Huynh Dam, the incumbent chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) was nominated through consultation as head of the VFF central committee for the second term at the VFF 7th national congress on September 29.

The national congress, which is held from September 28-30, also appointed through consultation a central committee of 355 members--35 members more than the last term.

Of the new members, 203--the majority--are prominent individuals from all social classes and strata representing a variety of economic sectors, ethnic groups, religious groups, intellectual circles and overseas Vietnamese--up 8 percent compared to the body elected at the 6th national congress.

More than half of the newly-appointed committee, or 180 members, are non-Party members, 20.2 percent (72) are female, 26.2 percent (93) are from ethnic minorities and 16.6 percent (59) are religious leaders and authorities.

Earlier, the Presidium of the VFF Central Committee briefed the 2nd day of the congress on the latest developments of the ninth tropical storm to visit the country this season, and called on people in vulnerable zones to deal with one another in a spirit of compassion and mutual support, and cooperate with social forces to minimise storm damage.

They requested that the aid boards of the VFF committees at all levels cooperate with local authorities and social forces in conducting relief activities and in helping stabilise the lives of those affected as well as restoring production./.