Official visits troubled Thai Binh

Official visits troubled Thai Binh

HANOI (AFP): A member of Vietnam's ruling politburo has visited the troubled central province of Thai Binh, which was rocked by violent demonstrations last year, the official Nhan Dan newspaper reported yesterday.

Pham The Duyet, chairman of a high-level government committee, traveled to Quynh Phu district, which was hit by protests against corrupt local officials and falling incomes in May and June.

Duyet was appointed member of the Politburo's powerful standing committee this week.

The surprise announcement was seen as a move to stress the Communist Party's determination to stamp out social unrest and political instability after unrest in several rural provinces.

But Duyet only toured the commune of An Dong on his trip to Thai Binh, which is seen as a model community unaffected by the troubles.