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Indian media highlight significance of Vietnam’s general elections

Indian media have spotlighted the significance and Vietnam’s preparations for the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure on May 23.

The Economic Times ran an article on May 22, stressing that the elections of deputies to the 15th NA on May 23, months after the 13th National Party Congress symbolises continuity in Asia’s emerging economic power and would enable to further strengthen partnership between the Vietnamese NA and Indian Parliament.

According to the article, a total of 866 candidates will contest 500 seats in the 15th National Assembly. Voter turnout on the polling day is also expected to be high. The elections are expected to be highly transparent that uphold the rights of the people of Vietnam.

The new NA of Vietnam is expected to push closer India-Vietnam ties in key regional issues including the East Sea, maritime security and connectivity.

The NA is expected to further foreign policy goals as well as economic objectives, it said, adding that like other wings of government, the Vietnamese NA plays an important role in nation building including foreign policy and economic development by playing an active role in the decision-making process.

The new NA is expected to further the roadmap outlined by the last Party Congress, VOV reported.

Israeli Ambassador has faith in Vietnam organising elections successfully

Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Nadav Eshcar has voiced his belief that Vietnam will successfully and safely hold the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and members of all-level People’s Councils in the face of unpredictable developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandamic.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Eshcar said that given the complex developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the election day safe will be a challenge for Vietnam. Still, the diplomat voiced his belief that the Vietnamese government has carefully prepared for the event.

“I think the challenge for its leadership is how to keep people safe and not affect the fight against COVID-19,” he said. “I’m certain the country’s leaders have addressed such matters. I put my trust in the Vietnamese Government.”

The ambassador added that almost every country around the world has been hit by a new wave of COVID-19. Only a few, including Israel, have seen progress in fighting the disease thanks to mass inoculations, he said, while expressing an expectation and belief that Vietnam will bring the pandemic under control thanks to the Government’s efforts and the people’s responsiveness.

Discussing Vietnam-Israel relations in general and their legislative ties in particular, Eshcar said he is delighted at seeing growth in bilateral relations over recent times. He voiced an expectation that this is “just the beginning” and will be further consolidated in the time to come.

The diplomat spoke of the visit by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to Israel in June 2015, when he was Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, and said it left a fine impression on bilateral relations.

Viet Nam welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement

Viet Nam welcomes and calls on relevant sides to respect and strictly observe the recently-reached ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and avoind taking actions that would complicate the situation, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang.

Le made that above statement on May 21 in reply to reporters’ inquiry regarding Viet Nam's response to the agreement.

Viet Nam appreciated the reconciliation efforts of the international community, especially the United Nations and related countries, she said.

(Photo: VOV)

“We call on the international community to increase humanitarian aid, including support for activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in order to help Palestinians in soon overcome difficulties and stabilize their lives,” said the Spokesperson.

To achieve sustainable and long-lasting peace in the region, Viet Nam called on the relevant parties to soon resume the peace process in the Middle East based on the two-state solution in accordance with international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations, according to VGP.

Vietnam calls for acceleration of political process in Libya

The nation has voiced its support for a fully political solution led and owned by Libyans, whilst calling for the promotion of the political process in Libya.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN made the remarks during a meeting on May 21 of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to discuss the situation in the North African nation and the operations of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

He hailed the important recent progress made in Libya, whilst highlighting Vietnamese support for UNSMIL in assisting the ceasefire monitoring mechanism and ending the presence of foreign forces and mercenaries in Libya. This is in accordance with the ceasefire agreement and relevant Resolutions passed by the UNSC.

The local diplomat went on to praise the efforts of the UNSMIL, neighboring countries, regional organizations, and concerned partners who have been involved in the process of promoting peace in Libya over recent years. In addition, actions which minimize risks and protect civilians from danger caused by bombs, mines, and explosives left over from the war are commendable and must be increased, Ambassador Quy said.

Various UNSC member states, therefore, welcomed recent positive developments in Libya, lauded the UNSMIL’s efforts, and urged concerned parties to fully follow the ceasefire agreement and prepare for an upcoming election.

Countries went on to underscore the importance of fully implementing the UNSC’s arms embargo on Libya to end the presence of foreign mercenaries and boost security sector reform efforts in the North African country, according to VOV.

Seventy-three new local COVID-19 cases take national caseload to 5,086

The Ministry of Health confirmed 73 new community infection cases of COVID-19 on Saturday afternoon, bringing the national patient tally to 5,086.

The latest patients are residents of Bac Giang (39), Bac Ninh (25), Lang Son (two), Thanh Hoa (two), Dien Bien (two), Da Nang (one), Hai Duong (one), and Thai Nguyen (one).

The same day, the ministry reported 32 more recoveries, raising the total recovered cases to 2,721, VGP said.

The number of daily new COVID-19 cases from May 1 to 7:00 pm on May 22 (Chart: VGP)

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