(Nhan Dhan, September 3, 2003)

In his speech, Hanoi Mayor Hoang Van Nghien spoke of the great significance of the August revolution which ushered in a new era of independence, freedom and socialism in Vietnam. He said the August revolution was a victory of Ho Chi Minh Thought on the national, democratic and people's revolution. It was a successful combination of the national strength, the strength of the era, and the strength of the great national unity.

* Also on September 1, a delegation of the Party, State, National Assembly, Government and Fatherland Front Central Committee paid a floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and laid a wreath at the Hanoi Monument to Fallen Combatants. The delegation included Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, President Tran Duc Luong, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Van An and Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

* A meeting was also held on September 1 at Tan Binh District’s Cultural and Sports Centre in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

Present at the meeting were Vice President Truong My Hoa; Heroic Mothers, revolutionary veterans, representatives of the city’s authorities and people.

Mr Thai Van Re, chairman of Tan Binh District People’s Committee, delivered a speech, reviewing the developments and significance of the August Revolution and National Day. He also highlighted the great achievements recorded by Ho Chi Minh City in the years of renovation.

On the occasion, Ho Chi Minh City Catholics Unity Committee organised a meeting to praise 233 individuals who have performed good deeds and 51 cultural families that have taken an active part in social work and lived the gospel life amidst the nation.

* Meetings to mark the events were also held in many localities nationwide, including Yen Bai, Haiphong, Thua Thien-Hue and Military Zone 7 headquarters.

National Day celebrated abroad

(Nhan Dhan September 3, 2003)

Many activities have been held abroad to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2).

In Russia, Ambassador Nguyen Van Nganh held a press briefing on September 1 during which he highlighted the socio-economic achievements Vietnam has made since its renovation process was introduced in 1986. He reviewed the glorious historical periods of the nation. He also praised the country's traditional ties with Russia, stressing "Enhancing multi-dimensional co-operative relations with Russia is one of Vietnam's top priorities in its foreign policy of diversifying and multilateralising its external relations."

The Vietnam Martial Arts Association in Russia organised a special martial arts performance program to welcome the National Day and raise funds for the Poor Fund in Vietnam.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Huynh Anh Dung held a reception in Vientiane on September 2 to mark the event. The participants raised glasses for the good health of Lao and Vietnamese leaders and to a constant development of the special friendship and comprehensive co-operation between the Parties, States and people of the two countries.

Also on this occasion, Vietnamese Consul General in New South Wales State of Australia, Nguyen Van Tho, gave a reception on September 2. Addressing the reception, Mr Tho spoke of the significance of the August Revolution and the National Day as well as the great achievements recorded by the Vietnamese people in national construction and development. The President of New South Wales senate reviewed the development of relations between the two countries over the past 30 years and expressed the wish for further development of Vietnam-Australia ties.

The Bulgaria-Vietnam Friendship Association held a meeting and film show on September 1 at the Sofia Cultural Palace on this occasion. At the meeting, the Association President spoke of the great significance of the event to the Vietnamese people and their achievements in the renovation process.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Nguyen Van Dac recalled the Vietnamese people's historical landmark and praised the traditional friendly relations between Vietnam and Bulgaria.

Earlier on August 29, the Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria held a meeting and art performance program to welcome the August Revolution anniversary and the National Day.

Commemorative activities such as meetings, get-togethers, receptions, and art performances were also arranged by the Vietnamese embassies in China, Germany, Thailand, Cambodia and other countries, drawing the participation of overseas Vietnamese and foreign diplomats and others.