VNA: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS GROUP DISCUSSION

[Dao Van <daotb@yahoo.com>]

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HOLDS GROUP DISCUSSION

Ha Noi, Nov.  27 (VNA) -- National Assembly deputies on Nov.  27, the
ninth working day of the on-going NA session, discussed in groups the
State budget estimates for the year 2000; the ratification of the
balance of the 1998 State budget; and the Government report on the
operation of the court and procuracy system. 

NA deputies gave opinions on the State budget estimates for 2000, saying
that it is important to try to prevent a decrease in the State's
revenues and to promote economic growth by changing the structure of the
economy; and to make better use of domestic resources and opportunities
to integrate into the world economy.  Almost all speakers agreed that a
national practice of thrift should be promoted in 2000 and the State
should cultivate stable and sustainable revenue sources, thus ensuring
that the State budget revenues will be sufficient to carry out the
important socio-economic tasks set for the year. 

They also said that the State should spend money on developing
agriculture and rural areas, alleviating unemployment and reducing
poverty; and pour investment into infrastructure and key projects to
accelerate development of key economic zones. 

NA deputies said that the State budget for 2000 must allot enough money
to public employees in line with the alterations to their salaries and
social allowances agreed upon at the Party Central Committee's 7th
Session.  They also asked for a provisional budget to be drawn up and
for a reasonable amount of money to be kept in the State's reserves. 

On law enforcement this year, NA deputies said that though the number of
convictions was down compared with last year, the crimes committed had
become more serious, especially those cases related to embezzlement,
children, and prostitution. 

NA deputies noted that drug-related crimes increased and have been
developing nationwide.  The Ministry of Public Security set up a force
specializing in fighting drug-related crimes.  This force has
coordinated with customs officers and borderguards and has detected
8,030 drug-related cases (25.74 percent more than last year) involving
16,608 people (26.65 percent more than last year).  Worthy of note is
that about 90 percent of people involved in crimes such as murder,
robbery, and theft were drug addicts, the deputies said.  They declared
that drug abuse is a danger to the country and proposed that the State
take more drastic measures to raise the efficiency of the fight against
drug-related crimes.--VNA



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