Vietnam's parliament elected on Monday army general Luong Cuong as the new state president in a widely anticipated move that is expected to bring some stability to Vietnamese politics after a turbulent phase of departures and reshuffles.

Cuong, 67, takes over the role from To Lam, who was appointed president of the Communist-run, one-party country in May and then also took on the more powerful job of party chief following the death in July of general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Cuong was elected with the vote of all the 440 deputies who attended the parliament session on Monday.

In his inaugural speech he committed to boosting defence capabilities and pursuing an independent and multilateral foreign policy.

He vowed to "strengthen national defence and security, build up an army force that is revolutionary, well-trained, nimble and modern".

Vietnam has long been seeking to diversify its arsenal from mostly Russia-made weapons but has not reported any significant deal in recent years.

Before the election, Cuong held a key position in the secretariat of the Communist Party, which made him the fifth-highest ranking official in the country after party chief, president, prime minister and parliament's chairman. Cuong is also a member of the Politburo, the party's top decision-making body.

The state president holds little direct power but represents the country in high-level meetings with foreign dignitaries. In his short spell as president, Lam has met the leaders of China, Russia and the United States, among others.

<h2>POWER SHARING</h2>

In Vietnam, the party chief has become the most powerful figure since the late Trong effectively expanded the role's powers in his 13-year tenure.&nbsp;

The move by Lam, a former head of police, to relinquish the presidency may indicate a power-sharing compromise within the party, multiple diplomats said.

Foreign multinationals, who have large investments in the Southeast Asian country for export-oriented manufacturing, had long praised Vietnam's political stability.&nbsp;

Many were taken aback by recent turmoil in the leadership amid an anti-corruption campaign that led to the resignation of two state presidents and one parliament chairman in the 17 months before Lam's election.

The new power-sharing arrangement is set to last until 2026, when all top positions will again be up for grabs as part of a regular five-year reorganisation of the political leadership.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Vietnam's parliament elected on Monday army general Luong Cuong as the new state president in a widely anticipated move that is expected to bring some stability to Vietnamese politics after a turbulent phase of departures and reshuffles.

Vietnam's parliament elected on Monday army general Luong Cuong as the new state president in a widely anticipated move that is expected to bring some stability to Vietnamese politics after a turbulent phase of departures and reshuffles. Cuong, 67, takes over the role from To Lam, who was appointed president of the Communist-run, one-party country in May and then also took on the more powerful job of party chief following the death in July of general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Cuong was elected with the vote of all the 440 deputies who attended the parliament session on Monday. In his inaugural speech he committed to boosting defence capabilities and pursuing an independent and multilateral foreign policy. He vowed to "strengthen national defence and security, build up an army force that is revolutionary, well-trained, nimble and modern". Vietnam has long been seeking to diversify its arsenal from mostly Russia-made weapons but has not reported any significant deal in recent years. Before the election, Cuong held a key position in the secretariat of the Communist Party, which made him the fifth-highest ranking official in the country after party chief, president, prime minister and parliament's chairman. Cuong is also a member of the Politburo, the party's top decision-making body. The state president holds little direct power but represents the country in high-level meetings with foreign dignitaries. In his short spell as president, Lam has met the leaders of China, Russia and the United States, among others. POWER SHARING In Vietnam, the party chief has become the most powerful figure since the late Trong effectively expanded the role's powers in his 13-year tenure. The move by Lam, a former head of police, to relinquish the presidency may indicate a power-sharing compromise within the party, multiple diplomats said. Foreign multinationals, who have large investments in the Southeast Asian country for export-oriented manufacturing, had long praised Vietnam's political stability. Many were taken aback by recent turmoil in the leadership amid an anti-corruption campaign that led to the resignation of two state presidents and one parliament chairman in the 17 months before Lam's election. The new power-sharing arrangement is set to last until 2026, when all top positions will again be up for grabs as part of a regular five-year reorganisation of the political leadership. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Vietnam parliament elects army general Luong Cuong as new state president

UK’s new top Army general General Sir Patrick Sanders has asked every soldier to prepare to fight against the Russian army in a potential World War III.

General Sanders, who took over from General Sir Mark Carleton Smith on Monday, told the British soldiers that they must prepare "to fight in Europe once again" as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

"There is now a burning imperative to forge an Army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle," Sir Patrick said.

According to&nbsp;The Sun, the warning came in his first speech since he became Chief of the General Staff this month, taking overall control of the British Army.

“We are the generation that must prepare the Army to fight in Europe once again.”

"I am the first Chief of the General Staff since 1941 to take command of the Army in the shadow of a land war in Europe involving a continental power,” General Sanders added.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underlines our core purpose — to protect the UK by being ready to fight and win wars on land.”

The remarks come at a time when General Saunders will be leading the smallest British Army in the last 300 years, after the government&nbsp;cut the force to 73,000 troops.

The 56-year-old has previously commanded on operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

He has also promised to accelerate plans to modernise the Army and to deploy overseas more often to respond swiftly to crises.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-chief-warns-of-russia-ukraine-conflict-could-last-for-years-pm-johnson-too-echoes-concern-489570" hreflang="en">NATO chief warns Russia-Ukraine conflict could last ‘for years’, PM Johnson also echoes concern</a>

The remarks of the British Army Chief reflect the overall sentiment of Europe in the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

UK's&nbsp;neighbours Finland and Sweden have already shed their military neutrality and are already close to clinching&nbsp;membership of the US-led NATO military alliance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-visits-war-torn-city-of-mykolaiv-489503" hreflang="en">Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky visits war-torn city of Mykolaiv</a>

The move is expected to receive a blowback from Russia, which had started the invasion after Ukraine expressed similar interests.

(With inputs from agencies)

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UK’s new top Army general General Sir Patrick Sanders has asked every soldier to prepare to fight against the Russian army in a potential World War III. General Sanders, who took over from General Sir Mark Carleton Smith on Monday, told the British soldiers that they must prepare "to fight in Europe once again" as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

UK’s new top Army general General Sir Patrick Sanders has asked every soldier to prepare to fight against the Russian army in a potential World War III. General Sanders, who took over from General Sir Mark Carleton Smith on Monday, told the British soldiers that they must prepare "to fight in Europe once again" as the conflict in Ukraine continues. "There is now a burning imperative to forge an Army capable of fighting alongside our allies and defeating Russia in battle," Sir Patrick said. According to The Sun, the warning came in his first speech since he became Chief of the General Staff this month, taking overall control of the British Army. “We are the generation that must prepare the Army to fight in Europe once again.” "I am the first Chief of the General Staff since 1941 to take command of the Army in the shadow of a land war in Europe involving a continental power,” General Sanders added. “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine underlines our core purpose — to protect the UK by being ready to fight and win wars on land.” The remarks come at a time when General Saunders will be leading the smallest British Army in the last 300 years, after the government cut the force to 73,000 troops. The 56-year-old has previously commanded on operations in Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has also promised to accelerate plans to modernise the Army and to deploy overseas more often to respond swiftly to crises. Also read | NATO chief warns Russia-Ukraine conflict could last ‘for years’, PM Johnson also echoes concern The remarks of the British Army Chief reflect the overall sentiment of Europe in the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. UK's neighbours Finland and Sweden have already shed their military neutrality and are already close to clinching membership of the US-led NATO military alliance. Also read | Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky visits war-torn city of Mykolaiv The move is expected to receive a blowback from Russia, which had started the invasion after Ukraine expressed similar interests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

UK’s new Army Chief asks soldiers to prepare for potential World War III

By: Mallika Singh

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf was sentenced to death on Tuesday by the Pakistan High Court on the accounts of high treason.&nbsp;

The three-judge Bench handed out a death sentence to Musharraf for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency rule in 2007.&nbsp;

Musharraf was first booked for treason in December 2013 and was indicted on March 31, 2014, The prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year.&nbsp;

However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former military dictator lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016.

Born on August 11, 1943, Musharraf - a retired four-star army general - was the 10th President of Pakistan whose presidency lasted from 2001 until 2008 when he had to render his resignation to avoid impeachment.&nbsp;

Born in Delhi, in undivided India, Musharraf was raised in Istanbul and Karachi and went on to join the Pakistan Military Academy in 1961.&nbsp;

Rising through the ranks, Musharraf was appointed as the head of the Pakistani Armed Forces by the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in October 1988 and also led the Kargil infiltration against India in 1999.&nbsp;

Musharraf led a military coup against the democratic government of Nawaz Sharif in 1999, overtaking Sharif as the head of the country and placing him under house arrest.&nbsp;

Although he had promised a subsequent return to civilian rule, Musharraf suspended the constitution and dissolved the Parliament, appointing the National Security Council to rule the country.&nbsp;

Musharraf was later appointed as the President of Pakistan on June 20, 2001, and after a dubious referendum, his presidency was extended for five years in May 2002.&nbsp;

Later in the same year, Musharraf reinstated a heavily amended constitution and general elections were held under the supervision of the army in which the Pakistan Muslim League- Q emerged victoriously.&nbsp;

Musharraf’s move to seek reelection in 2007 faced opposition from the Pakistan Supreme Court over the issue of him continuing to be the head of the state and the army.&nbsp;

Amid rising tensions, the supreme court delayed the results of his reelection to which Musharraf responded by declaring a state of emergency in the country citing terrorist threats.&nbsp;

Emergency enabled him to suspend the constitution again, dismiss the chief justice and replace the supreme court bench who later dismissed the legal challenges to Musharraf’s reelection. Following which Musharraf resigned from his military post and become a civilian president.&nbsp;

During the emergency, Musharraf arrested several opposition leaders and imposed strict restrictions on the media.&nbsp;

Post the emergency uplift in December, several amendments were again made to the constitution that protected measures enforced during the emergency rule.&nbsp;

In the elections of February 2008, Musharraf’s party was widely rejected by the people of Pakistan and saw the reelection of Sharif with the help of coalition with Asif Ali Zardari.&nbsp;

Hence began the impeachment proceedings against Musharraf, leading him to announce his resignation on August 18.&nbsp;

Musharraf tried to return to electoral politics in March 2013 elections, His attempts to contest from his newly formed All Pakistan Muslim League were thwarted due to several political and legal obstacles, leading to his disqualification.&nbsp;

He was later permitted to move to Dubai to seek medical assistance in 2016, where he remains till date to seek treatment for amyloidosis.

By: Mallika Singh Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf was sentenced to death on Tuesday by the Pakistan High Court on the accounts of high treason. The three-judge Bench handed out a death sentence to Musharraf for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency rule in 2007.

By: Mallika Singh Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf was sentenced to death on Tuesday by the Pakistan High Court on the accounts of high treason. The three-judge Bench handed out a death sentence to Musharraf for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency rule in 2007. Musharraf was first booked for treason in December 2013 and was indicted on March 31, 2014, The prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former military dictator lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016. Born on August 11, 1943, Musharraf - a retired four-star army general - was the 10th President of Pakistan whose presidency lasted from 2001 until 2008 when he had to render his resignation to avoid impeachment. Born in Delhi, in undivided India, Musharraf was raised in Istanbul and Karachi and went on to join the Pakistan Military Academy in 1961. Rising through the ranks, Musharraf was appointed as the head of the Pakistani Armed Forces by the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in October 1988 and also led the Kargil infiltration against India in 1999. Musharraf led a military coup against the democratic government of Nawaz Sharif in 1999, overtaking Sharif as the head of the country and placing him under house arrest. Although he had promised a subsequent return to civilian rule, Musharraf suspended the constitution and dissolved the Parliament, appointing the National Security Council to rule the country. Musharraf was later appointed as the President of Pakistan on June 20, 2001, and after a dubious referendum, his presidency was extended for five years in May 2002. Later in the same year, Musharraf reinstated a heavily amended constitution and general elections were held under the supervision of the army in which the Pakistan Muslim League- Q emerged victoriously. Musharraf’s move to seek reelection in 2007 faced opposition from the Pakistan Supreme Court over the issue of him continuing to be the head of the state and the army. Amid rising tensions, the supreme court delayed the results of his reelection to which Musharraf responded by declaring a state of emergency in the country citing terrorist threats. Emergency enabled him to suspend the constitution again, dismiss the chief justice and replace the supreme court bench who later dismissed the legal challenges to Musharraf’s reelection. Following which Musharraf resigned from his military post and become a civilian president. During the emergency, Musharraf arrested several opposition leaders and imposed strict restrictions on the media. Post the emergency uplift in December, several amendments were again made to the constitution that protected measures enforced during the emergency rule. In the elections of February 2008, Musharraf’s party was widely rejected by the people of Pakistan and saw the reelection of Sharif with the help of coalition with Asif Ali Zardari. Hence began the impeachment proceedings against Musharraf, leading him to announce his resignation on August 18. Musharraf tried to return to electoral politics in March 2013 elections, His attempts to contest from his newly formed All Pakistan Muslim League were thwarted due to several political and legal obstacles, leading to his disqualification. He was later permitted to move to Dubai to seek medical assistance in 2016, where he remains till date to seek treatment for amyloidosis.

Pervez Musharraf: An Army general, dictator and convict

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday confirmed that the punishment of dismissal has been awarded to a Major General from service in connection with a sexual harassment case.

"Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has confirmed the sentence awarded to the officer. The decision of the Chief of Army Staff was intimated to the Major General by the 2 Corps Commander Lt Gen MJS Kahlon today in Ambala," Army officials told ANI.

As per the orders issued in this regard, the confirmation of the sentence was signed by the Army Chief in July itself.

An Army General Court Martial (GCM) on December 23 last year had recommended dismissal of the Major General from service in a more than two-year-old sexual harassment.

Reacting on the decision of the Army Chief, the Major General's lawyer Anand Kumar said, "The confirmation of the sentence and its promulgation is illegal as the Major General has not been supplied a copy of court-martial proceedings till date to enable him to file a pre-confirmation petition despite the orders passed by AFT Delhi."

"His Review Application is also pending and despite that, the sentence has been confirmed by General Rawat who was also made aware of the order of AFT through a legal notice sent by us. We will challenge this confirmation order," he added.

The court-martial had recommended the dismissal of the officer from service after he was charged under section 354A of the IPC and Army Act 45 which is related to unbecoming conduct of officers in the force. As per the Army rules, the recommendation of the GCM is sent to higher authorities for confirmation.

The higher authority has the powers to even change the sentence.

The Major General was posted in the Northeast when the alleged incident took place in late 2016 and was attached to Chandimandir under Army's Western Command for the disciplinary proceedings.

The officer had denied the charges against him levelled by the Captain-rank lady officer. In a plea filed before the Armed Forces Tribunal, the officer had claimed that he was a victim of factionalism within the Army which had allegedly arisen due to the appointment of Army Chief in that year.&nbsp;

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday confirmed that the punishment of dismissal has been awarded to a Major General from service in connection with a sexual harassment case.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on Friday confirmed that the punishment of dismissal has been awarded to a Major General from service in connection with a sexual harassment case. "Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has confirmed the sentence awarded to the officer. The decision of the Chief of Army Staff was intimated to the Major General by the 2 Corps Commander Lt Gen MJS Kahlon today in Ambala," Army officials told ANI. As per the orders issued in this regard, the confirmation of the sentence was signed by the Army Chief in July itself. An Army General Court Martial (GCM) on December 23 last year had recommended dismissal of the Major General from service in a more than two-year-old sexual harassment. Reacting on the decision of the Army Chief, the Major General's lawyer Anand Kumar said, "The confirmation of the sentence and its promulgation is illegal as the Major General has not been supplied a copy of court-martial proceedings till date to enable him to file a pre-confirmation petition despite the orders passed by AFT Delhi." "His Review Application is also pending and despite that, the sentence has been confirmed by General Rawat who was also made aware of the order of AFT through a legal notice sent by us. We will challenge this confirmation order," he added. The court-martial had recommended the dismissal of the officer from service after he was charged under section 354A of the IPC and Army Act 45 which is related to unbecoming conduct of officers in the force. As per the Army rules, the recommendation of the GCM is sent to higher authorities for confirmation. The higher authority has the powers to even change the sentence. The Major General was posted in the Northeast when the alleged incident took place in late 2016 and was attached to Chandimandir under Army's Western Command for the disciplinary proceedings. The officer had denied the charges against him levelled by the Captain-rank lady officer. In a plea filed before the Armed Forces Tribunal, the officer had claimed that he was a victim of factionalism within the Army which had allegedly arisen due to the appointment of Army Chief in that year.

Army Chief confirms dismissal of Major General over sexual harassment case

Pakistan`s army has sentenced a general to life imprisonment for spying and ordered the death penalty for a brigadier and a civilian officer convicted in the same case, a military statement said on Thursday.

Following a closed-door military trial, army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa endorsed the sentences on the three for "espionage (and) leaking sensitive information to foreign agencies in detriment to national security," the statement said.

Retired Lieutenant General Javed Iqbal was jailed for a life term, meaning he will serve 14 years in prison under Pakistani law. Retired Brigadier Raja Rizwan was sentenced to death alongside Wasim Akram, a civilian doctor employed by an army organization.

The army did not give further details about the information that was allegedly leaked by the three men or say to whom it was disclosed. It was not clear if the two military officers had already retired from service before the case against them began.

Pakistan`s army has its own laws and courts, and military officers accused of wrongdoing are always tried behind closed doors. Rulings can only be challenged or reviews in accordance with military procedures.

Pakistan`s army has sentenced a general to life imprisonment for spying and ordered the death penalty for a brigadier and a civilian officer convicted in the same case, a military statement said on Thursday.

Pakistan`s army has sentenced a general to life imprisonment for spying and ordered the death penalty for a brigadier and a civilian officer convicted in the same case, a military statement said on Thursday. Following a closed-door military trial, army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa endorsed the sentences on the three for "espionage (and) leaking sensitive information to foreign agencies in detriment to national security," the statement said. Retired Lieutenant General Javed Iqbal was jailed for a life term, meaning he will serve 14 years in prison under Pakistani law. Retired Brigadier Raja Rizwan was sentenced to death alongside Wasim Akram, a civilian doctor employed by an army organization. The army did not give further details about the information that was allegedly leaked by the three men or say to whom it was disclosed. It was not clear if the two military officers had already retired from service before the case against them began. Pakistan`s army has its own laws and courts, and military officers accused of wrongdoing are always tried behind closed doors. Rulings can only be challenged or reviews in accordance with military procedures.

Pakistani army general given life sentence on spying charges

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