In years of the Reform, hostile forces have relentlessly carried out “Peaceful evolution” plot and activities against the Vietnamese revolution. They use the guise of "democracy", "human rights", "ethnicity", "religion" to eliminate the leadership of the Vietnamese Communist Party and change the political regime in our country. Through the Internet, bloggers, hostile forces at home and abroad have combine to propaganda distortedly in an effort to defame the Party and the State, to divide the Party and the people. And, by spreading wrong ideas and opinions to our society, to the State officials and Party members, they want us to gradually promote "self-evolution," "self-transformation" to undermine the party and change the regime, so finally they would achieve the objective which the US president R.Nixon once said "victory without war."

Be aware of these “peaceful evolution" plots on the field of thought-culture, the Party and the State have made measures to promote a struggle against wrong and hostile views. In this struggle, we need to distinguish those hostile views from different opinions of the State officials, party members and other people to avoid "a handful of coconut shell" which will help us determine appropriate attitude and fighting methods. The difference between hostile views and other different opinions can be indicated in the following several points:

First is the motivation and purpose. The hostile forces often express their political perspectives in a frank way opposing the Party’s leadership and denying the socialist regime. Their firm purpose is trying to drive the country into the path of capitalism. On the other hand, the opinions of State officials and Party members, even when they discontent with the social corruption and incompetence in leadership and management, are always constructive, with  a general purpose of perfecting the policy and administration for national interests.

Second is the content of views. The wrong and hostile views always reject the key policy and the basic viewpoints of the Party. Specifically:

- Reject the basic principles or the entire foundation of the Party's ideology of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh thought. They try in many ways to distort and deny the ideological foundation of the Communist Party and the founders of our nation.

- Distorted socialism both theoretically and experimentally, reject the socialist ideal and the path to socialism, praise and advocate for capitalism.

- Deny the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, provided any mistakes, shortcomings of the Communist Party.

- Finally overthrow the State and change the political regime in our country. Recently they have launched the so-called "civil society forum", spreading sorts of rival opinions on the Internet, social networking.

Third is the method. On the form of expression, the hostile views use bad words even taboo language against any popular courtesy.

Fourth is the identity.Those who hit the wrong and hostile views, mostly live abroad. They are overseas reactionaries and political opportunists who have violated the laws of Vietnam, filled with hatred for the regime. Of these, there are a number of former officials and party members, but now they have switched to "stake out the other side” they have repented and incidentally become hostile forces.

Fifth is way of expressing opinions. The hostile forces seek ways to propagate and spread wrong opinions on our mass media such as published books, newspapers abroad, producing video tapes, printed leaflets and try to spread into the country, even use foreign television, radio (such as RFI, RFA, BBC ...) in order to oppose the Party and the State.
Especially today based on the achievements of modern information technology, the hostile forces using the Internet, social networks, blogs to rapidly and effectively spread their views inside and outside Vietnam. The innovation of our country is a new, complex and unprecedented career. So it is hard to avoid mistakes. The matter here is not committed serious mistakes, quickly detect errors and resolutely adjust them. We must work study, learn from experience. Struggling with hostile forces and reactionaries, we also have to look at ourself, review the guidelines and policies of the Party and State to rightly fix defects and complete them. /.

The Opening Ceremony of “Vietnam Year in France” was solemnly held on February 14, 2014 at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris, France. This is a significant event which meticulously prepared for a rank of folllowing activities throughout 2014 in France to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

The opening ceremony witnessed attendances of French Minister for la Francophonie Yamina Benguigui, officials and leaders from ministries, branches and provinces.

Vietnamese Minister of Culture and Sports Hoang Tuan Anh, Vietnam Ambassador to France Duong Chi Dung; Ambassador Duong Van Quang - Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to UNESCO; leaders and staff of Vietnam Embassy in France; the Vietnamese representative agencies in France and Vietnamese people.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Hoang Tuan Anh summerized the good development of friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries in the past 40 years, expressing thanks to the support of French Government and people of France for the construction and development in Vietnam.

Minister Hoang Tuan Anh stressed that the success of the “France Year in Vietnam 2013” has contributed to the good-developing portrayal of relations between Vietnam and France marked by  establishment of strategic partnerships through the official visit of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to France. Following this event, the “Vietnam Year in France 2014” was held with the desire to introduce a traditional, innovated and dynamic growing Vietnam.

Minister Hoang Tuan Anh said that besides the cultural exchange activities, many other cooperated programs in the field of politics - diplomacy, economy, science – technics, education have being held in both Vietnam and France in 2014. These activities will contribute to the realization of intentions, the idea of cooperation between the two partners. Vietnamese Minister believe that “Vietnam Year in France 2014” will be an opportunity for artists and people of the two countries to meet and share their culture, unique art, contributing to deepening the traditional friendship, and effective cooperation of mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Recalling the historical relationship between Vietnam and France, Minister Yamina Benguigui confirmed that the relationship between the two countries is very rich and diverse. There are painful moments, but never lack of interest and affection for each other. Yamina Benguigui said that the strategic partnership between the two countries has opened a new page towards strengthening partner relationships in all areas such as security, economic development, culture, education, research ...

She praised the open-door policy and integration over the past 20 years has helped Vietnam in developing dynamically in economy but still retain proud ethnic identity. According to her, French can explore these things through the “Vietnam Year in France”.  

Mrs Yamina Benguigui believes that the growth prospects of Vietnam in the future is very bright and impressive although Vietnam still has many challenges to overcome. She affirmed that France has been working closely with Vietnam during the development stage and in the future.

Following the Ministers’ speeches, the opening of “Vietnam Year in France” to be continued with an excellent art program titled “Night of the Lotus” with folk music and fashion performance by artists from Vietnam Contemporary Theatre and Vietnam National Academy of Music performing Vietnam. The program has made a good impression in the hearts of French and Vietnamese expatriates in France. / .

A colourful combination of cultural and art performances in front of about 2,000 guests in the Chatelet Theatre, Paris has officially opened the Vietnam Year in France.

Following the France Year in Vietnam to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between the two countries, the Vietnam Year is expected to present some 150 cultural events across France between February and July.

The opening witnessed the attendance of Vietnamese Minister of Culture and Sports Hoang Tuan Anh, who is visiting France on February 13-16.

The Vietnam Year in France will introduce to French and international friends about an Asian nation that has been so close and connected to France through history, culture and other ties, which are strengthened through Strategic Partnerships signed between two sides last year, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Duong Chi Dung told Vietnam News Agency correspondents.

"The event will make strong advances in the mutual relationship between the two countries as well as localities, connecting communities," said Dung.

"It's an ample opportunity for Vietnam to learn from France in terms of technology and experience in organising activities to promote the country's images abroad methodically and professionally."

Regarding cultural co-operation, Dung said the two sides were prepared to organise the biggest exhibition entitled "Dragons on Antiques" at the Guimet Museum in Paris in September and a large-scale conference "Vietnam Arts, a New Approach."

A range of activities will also be held to accelerate Vietnamese cinematography works, circus, water puppetry, contemporary dance and music, ca tru (ceremonial singing), and traditional martial arts performance. In particular, Vietnamese cuisine will be promoted through special programmes in local hotels, on streets and public spaces.-VNA

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam stressed the need to reform the management of education in the country as well as the exam system at a February 13 conference, held by the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET).

The Hanoi event was to review the first semester and plan for the next, as well as to discuss education universilastion (access for all) and the 2014 examinations.

Praising efforts made by the education sector recently, the deputy PM said that the sector has used its strengths to handle promptly its weaknesses.

It is necessary to mobilise social resources to make pre-school education for five-year-old children universal, he said, noting the need to build schools within industrial zones for the children of workers.

For exams this year, the leader asked MoET to closely monitor secondary school’s graduation exams, prioritising the students’ needs.

“Any changes should be announced ahead of the school year so that students have time to prepare,” Deputy PM Dam said.

According to the MoET, due attention has been paid to pre-school universalisation for five-year-old children, while new effective teaching methodology has been rolled out.

Nursery schools are now present in most residential areas, the ministry said, adding that localities have planned land for more schools.

High on the agenda at the conference were changes to the secondary school graduation exams in 2014 and for the coming years.

Many agreed that by decreasing the number of subjects sat for the 2014 graduation exams from six to four, the pressure on students, as well as their parents, would be eased.   

Director of the Quang Binh provincial Department of Education and Training Doan Duc Liem said that although some students are exempt from sitting university exams, due to prior high-level achievements, the MoET must work to ensure equality between schools and localities.

As well as other suggestions, some participating said that foreign languages should be made compulsory.

Nhandan Online

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on February 15 gave the order to start the construction of a bridge connecting Tan Vu and Cat Hai island district in the northern port city of Hai Phong, the longest sea-crossing bridge in Vietnam and one of the longest in Southeast Asia at present.

Once completed by 2017, the bridge project, with a total length of 15.6km, will link with developing areas in eastern Hai Phong, Dinh Vu industrial park and the Ha Noi – Hai Phong highway which is under construction.

Built at a total cost of over 11.8 trillion VND (560 million USD), over 10 trillion VND (470 million USD) of which is sourced from Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), it is one of two key components under a project to build infrastructure for Lach Huyen port, in Cat Hai, which will become the first international transit port in the northern region.

Addressing the event, PM Dung called for all possible resources and advanced technologies to ensure that the project meets schedule and quality.

He also asked the Ministry of Transport to work closely with the municipal agencies to clear bottlenecks and deal with any contingency arising.

The leader also thanked the Japanese Government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency for their ODA supply to the project.

He declared that Vietnam will put the Japanese-funded ODA into good use for development.

Vietnam Plus

The 11^th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations is officially hosted in May 2014 in Bai Dinh Pagoda by The Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam in the socialized way.

This information was revealed by The Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam at a press conference in the November 24 afternoon.

This is the second time the UN Vesak Celebrations and the International Buddhist Conference to be held in Vietnam .

Acting standing Vice Chairman and  General Secretary of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the most Venerable Thich Thien Nhon said that the celebration takes place from May 7 to  11^th, 2014 with the main theme is “Buddhist and the UN millennium development goals”.

There are five sub-themes of the scientific conference, including: “Buddhist respose to Sustainable Development and Social Change”, “Buddhist respose to Global Warming and Environmental Protection”, “Buddhist Contributions to Healthy Living”, “Peace-building and Post-Conflic Recovery”, “Buddhist Education and University Level Curriculum”.

Along with that there will be exhibition of Vietnam Buddhist culture, cultural  - cuisine fair and cabaret, Buddhist film festivals and planning to issue publications on Statues of Buddha in Vietnam and Vietnam temples ...

The 2014 UN Day of Vesak and conferences are expected to draw a gathering of 10,000 attendees,  including 1,500 Buddhist leaders, Buddhist scholars and Buddhist practitioners from all of the Buddhist traditions from 100 countries and territories and 8,500 Buddhist fellows and from Vietnam.

This is an important foreign events contributing to enhance the role of Buddhism in Vietnam on the way of international integration. It confirms the position and responsibilities of Vietnam to the United Nations as well as is an opportunity to promote image of the people and Vietnam, further development of spiritual, ecological tourism, planning to petition UNESCO to recognize Trang An as a world  natural heritage site.

Most Venerable Brahmapundit, President of the international Council for UN Vesak Day said Vesak festival known as Visakha Puja. It is the day Buddhists assemble to commemorate the life of the Buddha, and to give reverence to His purity, profound wisdom and immense compassion for all humankind and living beings by reflecting and using His teachings as guidelines for their lives.  Visakha Puja Day also marks the anniversary of three significant events in the life of the Buddha – His Birth, Enlightenment, and Attainment of Complete Nibbana – that occurred on the 15^th day of the 6^th waxing moon.

It is an international scale Celebration and was officially recognized in 1999 by the United Nations.

Every year, the celebration was held at the headquarters of the United Nations in New York and the UN office in the area.

Most Venerable Brahmapundit confirmed support the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in organizing succcessfully the 2014 UN Day of Vesak Celebrations.

The first preparatory meeting for the 2014 UN Vesak celebrations took place in two days of November 23 and 24, 2013 with the participation of over 70 representatives from Vietnam and many other countries.

Vietnam has just done well for the second cycle of Universal Periodical Review (UPR) in Geneva, Switzerland. So, what’s the UPR? and how’s about Vietnam’s one. Today, I want to share some information about the UPR with you.

The UPR is a unique process which involves a review of the human rights records of all UN Member States. The UPR is a State-driven process, under the auspices of the Human Rights Council, which provides the opportunity for each State to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to fulfil their human rights obligations. As one of the main features of the Council, the UPR is designed to ensure equal treatment for every country when their human rights situations are assessed.

The UPR was created through the UN General Assembly on 15 March 2006 by resolution 60/251, which established the Human Rights Council itself. It is a cooperative process which, by October 2011, has reviewed the human rights records of all 193 UN Member States. Currently, no other universal mechanism of this kind exists. The UPR is one of the key elements of the Council which reminds States of their responsibility to fully respect and implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The ultimate aim of this mechanism is to improve the human rights situation in all countries and address human rights violations wherever they occur.

The UPR as a progressive, effective and fair mechanism, under which, all countries, big or small, developed or underdeveloped, have the right to assess other countries and voice their opinions.

In 2009, for the 1^st time, Vietnam’s national report on the country’s human rights situation was reviewed by the UN Human Rights Council. This year, Vietnam has to fulfill its obligation for the second cycle, as a newly-elected member of the Council. And on February 5th Vietnam’s UPR was approved by the Council UPR working group, at its 18^th session in Geneva, Switzeland. The report stressed the achievements Vietnam has recorded in respecting, protecting and promoting human rights as well as the implementation of proposals at the first cycle. At the session, a majority of countries welcomed Vietnam’s efforts over the past years in carrying out its commitments since the first cycle review. Many countries asked Vietnam to share its experience in renovation and ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups.

For the previous review, 66 countries joined the dialogue with Vietnam, putting forward 123 recommendations but this time around, as many as 107 countries attended the dialogue and proposed 227 recommendations. Most of the recommendations can be accepted, while a number of others need to be considered carefully.

According to procedures, Vietnam will present its viewpoint on all the recommendations in June this year.

Few days before Vietnam’s representation, there were a lot of groups, people known as anti-communist forces in foreign, including terrorist organization named “Viet Tan Party”, gathering in Geneva. They had conducted campaigns to distort Vietnam human rights situation and give unacceptable request.

In general, Vietnam has done well in presenting its UPRs and fulfilling its obligation as a active member of the UN and the UN Human Rights Council. We believe that Vietnamese Government has been doing the best in respecting, protecting and promoting human rights of Vietnamese people. And UPR is not only a national report on the country’s human right situation, but also a message to the international community that Vietnam is a democratic nation.

Agriculture and Rural Development Sector Programme Support has helped reducing poverty rate in five provinces of Vietnam from 25% in 2007 to 10-12% now.

Embassy of Denmark has announced that December 16 was the last day of Agriculture and Rural Development Sector Programme Support (ARD SPS) with a total budget of $42 million after six years of implementation in five Vietnamese highland provinces.

The project was developed in accordance with a cooperation agreement signed between the Government of Vietnam and Denmark which has helped reducing poverty in the uplands of Vietnam from 25% in 2007 to 10-12% today.

Giving speech at the December 16 review meeting in Hanoi, Danish Ambassador in Vietnam  John Nielsen said that: “Over a million farmers and their families in five provinces have benefited through the program, and rural people in the future will be benefited from the infrastructure and pilot models initiated with funding from the program”.

The six-year program from 2007 to 2013 was implemented in five provinces of Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Dak Lak and Dak Nong, at the same time supporting for two agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to help promoting poverty alleviation in the highlands of Vietnam, especially for ethnic minorities.

The program consisted two parts: Supporting agricultural and rural development in five above provinces and supporting rural livelihood strategies and research in five provinces towards the goal of poverty reduction.

After six years of the program, at least 70,000 selected poor families in the highlands of five provinces have improved the food security situation and got higher income as well as more stable up to now. About 50,000 highland households got 30% higher income from traditional and other products.

In Dak Lak and Dak Nong, at least 10,000 ha of forest land was distributed to rural households or communities and all well managed according to the legal system.

The program contributed to creating model of bamboo and rattan growing in Na Tau commune of Dien Bien with a total area of ​​12 ha and participation of 27 families, making an average income of 33 million/year/ha.

Fruit production models were built in Thanh Minh, Ta Len, Noong Bua and Thanh Truong with an area of ​​4 ha and  participation of 30 families of which 90% are ethnic minorities, 30 to 40% are poor and 85% are women.

Tea growing model in the communities of Sinh Phinh, Ta Phin, Ta Sin Thang and Sin Chai has an area of ​​4.44 ha with the participation of eight families of which three are poor, four are marginally poor and one is female householder.

Intensive rice cultivation model for rural migrants to Huoi Luc, Ta Huoi Trang has an area of 8 ha with the participation of 2,140 families of which 40 are poor, 90 marginally poor, 100% are ethnic with 30 female householders. The model is expected to yield 60 quintals per hectare, about 2.3 million income per household and helped 40 households out of poverty.