Le Kha Phieu means to end instability<\/p>\n
HANOI (AFP): The appointment of Gen. Le Kha Phieu as Vietnam's
\nnew Communist Party chief is intended to end instability in the
\nranks and has been forced on the ruling party by events at home
\nand in the region.<\/p>\n
It also shows the reinforced power of the military at a time
\nwhen the country is facing many difficult challenges, diplomats
\nsaid yesterday.<\/p>\n
The party Central Committee, holding a full meeting since the
\nbeginning of last week, make the decision on Friday on the eve of
\nthe general's 66th birthday, sources said. An official
\nannouncement will only be made today.<\/p>\n
Diplomats expressed surprise as the plenum was officially
\nmeant to discuss economic questions only. "Events have hurried up
\nthe decision," said one western diplomat. "Normally the party
\nsecretary general dies in the job or is replaced by a party
\ncongress."<\/p>\n
But after months of paralysis caused by the failure to find a
\nsuccessor to the 80-year-old Do Muoi, consensus was eventually
\nreached on naming the hardline head of the army's political
\ndepartment.<\/p>\n
Le Kha Phieu had been opposed for several months from within
\nthe army and by a rival but less influential candidate, Nguyen
\nVan An.<\/p>\n
Since its congress in mid-1996 the party has given the
\nimpression that it is incapable of taking decisions, despite
\nmounting threats at home and abroad.<\/p>\n
"Peasant troubles at home and Southeast Asian financial crisis
\nforced their hand," said the western diplomat. "Vietnam has a
\ngreat need for stability and a real economic policy."<\/p>\n
Demonstrations in several provinces, some violent, against low
\nwages, high taxes and corruption have shaken the communist party,
\nwhich fears the unrest could spread. Around 80 percent of the
\npopulation live in the countryside.<\/p>\n
Southeast Asia's problems have highlighted the fragility of
\nVietnam's economy when Hanoi is being pressed by the
\ninternational community to speed up reforms.<\/p>\n
The uncertainty has reinforced the position of hardliners
\nwithin the party such as the general.<\/p>\n
"His nomination shows the desire of the party to strengthen
\nits leadership and control and stabilize the political
\nsituation," said one army officer.<\/p>\n
The choice of Phieu -- who was strongly supported by former
\npresident Le Duc Anh, another general -- also highlights the
\narmy's continuing weight. "The army wants to defend its interests
\nand have a large part of the cake," said one party source.<\/p>\n
The army and public security bureau increased their share of
\nPolitburo seats during the 1996 congress.<\/p>\n
Phieu's victory shows he can count on the party and the army,
\nsaid the western diplomat, adding: "Vietnam needs a strong
\nexecutive."<\/p>\n
But the victory of a leader who wants to keep strong central
\ncontrol over the country may not encourage hopes that the market
\neconomy will be strengthened. Phieu was not the favored candidate
\nof international financial institutions and foreign investors,
\nwho want faster and deeper economic reforms.<\/p>\n
The change of party leadership follows the election in
\nSeptember of Tran Duc Luong as president and Phan Van Khai as
\nprime minister. Both are considered reformers.<\/p>\n
The central committee's decisions on economic reforms -- the
\nmain topic since last Monday -- will indicate how much the
\nauthorities want to accelerate their opening up to the world.<\/p>\n
The announcement of personnel changes in the Politburo, which
\nis expected Monday, will also be a good indication of the balance
\nof forces within the party.<\/p>",
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