Vietnam tightens control over demonstrations

Vietnam enacted a new decree March 18, tightening controls over demonstrations and banning unauthorized gatherings. It requires that all gatherings not organized by government organizations or the Communist Party receive advance government approval. It also allows local people's committees to cancel such gatherings if they are considered a threat to public order. It also bans gatherings in front of government buildings, international conferences, and the National Assembly. (Agence France Presse, March 22, ABC Radio Australia, March 23).