Vietnam on Monday said that a state funeral will be held for former Party General Secretary Le Kha Phieu on two days this week, with flags to be flown at half-staff in national mourning.
The former Party chief died at home of old age and illness at 2:52 am in Hanoi on August 7, the national board tasked with taking care of high-ranking officials’ health said in an announcement.
Former Party General Secretary Phieu was born on December 27, 1931 in Dong Khe Commune, Dong Son District, Thanh Hoa, located in north-central Vietnam, the Vietnam News Agency reported.
He resided at 7/36/C1 Ly Nam De, Cua Dong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
Colonel General Phieu joined the Communist Party of Vietnam on June 19, 1949.
He served as General Secretary of the Party Central Committee from December 1997 to April 2001, playing other senior roles in the all-powerful Politburo and the military in his political career.
A state funeral will be held for him on Friday and Saturday, with flags to be flown at half-staff in public offices and places in national mourning.
His body will lie in state at the National Funeral Home at 5 Tran Thanh Tong Street in Hanoi.
All forms of entertainment will stop on the two days of national mourning.
National broadcaster Vietnam Television (VTV) and national Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) will telecast the funeral ceremonies in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Thanh Hoa Province.
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