On 3 December, more than 100 countries, including the UK, will sign a treaty banning cluster bombs. As a result Britain, by law, will have to destroy more than 30 million explosives. The UK does not have the facilities, so they are being exported to Germany for disposal.

   HCM CITY — The spirit of solidarity, co-operation and amity was pervasive as the curtains came down on the first ASEAN Golden Voice contest at HCM City’s Hoa Binh Theatre last Sunday. This marked the success of the five-day festival, which attracted singers from eight ASEAN nations and guest artists from China, Korea and Bulgaria, organisers said.

   HA NOI — Ha Noi connoisseurs will have a chance to savour the rich flavours and textures of Canadian cuisine at a culinary festival launching today. Organised by the Canadian Embassy in Viet Nam, the "Festival of Canadian Flavours" is being held to celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Viet Nam.

   HA NOI — Vietnamese TV series Chay An (Buying Justice) has been honoured with the Tokyo Drama Award at the city’s 2008 International Drama Festival. Produced by the Viet Nam Television Film Centre (VFC), the 22-episode series portrays the unfortunate reality of corruption in justice.