(VOVworld) - The horrific massacre in Syria’s central town of Houla last week which killed more than 100 people is making UN efforts to stop the violence appear futile. This is the worst violence since the anti-government uprising began a year ago, dimming any prospect for peace in Syria. VOV editor Hong Van summarizes the situation there.

(VOVworld) - Increasing the economy’s total demand to boost the market is one of the requirements the Prime Minister set at Sunday’s monthly Government meeting. According to PM Nguyen Tan Dung, the stimulation must not cause inflation for next year but must ensure an appropriate growth. VOV editor Hong Van summarizes the issue.

(VOVworld) - The project to improve efficiency of NA activities was one main focus at the ongoing 3rd session of the 13th National Assembly. It aims to meet the requirement of building a Socialist state of Vietnam governed by law and of the people, by the people and for the people. Our VOV reporter sheds light on some ideas from the parliamentarians about this issue.

(VOVworld) - On May 23rd and 24th, 50 million Egyptians will cast ballots to elect a new President 15 months after former President Hosni Mubarak was ousted during the Arab Spring uprising. Opinion polls suggest that none of the 12 candidates is likely to secure a clear victory in the first round.

(VOVworld) - The 5th plenary session of the Party Central Committee which concluded on May 15th have made with major decisions relating to land policy and law. The Land Law will be revised to facilitate the efficient distribution and use of land while protecting the environment. VOV editor Thu Hoa reports.

(VOV) – The 2-day summit in Chicago ended on Monday. Some major agreements were reached on the hand-over process in Afghanistan, the deployment of the EU missile defense shield, and the enhancement of NATO’s military capacity. But the critics said these commitments prove that NATO is confused about realizing its dream of globalization.

(VOV) - On the first day of the third session of the 13th National Assembly Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered a report on the implementation of the socio-economic development plan in 2011, the implementation of the socio-economic development plan and state budget in the first four months of 2012, and measures for the remaining months of the year. VOV brings you excerpts of the report.

(VOVworld) - The fifth conference of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Central Committee has concluded with important decisions made. Anti-corruption measures were a primary focus of the conference. Huong Giang reports.

(VOVworld) – The first cabinet meeting chaired by new French Prime Minister Jean Marc Ayrault took place on Thursday, May 17th. Nominated as Prime Minister right after President Francois Hollande took office, Ayrault, a close aide of Hollande, is expected to play a key role in helping Hollande realize his election commitments and meet the challenges of his presidential term.

(VOVworld) - The fifth meeting of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee concluded in Hanoi on Tuesday. Over a period of 9 days, the committee reached a consensus on 4 issues: amendments and supplements to the Constitution, Land Law, corruption and waste prevention, and problems related to social policies and salary levels from now until 2020. VOV brings you excerpts from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s speech at the closing ceremony in Hanoi.