PM orders urgent measures to maintain law, order

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has ordered the relevant authorities nationwide to actively take firm measures to prevent and punish those who incite others to disturb law and order.

The move followed rallies in recent days by workers in cities and provinces in the south and central regions to protest China's illegal move to deploy its oil rig in Viet Nam's territorial waters earlier this month.


In his telegraphed message sent this morning to the Ministry of Public Security and other ministries, sectors and localities, Dung noted that, "In recent days, the people throughout the country have expressed their patriotism legitimately by protesting China's illegal placement of the Haiyang Shiyou 981 oil rig in Viet Nam's sea waters."

"However, some people have violated the law and spontaneously damaged production units, including those of foreign investors, and opposed authority.

"This has caused social disorder and affected the production activities and daily life of the people as well as the investment environment and foreign policy of the Party and the State.

"The situation is serious," Dung noted.

The Prime Minister asked the authorities to ensure the security and safety of all people and enterprises as well as their properties.

The local authorities have been requested to protect businesses and the production work of enterprises, especially the foreign ones. They have been requested to urgently help and support enterprises to resume business and production soon.

Dung also asked for the urgent dissemination of his message to the people that they should avoid actions which violate the law and regulations, and avoid emulating undesirable people.

Ministries, sectors and localities have been requested to regularly update the Prime Minister about the situation.