Nhan Dan - The National Assembly Standing Committee opened its ninth session in Hanoi on June 30 to review the results of the 12th NA's third session and prepare for the fourth session.

A report by the Standing Committee showed that the third session decided important issues including the expansion of Hanoi, changes to a number of development targets and the priority to control inflation.

The third session approved 11 draft laws, discussed seven other draft laws and questioned government members on the issues of great public concern.

The participants yesterday affirmed that the third session had seen positive results for a large number of the items on its agenda, particularly the question-and-answer part, reflecting high democratic spirit and responsibilities toward the country's development.

A report by the NA Office proposes the fourth NA session to be started on October 20 and closed on late November.

The session is expected to consider the issues relating to socio-economic development in 2008 and the plan for 2009, adopt eight draft laws and a resolution on law building programme for 2009 and discuss 12 other draft laws.