vietnamese Buddhism over the past two thousand years</p><br /><br/><br />Ninh Binh be ready for Vesak 2014 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAG3k" width="200"/><br/></div>

Ninh Binh be ready for Vesak 2014

(Cinet)- Ninh Binh is ready for picking up about 10,000 participants, including 1,500 guests from 100 countries and 8,500 local Buddhists and visitors at Bai Dinh Temple in the northern province of Ninh Binh from May 7-11.The event will focus activities on Buddhist responses to sustainable develop…

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Ao dai Vietnamese Cultural Festival to open in US

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj5my'><img alt="1483025-29-16-9-56-171" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="224" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAH7r" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(<a href='http://bit.ly/Q6KJNt'>Cinet</a>)- One hundred dancers dressed in the <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj2XX'>Vietnamese Ao Dai</a> will dance to the drumbeats of forty drummers in front of the <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAG36'>Fairmont Hotel San Jose</a>, California (US) on May 4, 2014, marking the opening of the 2014 <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj2XY'>Ao Dai Vietnamese Cultural Festival</a>.</p><br /><p>Designers from <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAH7t'>Vietnam and the Greater Bay Area</a> are invited to celebrate Vietnamese visual arts, language and energy. The event is designed to promote the beauty and grace of Vietnamese women.</p><br /><p>This family-friendly event will be a stunning visual feast appealing to everyone who appreciates beauty, fashion and cultural diversity.</p><br /><p>Beside, the festival also has other Outdoor activities: “<a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj5mC'>Vinh Quy Bai To</a>” (<a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj5mF'>Traditional horse and carriage wedding ceremony</a>.); <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAG3a'>Dragon Dance</a>; Ao Dai stilt walkers; Humanitarian Awards; <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj2Y2'>Ao Dai Fashion Awards</a>, ect.</p><br /><br/><br />Ao dai Vietnamese Cultural Festival to open in US Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1jfAH7r" width="200"/><br/></div>

Ao dai Vietnamese Cultural Festival to open in US

(Cinet)- One hundred dancers dressed in the Vietnamese Ao Dai will dance to the drumbeats of forty drummers in front of the Fairmont Hotel San Jose, California (US) on May 4, 2014, marking the opening of the 2014 Ao Dai Vietnamese Cultural Festival.Designers from Vietnam and the Greater Bay Area a…

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Preserving the southern singing style “Don ca tai tu”

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAFMF'><img alt="1483009-29-9-12-52-265" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="150" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1rDj2Hs" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(Cinet)- A seminar to preserve and develop the southern singing style “Don ca tai tu” in <a href='http://bit.ly/1geOYeV'>Bac Lieu</a> brought the scholars and researchers a view the process of its development on April 27.</p><br /><p>The festival focused on analysing the art and reviewing the process of developing it. Known as a musical art that has both scholarly and folk roots,” Don ca tai tu” developed in the southern Vietnam in the late 19th century.</p><br /><p>The art is performed at numerous events, such as festivals, ‘death anniversary’ rituals and celebratory occasions. The audience can join in by offering feedback to the singers and suggesting new lyrics for songs.</p><br /><p>The music consists of a variety of different instruments, including the kim (moon-shaped lute), co (two-stringed fiddle), tranh (16-string zither), ty ba (pear-shaped lute), song lang (<a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAFMJ'>percussion</a>), bau (<a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj2Hu'>monochord</a>) and sao (<a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAFMK'>bamboo flute</a>).</p><br /><p>Musicians are classified as ‘master instrumentalists’, ‘master lyricists’, ‘master singers’, ‘instrumentalists’ and ‘singers’.</p><br /><p>Influenced by other forms of cultural heritage from the central and southern regions of Vietnam, such as “nhac le” (<a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj56d'>ceremonial music</a>) and “hat boi” (<a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAFML'>classical theatre and folk song</a>), the music genre was added to the <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj2Hy'>National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage</a> in 2012. The festival aids Vietnam’s attempts to preserve the country’s traditional art and culture.</p><br /><p>The first event of its kind, the festival has attracted the attention of the domestic and international community and spurred a joint effort to conserve the form.</p><br /><br/><br />Preserving the southern singing style “Don ca tai tu” Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1rDj2Hs" width="200"/><br/></div>

Preserving the southern singing style “Don ca tai tu”

(Cinet)- A seminar to preserve and develop the southern singing style “Don ca tai tu” in Bac Lieu brought the scholars and researchers a view the process of its development on April 27.The festival focused on analysing the art and reviewing the process of developing it. Known as a musical art that…

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Clourful festival at Ha Long carnival 2014

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj2qW'><img alt="1482810-29-9-53-10-203-874" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="168" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1rDj2qW" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p>(<a href='http://bit.ly/Q6KJNt'>Cinet</a>)- With a theme of “Quang Ninh – Convergence and Pervasion”, <a href='http://bit.ly/1l0vM8X'>Ha Long Carnival</a> 2014 opens at 8 P.M on April 30 in <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAFwl'>Hoang Quoc Viet</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj2qY'>Hung Thang</a> ward, Ha Long city.</p><br /><p>The event, the eighth of its kind in the province, will include a wide range of activities, including an opening ceremony, low-range fireworks, and art performances by local and foreign art troupes. It aims to spotlight the province’s culture, tourism and cuisine, particularly the <a href='http://bit.ly/1heFYXW'>Ha Long Bay</a>, a <a href='http://bit.ly/1jHfVLO'>UNESCO</a>-recognised <a href='http://bit.ly/1jfAFwm'>World Natural Heritage</a> site. The carnivalwill feature art performances, a fireworks show and a street parade of colourful costumes.</p><br /><p>An annual event witnessed the participation of more than 5,000 actors and actresses, and welcomed 25,000 visitors.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rDj2r3'>Halong Carnival</a> is a good occasion to make tourists closer to Halong’s cultural identities as well as natural beauty.</p><br /><p>The festival is broadcasted live on VTV1, VTV4 of Vietnam Television.</p><br /><br/><br />Clourful festival at Ha Long carnival 2014 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1rDj2qW" width="200"/><br/></div>

Clourful festival at Ha Long carnival 2014

(Cinet)- With a theme of “Quang Ninh – Convergence and Pervasion”, Ha Long Carnival 2014 opens at 8 P.M on April 30 in Hoang Quoc Viet, Hung Thang ward, Ha Long city.The event, the eighth of its kind in the province, will include a wide range of activities, including an opening ceremony, low-range…

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Breakfast @ Tuoitrenews Apr. 30

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Breakfast @ Tuoitrenews Apr. 30<br /><p><strong>Below are some of the main stories published in the Vietnamese press.</strong> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483332'><a href='http://ift.tt/1iFsgT6'><img alt="Society:" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="177" rel="lightbox" src="http://ift.tt/1iFsgT8" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Society:</p><br /></div><br /><p>— Criminal charges have been filed against people involved in the collapse of Chu Va 6 suspension bridge in the northern province of Lai Chau in late February that claimed eight lives and injured 36 others, local police announced on Tuesday.</p><br /><p>— Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, chairman of People’s Committee of Tay Ninh northern province, on Tuesday slapped 30-day suspension from work on Tran Canh Lac, general director of Tay Ninh Sugar Limited Company – a local firm. Lac has been charged for “intentionally violating state regulations on economic management, causing serious consequences”.</p><br /><p>— An appeal court in Hanoi on Tuesday continued proposing to uphold the death sentence for Duong Chi Dung, former chairman of the Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), and Mai Van Phuc, former CEO of Vinalines.</p><br /><p><strong>Lifestyle:</strong> </p><br /><p>— Vietnam’s first-ever national festival honoring “Don Ca Tai Tu” (southern traditional music) held in the southern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1geOYeV'>Bac Lieu</a>, which wrapped up on Tuesday night, attracted more than 300,000 visitors. <a href='http://ift.tt/1fmEFpF'>Don Ca Tai Tu</a> was recognized by the UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity late last year.</p><br /><p><strong>Sports:</strong> </p><br /><p>— Real Madrid reached their first Champions League final for 12 years with an historic 4-0 win at <a href='http://ift.tt/1iFsgTe'>Bayern Munich in Tuesday’s</a> semi-final, second leg to knock the holders out.</p><br /><p><strong>Politics:</strong> </p><br /><p>— At a government regular meeting in <a href='http://ift.tt/1gxb6XE'>Hanoi on Tuesday</a>, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked local ministries and sectors to intensify the disbursement of public investment, <a href='http://ift.tt/1lJKvsN'>FDI and ODA</a> sources as well as ensure the right use of the capital in order to boost the country’s development. He emphasized the importance of increasing the total demand, speeding up the progress of key projects, solving bad debts and ensuring credit quality (VNA).</p><br /><p>— <a href='http://ift.tt/1hSlx34'>Vessel KDB Darulehsan of the Royal Brunei Navy</a> carrying 70 officers and crew members on board arrived at Hai Phong port based in the northern city of <a href='http://ift.tt/1iFsh9u'>Hai Phong on Tuesday</a>, starting an official visit to Vietnam (VNA).</p><br /><p>— <a href='http://ift.tt/1ggOKsu'>Vietnam and Mongolia</a> have agreed to boost exchanges of high-ranking delegations with the aim of further enhancing political trust between the two sides (VNA).</p><br /><p><em>To be updated…</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Breakfast @ Tuoitrenews Apr. 30 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1iFsgT8" width="200"/><br/></div>

Breakfast @ Tuoitrenews Apr. 30

Breakfast @ Tuoitrenews Apr. 30Below are some of the main stories published in the Vietnamese press. Society:— Criminal charges have been filed against people involved in the collapse of Chu Va 6 suspension bridge in the northern province of Lai Chau in late February that claimed eight lives and in…

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Social News Headlines 30/4

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Social News Headlines 30/4<br /><p><strong>Another measles death confirmed in Hanoi</strong> </p><br /><p>Hanoi recorded another measles-linked death at the <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v61A'>National Hospital of Paediatrics on April</a> 28, pushing the fatalities from measles and its complications to 128 so far this year.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v7CJ'>According to the Health Ministry’s Preventive Medicine Department</a>, the nation recorded another 35 cases of measles on the day, raising the total number to 3,751 across 61 out of 63 cities and provinces nationwide.</p><br /><p>As of the day, 79.4% of children throughout the country were vaccinated, up 1.1 percent from a day earlier.</p><br /><p>Forty-nine provinces have recorded over 70% of immunisation while the southern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1geOYeV'>Bac Lieu</a> posted the lowest rate, below 50%.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1i4GVYD'>Also on April</a> 28, ministry officials inspected the outbreak control at Children Hospitals 1, 2 in Hanoi and the northern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1p0pBV9'>Bac Ninh</a>.</p><br /><p>The ministry and 11 measles-prone cities and provinces are coming up with a detailed plan to offer free vaccines to children aged 2-10.</p><br /><p>Vietnam expects to eliminate the disease by 2017.</p><br /><p><strong>Ministry advises measles transmission prevention during coming holidays</strong> </p><br /><p>The Ministry of Health has warned of the risk of measles spread in the country in the upcoming holidays.</p><br /><p>As per the Ministry’s guideline, people with breathing diseases, coughing or fever should restrict their travel to crowded areas during the coming holidays. Children without proper vaccinations should not be taken to the crowd to avoid risks of contracting measles.</p><br /><p>Parents should keep an eye on their children and it is also important to pay attention to children’s dental and personal hygiene and keep accommodation clean.</p><br /><p>The ministry asked parents to take their kids without proper immunization to local health facilities for vaccination against the disease.</p><br /><p>During the trip, if holidaymakers have fever, cough or rashes, they should go to nearby local clinics for timely treatment to curb transmission.</p><br /><p>Local health authority should organize mobile vaccination sites to finish immunization rate in July.</p><br /><p><strong>Measles vaccine programme will include migrant families</strong> </p><br /><p>More than 95,000 doses of measles vaccines have been given to children aged nine to 36 months in HCM City over the last two months to curb a measles outbreak in the city.</p><br /><p>The city’s <a href='http://bit.ly/PzVCqc'>Preventive Medicine Centre</a> director, <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v61D'>Nguyen Tri Dung</a>, said the free immunisations would continue in May to ensure coverage of children from migrant families.</p><br /><p>The immunisation programme was expanded on April 24 to include children aged four to six who have not received vaccines or who haved failed to get enough doses, Dung said at a meeting with a ministerial inspection team yesterday in HCM City.</p><br /><p>The number of patients with measles has increased significantly this year, with nearly 1,500 cases reported.</p><br /><p>Of those cases, children under three years old accounted for 70 per cent, and children aged three to 10 accounted for more than 20 per cent.</p><br /><p>All districts of HCM City have reported measles cases, but no deaths have occurred, the centre said.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbjP'>The Ministry of Health on Sunday</a> issued a warning about the high risk of infection from measles in crowded public places, especially during the upcoming holiday.</p><br /><p>The ministry has said that people with respiratory problems, as well as measles symptoms such as fever, cough and skin rash, should not travel or gather in public places.</p><br /><p>To prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus, children who have not been vaccinated should not be taken to public entertainment places.</p><br /><p>The ministry recommends that children aged nine to 24 months should get the vaccinations at medical clinics if they have had no vaccine, or have not had a sufficient number of shots. Two shots are necessary for the vaccine to be effective.</p><br /><p>Children nine months to 10 years old living in areas with a high risk of measles infection should immediately get the vaccinations.</p><br /><p>Ha Noi, <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbjQ'>HCM City and Hai Duong</a>, as well as the provinces of Quang Ninh, <a href='http://bit.ly/Q3Upbw'>Hai Phong</a>, Hung Yen, <a href='http://bit.ly/1ljbHyo'>Bac Giang</a>, Vinh Phuc, Nghe An, <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v61I'>Thanh Hoa and Binh Duong</a>, are localities that have a high risk of infection, the ministry said.</p><br /><p>Ha Noi recorded another measles-linked death yesterday at the National Hospital of Paediatrics, pushing the fatalities from measles and its complications to 128 so far this year.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v7Ta'>In Ha Noi</a>, free vaccinations are being offered to children.</p><br /><p><strong>New bus route to General Giap’s tomb opens in Quang Binh</strong> </p><br /><p>A bus route linking Dong Hoi railway station to General Giap’s tomb in <a href='http://bit.ly/1psWbxg'>Quang Binh Province</a> will soon be open.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1k2IQKs'>The Ministry of Transport</a> (MoT) has just approved the proposal from the Quang Binh provincial People’s Committee in order to serve the high demand for transportation to the tomb in Vung Chua – Dao Yen. The route will be about 70 kilometres long.</p><br /><p>According to the provincial government, between 1,000 and 3,000 people per day come to pay tribute to <a href='http://bit.ly/PmLykw'>General Vo Nguyen Giap</a>. As many as 90% of the visitors are from outside Quang Binh Province.</p><br /><p>The bus route would run through major thoroughfares in <a href='http://bit.ly/1lHKuSE'>Dong Hoi City</a>. It is hoped that this will mitigate traffic congestion in the area.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbjT'>The MoT</a> requested a change to the schedules of any bus routes that use the same stops as the expected route to ensure efficiency.</p><br /><p>Previously, <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v61L'>Minister of Transport</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbjU'>Dinh La Thang</a>, requested that <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v7Tn'>Vietnam Railway Corporation</a> (VRC) set up a station linking to General Giap’s tomb to serve the heightened demand for transportation created by the tomb.</p><br /><p>VRA will make a plan for the construction after finding a suitable location for the station.</p><br /><p><strong>The South serves up scorpions</strong> </p><br /><p>As scorpions are considered both a delicacy and a medicine in Vietnam, those who live in the southern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1jPMw6F'>An Giang</a> have decided to try their hands at catching the poisonous creatures.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1lR6lap'>Nguyen Van Cuong</a>, a resident of the town of <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v7To'>Nha Bang</a>, has been selling scorpions for five years and is able to catch around 100 scorpions each day. Scorpions tend to live under soft soil and fallen leaves. When their nests are touched, the scorpions will use their stinger and pincers to attack.</p><br /><p>According to one local, An Giang once had a lot of scorpions but they have been hunted down in the last five years. Not only have scorpions become a favourite snack, to eaten with wine, it is said that they can cure back pain, rheumatism and to increase male virility.</p><br /><p>Live scorpions are sold at VND4,000-5,000 each in <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbjX'>Tinh Bien Market</a>. To show off for customers, sellers often use their bare hands to gently pick up dozens of scorpions without being stung.</p><br /><p>Traders from HCM City often come to make bulk purchases. The cost for a bottle of scorpion and snake wine ranges from VND50,000-500,000 (USD2.4-24).</p><br /><p><strong>Serious flooding in Hanoi despite big investment in infrastructure</strong> </p><br /><p>Many streets in Hanoi faced serious flooding even though the city spent thousands of billions of VND on infrastructure improvements since the historic flood of 2008.</p><br /><p>After a long downpour on April 27, the first of its kind in Hanoi this rainy season, many streets were under water, causing vehicle breakdowns. Some roads in the city remained submerged until midday, including the area surrounding the <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v6i4'>Hanoi University of Commerce and Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema in Nam Tu Liem District</a>.</p><br /><p>A representative from Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Company said the ongoing construction or lack of technical infrastructure in some areas such as <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAefw'>Nguyen Xien</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v89J'>Mai Dich</a>, <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAefx'>Pham Van Dong</a> streets was the cause of much of the serious flooding.</p><br /><p>According to the representative, the capacity of the drainage system in central Hanoi remains low.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v6i9'>The Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Company</a> has announced that it would attempt to complete a number of drainage works in the city this year to help 10 hot spots avoid flooding.</p><br /><p>The director of Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Company, <a href='http://bit.ly/1htHSUp'>Nguyen Le</a>, said that this year Vietnam would face a more complicated situation in terms of storms and hydrography.</p><br /><p>According to the company, billions of VND have been invested in the construction of drainage systems to deal with rainfall of between 50 mm and 100 mm per hour. The company will also check the drainage gates to the <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v89L'>Nhue River</a> to increase capacity.</p><br /><p>The rainfall on the morning of April 27 measured at less than 100mm per hour, but many streets were still flooded.</p><br /><p>Recently, Hanoi authorities have been urged to drastic measures to deal with flooding, but the situation has not yet improved.</p><br /><p><strong>Couple holds wedding in hospital</strong> </p><br /><p>A couple from Yen Bai Province decided to hold their wedding at <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbjY'>Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi</a> just before the bride went into surgery.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAefy'>Ha Thi Hom</a>, 27, and her fiancé, <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v6ii'>Ha Van Thom</a>, 24, both of the Thai ethnic minority, were married on April 23.</p><br /><p>The groom said that April 23 was their scheduled wedding day. “But last week, Hom said she was tired and had to go to the hospital. They found a tumour in her heart and she needed urgent surgery. We had already announced the date and made all the preparations, so a ceremony is still being held in our hometown,” he said.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbjZ'>Dr. Duong Nguyen Duc Hung</a>, head of the cardiovascular surgery unit, said the surgery was also scheduled for April 23. However, after reviewing the bride’s condition, they agreed to delay the surgery one day. The hospital also decided to hold a small ceremony for the couple with the attendance of doctors, nurses and families of many patients at hospital. Both the groom and bride were surprised when they saw the ceremony.</p><br /><p>Other patients also came to wish the couple well. <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v8qd'>Tran Thi Ngan</a>, who had a heart surgery five days before, said, “Women with heart disease are at disadvantage. Because they do not have normal health, it is more difficult to care for a family. I also admire the groom’s devotion and hope the surgery will be successful.”</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1kmE9LV'>According to Dr</a>. Hung, the left atrial tumour was at an advanced stage and made Hom feel weak, and short of breath, but it is most likely a benign tumour. It will take three months after the surgery for Hom to recover. “<a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v8qj'>At least during this small ceremony, we hope to close the gap between doctors and patients</a>,” he said.</p><br /><p>The groom said, “I’m a mechanic’s assistant and Hom works on farms. Even though we can’t attend our wedding at home, we’re happy and very touched to be congratulated by everyone here.”</p><br /><p><strong>Hanoi supports great service rendering families</strong> </p><br /><p>Hanoi has launched a programme to improve the housing conditions for families of those who ever rendered great services to the country’s reunification.</p><br /><p>Under the programme, which will run until 2016, the city will help 4,423 such households build new homes with financial support worth 40 million VND (1,880 USD) for each. Meanwhile, 5,493 households will be given 20 million VND (940 USD) to upgrade their houses.</p><br /><p>In the first half of this year, the city plans to spend 8.88 billion VND (417,360 USD) supporting 222 families to build new houses and 6.58 billion VND (309,260 USD) to assist 329 others to repair their houses.</p><br /><p>As much as 80 percent of the total cost for the programme is funded by the State budget, with the remaining sourced from the city budget and community donations.</p><br /><p><strong>Friendship Village supports AO sufferers</strong> </p><br /><p>Providing better healthcare services, education and vocational training for Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims is one of the key tasks of the <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAefz'>Vietnam Friendship Village</a>, which aims to help all members of the society integrate into the wider community.</p><br /><p>An international conference in Hanoi on April 28 heard that the village has taken good care of war veterans and children suffering from impact of the chemical.</p><br /><p>Besides offering medical treatment for around 120 AO victims and 80 servicemen and women, the village has also focused on improving the spiritual life for the beneficiaries through music performances and sports activities since it was founded in 1998.</p><br /><p>Training courses on computing, embroidery and communication skills are also made available for the victims.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v9dN'>According to the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange</a> (AO)/dioxin (VAVA), US forces sprayed 80 million litres of AO containing almost 400kg of dioxin on Vietnam’s southern battlefields over a 10-year period beginning on August 10, 1961.</p><br /><p>Preliminary statistics by Vietnamese scientists indicated about 3 million Vietnamese people were exposed to dioxin. The toxic chemical has had a severe impact on Vietnam’s subsequent generations.</p><br /><p><strong>Hanoi to push Japanese infrastructure projects</strong> </p><br /><p>Hanoi will work with Japanese partners to speed up the progress of four of their infrastructure projects underway in the capital city, <a href='http://bit.ly/1mo847E'>Deputy Chairman</a> of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Suu has said.</p><br /><p>He made the pledge at a working session with visiting <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v8qo'>Japanese Senior Vice Minister of Land</a>, Infrastructure, <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbk1'>Transport and Tourism Kotaro Nogami</a> in the capital on April 28.</p><br /><p>Nogami briefed his host of the projects, including a waste treatment system and a mobile multi-storey parking station.</p><br /><p>Suu thanked Japan for providing Hanoi with official development assistance in infrastructure, transport and culture, among other areas.</p><br /><p>He also acknowledged that many Japanese projects have offered Hanoi residents better living standards, easing their concern over living environment, waste water and transport.</p><br /><p><strong>Sri Lanka unveils stamps honouring Ho Chi Minh</strong> </p><br /><p>A set of stamps honouring President Ho Chi Minh was unveiled at a ceremony in the capital <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v8GF'>Colombo of Sri Lanka on April</a> 28, as part of activities to mark the 124th birthday of the late Vietnamese leader.</p><br /><p>Speaking at the event, <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbk4'>Vietnamese Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh</a> said he believes the event will not only foster bilateral postal cooperation but also move forward well-rounded ties between the two peoples and business communities.</p><br /><p>Minister for <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v8GO'>Human Resources and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka Dew Gunasekara</a> said <a href='http://bit.ly/1hkjUv3'>President Ho Chi Minh</a> is the second foreign leader, after <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v8GR'>Saint Mahatma Gandhi of India</a> that has been featured on his country’s stamps.</p><br /><p>Along with the construction of Ho Chi Minh monument in Colombo last year, the event will mark the growing ties between the two nations, he noted.</p><br /><p>On the occasion, <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbk5'>Minister of Posts</a> J. Kumaranathunga announced that a set of 500,000 stamps portraying the Vietnamese leader will be introduced soon.</p><br /><p><strong>Japan helps southern province develop urban projects</strong> </p><br /><p>A senior official from Japan has said his country will support the southern province of Binh Duong as much as possible in completing planned urban projects.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v9dY'>Japan’s Vice Minister of Land</a>, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Kotaro Nogami made the remarks while meeting with local authorities on April 26.</p><br /><p>He said this is his first visit to Vietnam, which he hoped would help deepen cooperation between the two countries.</p><br /><p>He highlighted a project that is jointly being implemented by Japan ‘s <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbk6'>Tokyu Corporation and the Vietnamese Becamex Binh Duong</a> company as part of the intergovernmental programme developing eco-cities in Vietnam.</p><br /><p>He asked local authorities to continue facilitating the operation by Japanese investors.</p><br /><p>Chairman of the local People’s Committee Le Thanh Cung said Japan constitutes a key partner in the province which is very keen on and active in carrying out eco-urban projects.</p><br /><p>The locality will send a delegation to take part in a real estate exhibition in Japan to seek partners and introduce the local investment attraction policies.</p><br /><p>Cung also asked the Vice Minister to consider ODA provision for the underground transport project that links Binh Duong , Ho Chi Minh City, and southern <a href='http://bit.ly/1heqfbo'>Dong Nai</a> province.</p><br /><p>Since the beginning of this year, Binh Duong has attracted an additional 823 million USD in foreign direct investment (FDI), increasing the number of such projects to 2,200 worth 19.6 billion USD, said Director of the provincial <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v9dZ'>Department of Planning and Investment Mai Hung Dung</a>.</p><br /><p>Japan contributed the most with 219 projects worth 4.68 million USD, he added.</p><br /><p><strong>Dak Lak aims to support poor communes</strong> </p><br /><p>The Central Highland province of Dak Lak is introducing many measures to ease poverty before 2015.</p><br /><p>According to the local <a href='http://bit.ly/1hkk1H5'>Department of Labour</a>, War Invalids and Social Affairs, there are now 19 communes with poverty rates surpassing 50 percent. The province hopes to ensure all communes have a lower rate by next year.</p><br /><p>Most of the affected areas are located in remote areas and regularly hit by disasters. Meanwhile, their land is exhausted and infrastructure out-of-date.</p><br /><p>Therefore, the province is investing more than 440 million VND (20,680 USD) in poverty reduction in these communes through providing loans and technical assistance for needy households, and organising vocational training for labourers, especially the youth.</p><br /><p>Attention is being paid to upgrading irrigational works such as lakes, dykes and pumping stations.</p><br /><p>Dak Lak is also carrying out health and education support policies, which will provide free insurance cards for 48,000 people living in difficulties and grant scholarships to more than 15,000 disadvantaged students.</p><br /><p>In 2014, the Central Highland province endavours to bring its overall poverty rate to 8.99 percent.</p><br /><p><strong>Australian-funded project benefits orphans in Hanoi</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzkSX'>Orphan and HIV</a>/AIDS children under care at Hanoi’s Bo De pagoda now have clean water for daily use as well as access to a modern library, which are the result of an Australian-funded project.</p><br /><p>With a total capital of 389 million VND (18.200 USD) funded by the <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtAZb'>Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade</a> and donations from Hanoi-based organisations, the project equips the pagoda with a well-water filter system as well as furniture, computers and learning tools for its library.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QNtDUT'>According to Deputy Director</a> of the municipal <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtAZe'>Health Department</a>, the project will help the children have a good health and the best learning conditions, facilitating their integration into the community.</p><br /><p>Bo De pagoda is taking care of 260 orphans, including more than 10 HIV-infected children.</p><br /><p><strong>Poor kids in Ben Tre receive free milk</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzn0V'>The Vietnam Rising</a> milk fund has donated 77,000 glasses of milk to poor children in the southern province of Ben Tre.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzklK'>Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and Minister of Labour</a>, War Invalids and Social Affairs Pham Thi Hai Chuyen handed over the milk at a ceremony in <a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzklL'>Ben Tre’s Ba Tri</a> district on April 27.</p><br /><p>Established in 2008, the fund is supported by the <a href='http://bit.ly/1ljbJGr'>Ministry of Labour</a>, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA), the <a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzklO'>Vietnam Children Sponsoring Fund and the Vietnam Dairy Products Joint Stock Company</a> (Vinamilk).</p><br /><p>Speaking at the ceremony, <a href='http://bit.ly/1jP2i1x'>Minister Chuyen</a> praised the fund for giving milk to hundreds of thousands of needy children nationwide, thus improving their physical and mental health.</p><br /><p>On the occasion, the <a href='http://bit.ly/1o9q6zb'>MOLISA</a> and the fund presented 100 scholarships worth 1 million VND (47 USD) each to local underprivileged kids, and 30 million VND (1,410 USD) to the provincial children support centre.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QNtD7o'>According to Vice Chairman</a> of the provincial <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtD7p'>People’s Committee Tran Anh Tuan</a>, the Vietnam Rising milk fund has donated nearly 550,000 glasses of milk to almost 10,000 pupils in the locality over the past five years.</p><br /><p>Vinamilk representative <a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzkC9'>Nguyen Thi Quynh Trang</a> said the fund has provided free milk worth nearly 83 billion VND (3.9 million USD) to over 300,000 disadvantaged children nationwide.</p><br /><p><strong>Pha Din pass- path for artilleries to Dien Bien Phu battlefield</strong> </p><br /><p>The 32-km-long Pha Din pass with its highest peak at 1,648 metres above sea level is the gateway to the northwestern mountainous province of Dien Bien. Sixty years ago, Pha Din pass was the place from which soldiers pulled the artilleries up the mountain to the Dien Bien Phu battlefield. A report by radio <a href='http://bit.ly/1jlPmjB'>The Voice of Vietnam</a> (VOV).</p><br /><p>The terrain of the Pha Din pass now is not as difficult as before though there are still eight sharp zigzag bends along the road. Work has been done to lower the altitude of the pass and to widen the road, making it easier to go through it. Pha Din pass becomes picturesque with green scenery dotted with bamboo houses of the Thai ethnic minority people.</p><br /><p>Sixty years ago, the pass was part of the pipeline supplying ammunitions and food to the Dien Bien Phu battlefield. Everyday, thousands of people, including young volunteers, militia and workers, carried ammunition and rice up the mountain through the pass.</p><br /><p>It was also the place where ground forces and artillerymen marched through to Dien Bien Phu.</p><br /><p>Music composer <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtzEO'>Hoang Van</a>, who composed the song “<a href='http://bit.ly/QNtzER'>Artillery pulling chant</a>“, still remembers the marches through Pha Din pass 60 years ago, saying: “Before entering <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtCjU'>Muong Thanh</a> field, we had to go through a long zigzag pass, soldiers moved through on foot while transporters pushed bicycles carrying supplies to the front.”</p><br /><p>The supply line began in late 1953. The pass was dozens of kilometres and winding while French planes continuously bombarded, he said. “At that time, we had to be careful to avoid enemy bombings. After that, we had to pull artillery up the mountain. All these experiences inspired me to compose the song ‘Artillery pulling chant’.”.</p><br /><p>Pha Din pass was the most difficult section in the long journey of moving the artilleries. <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtCjY'>After Pha Din</a> pass, soldiers had to pull their weapons over many slopes, abysses and high peaks to move toward <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtzV6'>Him Lam</a>, Doc Lap and A1 hills and ultimately French commander <a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzjOM'>De Castries</a>‘ bunker. The Dien Bien soldiers’ efforts to haul their weaponry are unimaginable.</p><br /><p>“As we hauled our ammunitions, dozens of people were arranged at each end of the artileries. At one end, some people pulled the cannons and at the other, some people pushed it. We used a winch and put a roller inside to pull the artilleries,” Van said.</p><br /><p>It is now about dozens of kilometres from Pha Din pass to Dien Bien city. <a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzjOP'>During the Dien Bien Phu</a> campaign, the length of the road was not calculated by kilometres but by the hardship that the soldiers suffered.</p><br /><p>There were different roads for transporting supplies to carry artilleries to the battlefield. Some roads were used for just a few hours for artilleries to go through and then hidden by the forest as if they had never existed.</p><br /><p>There was a special section of the road that was 15 km long and built within 20 hours running the distance from <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtzV9'>Na Nham</a> forest to Ngheu hamlet. On that road, Vietnamese soldiers manually pulled 2.4-tonne artilleries, 75-mm canons and 120-mm mortars through difficult mountains, deep abysses and enemy bombings to join the opening battle of the Dien Bien Phu campaign on March 13, 1954.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzjOS'>Pham Duc Cu</a>, a former artilleryman at Dien Bien Phu, recalled: “Our condition was very harsh. When we were 15 to 18 km from Dien Bien Phu, we had to pull the artilleries with our hands. It was the most difficult section of the road. The Dien Bien artillerymen must have been made of bronze bodies and iron feet. We will never forget the winding roads and slopes in <a href='http://bit.ly/1rCzmKu'>Bay Toi</a>, U Mau, <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtCAh'>Suoi Ngua and Voi Phuc</a>, where we pulled 2.4-tonne artilleries to their positions in the battlefield”.</p><br /><p>A monument to the memory of hero <a href='http://bit.ly/QNtzVg'>To Vinh Dien</a>, who used himself to save an artillery piece from sliding down to abyss, and his artillery platoon was erected 20 km from Dien Bien. The monument reminds younger generations of Vietnam’s glorious history and the heroic soldiers of Dien Bien Phu.</p><br /><p><strong>KOTRA presents 5,000 story books to children</strong> </p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAhbl'>The Korea Trade and Investment Promotion Agency</a> (KOTRA) has presented 5,000 story books for kids to Vietnam, aiming to help the children learn more about culture and history of the two countries.</p><br /><p>The books feature some legends of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Vietnam, including the one on <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v9KK'>Lac Long Quan and Au Co</a> – the legendary creators of the Vietnamese people, and the story about <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAhbq'>Hoan Kiem Lake</a>.</p><br /><p>The gifts, received by the Ministry of Education and Training, the People’s Committees of the northern provinces of <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9vbT4'>Hai Duong and Vinh Phuc</a>, will be delivered to local kindergartens and primary schools in the coming time.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAbAD'>General Director of the KOTRA Hanoi Korea Business Center</a> (KBC) <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9vbT9'>Lee Kyu</a>-seon said the story book project helps enhance the cultural exchanges between the two countries as well as further tighten the bilateral ties in general.</p><br /><p>The move is part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities the RoK side has been carrying out in the country.</p><br /><p>In 2012, a programme highlighting contributions of the RoK companies to CSR activities in Vinh Phuc received 125,000 USD donated by 11 RoK-invested businesses operating in the province and Hanoi.</p><br /><p>Last year, RoK companies presented several social facilities valued 204,000 USD in total to Hai Duong province.</p><br /><p><strong>Front works with Red Cross in humanitarian issues</strong> </p><br /><p>The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) will work with the Vietnam Red Cross on a humanitarian cooperation programme, its leader <a href='http://bit.ly/1pLMnjN'>Nguyen Thien Nhan</a> confirmed during his working session with the <a href='http://ift.tt/PFRnZX'>Red Cross in Hanoi on April</a> 26.</p><br /><p>The VFF will begin working on the programme in June, confirmed Nhan, who is both <a href='http://ift.tt/RWkJ8q'>President of the Front and a Politburo</a> member.</p><br /><p>In 2014, the Red Cross will establish more chapters in remote, rural and island areas and enhance the efficiency of its humanitarian activities, <a href='http://ift.tt/PFRq82'>Chairman of the Vietnam Red Cross Nguyen Hai Duong</a> said.</p><br /><p>He proposed that the State designate May as a month for humanitarian activities to encourage the public to perform good deeds for underprivileged people.</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/RWkLgP'>President Nhan</a> commended the organisation on its proactive approach in supporting poor and disaster-hit people in 2013.</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1jpQgpm'>The Red Cross</a> has been playing an active part in realising social welfare policies across the country, he said.</p><br /><p>The Front will encourage its members to take part in Red Cross-initiated activities to mitigate natural disaster consequences, Nhan pledged.</p><br /><p><strong>Rural electrification programme sparks success</strong> </p><br /><p>By the end of 2013, 15.8 million households in the country’s rural areas, equivalent to 96.7 percent of rural households, had access to power, signaling the success of the national rural electrification programme started in 1998.</p><br /><p>The programme has played its part in developing the country and reducing poverty, said <a href='http://ift.tt/1qtEPRg'>Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang</a> at an online review conference on April 26.</p><br /><p>The first project of the programme, called the rural energy project, cost over 3.2 trillion VND (150.4 million USD), of which 150 million USD had been borrowed from the World Bank. It has benefited 976 rural communes housing 550,000 households.</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/S7zfuc'>According to Electricity of Vietnam</a> (EVN), which has undertaken the programme until now, official development assistance coming from international donors was decisive in the success of the programme.</p><br /><p>In the reviewed period, nearly 48 trillion VND (2.25 billion USD) has been pumped into the programme, which has also brought power to remote and extremely disadvantaged areas, including border areas and islands, EVN reported.</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1hRE8fI'>EVN Chairman Hoang Quoc Vuong</a> commented that the programme has contributed to giving rural areas a new facelift and facilitating the development of agriculture and its services and the processing industry.</p><br /><p>He referred to a 6.6 fold-rise in agriculture production value in 1998-2013 as proof of the success.</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1q8rwYb'>Victoria Kwakwa</a>, <a href='http://ift.tt/1hRE6V7'>World Bank Country Director</a>, said many countries were interested in the success story of Vietnam’s rural electrification programme.</p><br /><p>She pledged that her institution will continue aiding the country through the supply of investment destined for infrastructure in the 2014-2020 period.</p><br /><p>Addressing the conference, <a href='http://ift.tt/1lfjUDE'>Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai</a> confirmed that the programme in the 1998-2013 was successful on the back of strong support from the entire political system and local people.</p><br /><p>The country is embarking on a national energy development programme to 2020 and beyond to be sufficient in power.</p><br /><p>It is set to connect over 98 percent of its population to the national grid by 2015 and expects all rural residents to be using power by 2020.</p><br /><p>In the meantime, the country is suffering an energy shortage, with each person consuming an average 1,200 kWh a year.</p><br /><p><a href='http://ift.tt/1me8HjX'>According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade</a>, the rural electrification progamme is looking towards supplying power for 12,000 villages and hamlets and improving the rural power transmission lines, which will benefit around 7 million households.</p><br /><p>The tasks require around 80 trillion VND (3.76 billion USD), the ministry said.</p><br /><p><strong>Under-10 children to get free measles vaccination</strong> </p><br /><p>The Health Ministry has issued a plan on giving free measles vaccinations to children from 2 to under 10 years old in localities with high risk of the disease.</p><br /><p>The vaccination campaign will be conducted from <a href='http://ift.tt/1mPykZo'>May to July</a>.</p><br /><p>According to the Health Ministry, localities of high risk of measles are Hanoi, Hai Duong, Hai Phong, <a href='http://ift.tt/1i7ILq9'>Hung Yen</a>, Bac Giang, Vinh Phuc and Quang Ninh provinces in the north, the central provinces of <a href='http://ift.tt/S7zh5f'>Nghe An and Thanh Hoa</a>, and Binh Duong province and Ho Chi Minh City in the south.</p><br /><p>The target cities and provinces are requested to provide mobile vaccination service in addition to those at designated sites, with the aim of having all children get two shots of vaccines.</p><br /><p>The ministry also asked provincial and districts authorities to announce the vaccination plan on the mass media including television, radio and newspapers so that the information reach all the people.</p><br /><p>Statistics show that since the beginning of 2014, Vietnam has recorded 3,647 measles cases across 61 out of the 63 provinces and cities.</p><br /><p><strong>Can Tho active in fight against climate change</strong> </p><br /><p>The southern city of Can Tho has successfully introduced action plans on climate change adaptation in its districts.</p><br /><p>At an April 26 meeting to review the city’s response to climate change, <a href='http://ift.tt/1pBySXo'>Director of the Climate Change Office at the Can Tho City People’s Committee Ky Quang Vinh</a>, said that eight salinity measuring stations have been built.</p><br /><p>He said a report on connections between changing weather and prevalence of mosquitoes spreading dengue fever was completed. Surveys figuring out dykes requiring upgrades to safely prevent landslides were accomplished, he added.</p><br /><p>In 2013, the local authorities effectively collaborated with agencies and organisations both from home and abroad to implement programmes and projects in response to climate change, focusing on increasing the city’s resistance to salinity penetration caused by climate change.</p><br /><p>However, the collaboration between local departments, agencies and district-level authorities has not been smooth, leading to slow progress in implementing some projects, the office said.</p><br /><p>To this effect, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, <a href='http://ift.tt/1inKsLP'>Dao Anh Dung</a>, emphasised the projects’ importance to local socio-economic development, asking the aforementioned three stakeholders to focus on tackling difficulties and barriers for the projects and quickening their progress.</p><br /><p>He also noted the outcomes of the projects will ensure the sustainable development and climate change adaptability of the city.</p><br /><p><em>VNN/VNA/VNS/Dantri/VOV</em> </p><br /><br/><br />Social News Headlines 30/4 Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Social News Headlines 30/4

Social News Headlines 30/4Another measles death confirmed in Hanoi Hanoi recorded another measles-linked death at the National Hospital of Paediatrics on April 28, pushing the fatalities from measles and its complications to 128 so far this year.According to the Health Ministry’s Preventive Medicine…

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Hanoi paroles prisoners on National Liberation Day

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Hanoi paroles prisoners on National Liberation Day<br /><p>(VOV) – The Hanoi Police on April 29 announced an amnesty and commutation for 145 <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAb3p'>inmates</a> from its three detention camps on the occasion of National Liberation Day (April 30).</p><br /><ul><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v7mc'>Hanoi grants amnesty to prisoners ahead of Tet</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAb3q'>Preparations underway for National Day amnesty</a> </li><br /></ul><br /><p>Among the total, 25 will be released on <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v7md'>parole</a>, and 119 will have their prison terms commuted by one to nine months.</p><br /><p>At <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAdIK'>Detention Camp</a> No1, <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v5L3'>Lieutenant General Dinh Van Toan</a>, deputy director of the Hanoi Police, congratulated <a href='http://bit.ly/QXAb3t'>prisoners</a> eligible for the amnesty and commutation and asked others to perform well to be considered in the next phase of amnesty.</p><br /><p>He also asked the camp to take more care of the prisoners so that they would soon enjoy the State’s leniency and tolerance and reunite with their family.</p><br /><p>The same day, the southern province of <a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v7mk'>Tay Ninh</a> also decided to release 51 inmates and reduce prison sentences for 379 others.</p><br /><br/><br />Hanoi paroles prisoners on National Liberation Day Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Hanoi paroles prisoners on National Liberation Day

Hanoi paroles prisoners on National Liberation Day(VOV) – The Hanoi Police on April 29 announced an amnesty and commutation for 145 inmates from its three detention camps on the occasion of National Liberation Day (April 30).Hanoi grants amnesty to prisoners ahead of Tet Preparations underway for Na…

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Vietnam pledges continued assistance for disabled people

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Vietnam pledges continued assistance for disabled people<br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1iQ0qPD'>Deputy Minister of Labour</a>, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Trong Dam and US Special Advisor for <a href='http://bit.ly/1m6H502'>International Disability Rights Judith</a> E.Heumann co-chaired an April 29 roundtable in Hanoi to share experience in supporting people with disabilities.</p><br /><ul><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAdIu'>Vietnam to ratify convention on rights of the disabled</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v75D'>President joins Inl’t Day for Disabled</a> </li><br /><li><a href='http://bit.ly/QXAb3m'>Australian NGO donates wheelchairs to disabled children</a> </li><br /></ul><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/QNtMYx'>The Ministry of Labour</a>, Invalids and Social Affairs reported at the event that Vietnam now has almost 6.7 million disabled people, accounting for 7.8% of the population. Of the total, more than 5 million are living in rural areas and only around 1.6 million are capable of working.</p><br /><p>Participants agreed that the country has always prioritised conducting policies to ensure the rights of the disabled and boost their participation in social affairs.</p><br /><p>With the aim of providing vocational training and generating jobs for 250,000 people with disabilities by 2015, the <a href='http://bit.ly/1hfJrFC'>Vietnamese Government</a> has been improving its legal system relating to the issue.</p><br /><p>The country also signed the <a href='http://bit.ly/QV3Kma'>UN Convention on the Rights of Persons</a> with Disability in 2007 and is expected to ratify it this year.</p><br /><p>Besides receiving social and legal support, disabled people in Vietnam have gained better access to infrastructure in transport, culture, sports and information technology.</p><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1m9v5uE'>The MoLISA</a> he Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs will continue programmes to raise people’s awareness of the disabled, and intensify activities to help them better integrate into the community.</p><br /><br/><br />Vietnam pledges continued assistance for disabled people Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://ift.tt/1eWmqbm" width="200"/><br/></div>

Vietnam pledges continued assistance for disabled people

Vietnam pledges continued assistance for disabled peopleDeputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Trong Dam and US Special Advisor for International Disability Rights Judith E.Heumann co-chaired an April 29 roundtable in Hanoi to share experience in supporting people with disabil…

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Inside the largest guitar workshop in Saigon

<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><center><br /><p><em>VietNamNet Bridge – This guitar making facility is located on Highway 50, <a href='http://bit.ly/1kmEcXV'>Binh Chanh District</a>, in HCM City. It produces 2,000 guitars for the domestic and foreign markets each month.</em> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483354'><a href='http://bit.ly/1nEUIau'><img alt="The workshop is nearly 1,000m2, with more than 100 workers. Depending on the design and type of wood, the guitars are sold from a low price of VND300,000 to a high of more than VND10 million ($500)." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbHTE" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The workshop is nearly 1,000m2, with more than 100 workers. Depending on the design and type of wood, the guitars are sold from a low price of VND300,000 to a high of more than VND10 million ($500).</p><br /></div><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1nEUKzh'><img alt="1483353-20140423155213-2" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbFLk" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><em>In the old days, guitars were made purely by hand, but now workers have support from machines. According to a worker at the facility, without machines, a worker can make about 70 guitars per month and more than 100 guitars with the support of machines.</em> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483356'><a href='http://bit.ly/1nEUIaz'><img alt="The wood used to make guitars is pine, imported from North Africa, Canada, USA, Japan and Thailand." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbI9X" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The wood used to make guitars is pine, imported from North Africa, Canada, USA, Japan and Thailand.</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483357'><a href='http://bit.ly/1iAbFLq'><img alt="Mr. Tu, 69, has been making guitar from the age of 19." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbIa0" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Mr. Tu, 69, has been making guitar from the age of 19.</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483358'><a href='http://bit.ly/1nEUIaG'><img alt="Each worker is involved in a stage of the production. When all parts are combined, they form a guitar." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1nEUIaH" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Each worker is involved in a stage of the production. When all parts are combined, they form a guitar.</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483359'><a href='http://bit.ly/1nEUIqU'><img alt="This workshop produces approximately 2,000 guitars a month." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1nEUIqV" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>This workshop produces approximately 2,000 guitars a month.</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483360'><a href='http://bit.ly/1iAbFLw'><img alt="The most time-consuming phase is flattening the fretboard." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbIa9" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The most time-consuming phase is flattening the fretboard.</p><br /></div><br /><p><a href='http://bit.ly/1iAbFLx'><img alt="1483353-20140423155213-9" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbIae" width="300"/> </a> </p><br /><p><em><a href='http://bit.ly/1iAbG1P'>Mr. Nguyen Van Trang</a>, the workshop owner, says: “The most important character of guitar makers is meticulousness and skills in all production stages. Except for making the fretboard, painting and polishing stages, other parts are made manually and they require very high accuracy.”</em> </p><br /><p><em>Polishing guitars before painting.</em> </p><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483362'><a href='http://bit.ly/1iAbIqt'><img alt="Many workers in this workshop are young and come from the southwestern region." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbG1W" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Many workers in this workshop are young and come from the southwestern region.</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483363'><a href='http://bit.ly/1nEUIr6'><img alt="The guitars are checked carefully by an experienced craftsman." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbG1X" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>The guitars are checked carefully by an experienced craftsman.</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 310px' id='attachment_1483364'><a href='http://bit.ly/1iAbG1Y'><img alt="A female worker." class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="200" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1nEUIr9" width="300"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>A female worker.</p><br /></div><br /><div class='wp-caption aligncenter' style='width: 210px' id='attachment_1483365'><a href='http://bit.ly/1iAbG21'><img alt="Many musical students come here to order guitars. The guitars are sold in Vietnam and exported to Mexico and the U.S. Zing" class="attachment-medium aligncenter" height="300" rel="lightbox" src="http://bit.ly/1nEUKPO" width="200"/> </a><br /><p class='wp-caption-text'>Many musical students come here to order guitars. The guitars are sold in Vietnam and exported to Mexico and the U.S. Zing</p><br /></div><br /></center><br /><br/><br />Inside the largest guitar workshop in Saigon Related image(s)<br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbHTE" width="200"/><br/><br /><img height="200" src="http://bit.ly/1iAbHTE" width="200"/><br/></div>

Inside the largest guitar workshop in Saigon

VietNamNet Bridge – This guitar making facility is located on Highway 50, Binh Chanh District, in HCM City. It produces 2,000 guitars for the domestic and foreign markets each month. The workshop is nearly 1,000m2, with more than 100 workers. Depending on the design and type of wood, the guitars ar…

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