However, Triet advised the Procuracy, which functions similarly to the attorney general's office in Western countries, to continue improving its operations to meet Party and State strategies for judicial reform for the next 10 years.

The President was speaking at a meeting to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organisation yesterday in Ha Noi.

He asked the sector to become more active in fighting crime and protecting the socialist legal system.

To minimise the likelihood of unjust verdicts, the sector was also requested to focus on improving the quality of public prosecutions and judicial activities. Triet told cadres and officials that his advice was particularly aimed at corruption.

Tran Quoc Vuong, director of the Supreme People's Procuracy, said the sector had advised the National Assembly and Government on many ways of tightening management and prosecuting criminals, adding that this had resulted in raising the efficiency of socio-economic management work.

He said advice on amending legal documents, including those produced by ministries and the Government, had helped consolidate the country's legal system.

In the past 50 years, the procuracy sector has twice received the Ho Chi Minh Order - and many employees and divisions have been awarded Labour Medals. This year, the Procuracy was also awarded a Gold Star Order, the highest honour in Viet Nam. — VNS