New president and prime minister elected in Laos

The national assembly in Laos is reported to have chosen a new president and prime minister.

Correspondents say the Communist party chairman, Khamtay Siphandone, has -- as expected -- been named to replace the octogenarian president, Nouhak Phoumsavanh, and Sisavath Keobounphanh will succeed Khamtay as prime minister.

The leaders were elected in secret and are due to hold office until the year 2003.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service