HA NOI — A new book on General Vo Nguyen Giap has been released by the Information and Communications Ministry to respect his devotion for the country.

Entitled O Voi Doi, O Voi Nguoi (Living in Life, Living with People), the 200-page book includes writings about the General by historians, journalists, veterans and academics in Viet Nam and abroad.

The book helps readers understand more about the morality and personality of the 100-year-old general who commanded the Viet Nam People's Army in many important battles against French and American forces.

He was the most prominent military commander, beside late President Ho Chi Minh, and was responsible for major operations and leadership throughout the wars.

People's Committee to manage royal citadel

HA NOI — Part of the ruins of the Thang Long royal citadel as well as artefacts and documents were handed over to Ha Noi's People's Committee on Wednesday to manage and continue researching.

The Archaeology Institute, under the Viet Nam Academy of Social Sciences, was formerly in charge of excavating and researching the area's history when it was rediscovered in 2002.

The citadel was recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage last year.

Photo contest winners receive cameras

HCM CITY — Three groups and two individual photographers have won prizes in a creative photo contest on environmental protection organised by camera maker Canon and the non-profit Live&Learn organisation.

Nguyen Ngoc Quan's group won the top prize for its photo of a man trying to tear up a bundle of straws. Its message is to reduce the use of plastic straws.

Ngo Tien Khanh won the second prize for his photo of a couple kissing each other with the girl wearing a mask against cigarette smoke.

Nguyen Tu Uyen's group won the third prize for a photo of a man with a jar over his head, apparently not able to breathe, an oblique reference to environmental pollution.

They all received a camera and a printer.

The contest and its messages have become popular with 14,000 Facebook users "liking" it. — VNS