Vietnam National Assembly head resigns amid graft purge and rising political issues in country

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) meets with Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Vuong Dinh Hue at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on April 8. - Photo: EPA-EFE/XINHUA

HANOI (AFP): The head of Vietnam's National Assembly has resigned, the ruling Communist Party said Friday night, one of the most senior leaders to fall in a sweeping anti-corruption purge.

Vuong Dinh Hue asked to step down because of "violations and shortcomings", the party said in a statement on its website.