Dien Bien Phu Victory a source of pride: Lao newspaper

Vientiane (VNA) – The Pathet Lao newspaper hailed Vietnam’s Dien Bien Phu Victory over French colonial rule as a source of national pride in an article published on May 6.

The victory on May 7, 1954 has also been a source of great motivation for the country’s “Doi Moi” reforms which aim to achieve prosperity, a mighty nation, democracy and a fair and civilised society, the newspaper said.

Dien Bien Phu was the most glorious victory ever in Vietnam’s struggle against foreign invaders, it said, adding that the battle marked a milestone not only in the history of Vietnam but also the world as it contributed to the break-down of the global colonial system.

The victory shows that an underdeveloped country that used to be a semi-feudal colony with a small territory and population, and an inferior, under-equipped army had ultimately managed to defeat wealthy, superior invaders thanks to its strong unity and leadership of the Communist Party and President Ho Chi Minh, according to the article.

It was the victory of not only the Vietnamese people but also their Lao and Cambodian neighbours who had united to liberate their countries, leaving the French colonialists with no other choice than to sign the Geneva Agreement to restore peace in Indochina.

It set a great example for other colonised countries around the world to revolt against oppression and exploitation, contributing to the global fight for peace, independence, democracy and social progress.

The Dien Bien Phu Victory is of particular significance to Laos as Dien Bien Phu borders its provinces of Phongsaly and Huaphanh./.