The amended Press Law will be submitted to the government in February 2010, to the Politburo in March 2010 and to the National Assembly in May 2010 for consideration and approval at the 8th NA session in October 2010, one year later than scheduled.

The cabinet meeting from March 30 to April 1.

Minister of Information and Communications Le Doan Hop reported the case to the government at the cabinet meeting on April 1 and the government agreed.

Hop said that there are some points in the amended Press Law that need to be made clear, such as press freedom, free speech in the press, the leadership of the party, the state’s management over press activities, the tasks of press officials, and the provision of information to the press.

Another issue is when the press releases incorrect information, besides having to release a correction and being fined under the law, how the new agencies have to compensate for organizations and individuals.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung asked the compilation board, under the Ministry of Information and Communications, to show in the amended Law the strengthened leadership of the party and the State’s management and the role of the press in building and defending the country.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Press Law must be amended completely to adapt to the new situation.

Also on the final day of the cabinet meeting, the Government listened to and considered four other bills: the amended Law on Cultural Heritage, the amended Law on Health Examination and Treatment, the amended Law on Capital Construction Investment, the Law on Telecommunications, and the signing of the La Haye Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in International Adoption.

VietNamNet/TTXVN

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