Mongolia Brief October 28, 2014
MoU
on establishing Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank signed
October 28
(news.mn) A memorandum of understanding on establishing the Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank was signed by its participating countries in
Beijing, China, on October 24th.
A total of 22
Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia,
Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan,
the Republic of the Philippines, Qatar, China, Singapore, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU)
on establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to China, Ts.Sukhbaatar signed
the MoU, representing Mongolia.
Regarding the
signing of the AIIB memorandum of understanding, China's President Xi Jinping
met delegations from its participating countries.
Establishing
the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is believed to be a significant push
forward in regional development, creating a required capital resource for
infrastructure development in developing countries, using the most effective
ways to spend capital and expand it, as well as reducing capital outflow to
foreign countries.
The
participating countries agreed to open the headquarters of Asian Infrastructure
Investment Bank in Beijing, to start up in 2015.
Postage
stamps to commemorate the 375th anniversary of Ulaanbaatar issued
October 28
(news.mn) Mongol Post has released special issue stamps with the symbol of
Ulaanbaatar, dedicated to the 375thanniversary of the city, and delivered it to
the Postage Stamp Museum of Mongolia on Monday.
This is the
first-ever postage stamps issued for Ulaanbaatar. The special postage stamps
feature Khangarid, the symbol of the city, surrounding images of Ikh Khuree in
1911, street views in Ulaanbaatar from 1958 and 1982, and a panoramic view of
the current city.
The special
issue stamps for the historic anniversary were released in an edition of 1,000
stamps for sale.
During the
release of the new postage stamps, a photo exhibition featuring Ulaanbaatar's
early days, historical and social changes, and development was also displayed.
Clean
Energy to build four wind farms in the Gobi
October 28
(news.mn) Clean Energy is planning to build wind farms generating 400 MW of
power in four locations in Mongolia.
CEO of Clean
Energy LLC, Ts.Sukhbaatar said, “Mongolia has great resource for creating
renewable energy from wind, and we can supply renewable energy to Northeast
Asia. That is our goal.”
Clean Energy
company plans to build a 250 MW capacity wind farm near the massive Oyu Tolgoi
project in Khanbogd sum in Umnugovi Province.
The company is
also considering building 50 MW capacity wind farms in Tsogttsetsii in Umnugovi
Province, Sainshand, and Choir sum in Dornogovi Province.
Japan's Mizuho
Bank and SoftBank Corp announced last week that they would be investing in the
wind farm project in Tsogttsetsii sum.
Clean Energy
LLC has gained experience with a 50 MW wind farm that became operational
and was connected to the Central Regional Electricity Transmission Network last
June.
Speaker
Z.Enkhbold: Agreement is needed on energy export and import
October 28
(news.mn) Speaker of Mongolian State Great Khural Z.Enkhbold met China's
President Xi Jinping on October 27th.
Speaker Z.Enkhbold
said at the beginning of the meeting, “It's good to see you again as Mongolia
and China are celebrating the 65th anniversary of establishing diplomatic
relations. I want to deliver Mongolian President Ts.Elbegdorj's warm greetings
to you.
"Mongolia
is satisfied with the results of your high ranking state visit to Mongolia in
August, and the meeting of Mongolia, China, and Russia's leaders in Dushanbe.
"I am
pleased that bilateral relations between Mongolia and China have improved in
all fields, and through regular reciprocal high ranking visits that develop
political trust, mutual understanding is strengthened and bilateral relations
have moved into the comprehensive strategic partnership level by the mutual
efforts of both sides in recent years.
"During
your visit to Mongolia, a joint statement was signed to elevate Mongolia-China
relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
"I agree
with your statement that Mongolia and China should be mutually friendly, good
neighbors to each other, mutually beneficial good partners, and reciprocally
visited good friends in your speech delivered to the ceremonial Mongolian
parliament session.
"Interparliamentary
bilateral relations are an important area of bilateral relations. Bilateral
exchanges and collaboration are intensified between the two parliaments and
political parties of two countries. I am pleased that China accepts Mongolia's
proposal to create regular mechanisms of cooperation between the Mongolian
State Great Khural and National People's Congress of China, and signed a
memorandum of understanding during this visit."
Speaker
Z.Enkhbold said that Mongolian coal miners have it harder as China has recently
set a tax on coal import. The Speaker is seeking tax-free conditions on
processed coal and steel products from Mongolia to China. Mongolia's coal makes
up a large percentage of Mongolia and China's trade volume. But one of the
largest coal users in the world, China, has set a tax on coal import, putting
pressure on Mongolian coal miners. Thus, Mongolia is seeking tax-free
conditions for Mongolian coal import for a certain period.
The Speaker
then expressed Mongolia's willingness to sign a long term agreement on
synthetic gas export with Sinopec Corp. and expand cooperation with China's
biggest entities to build a power plant based on a massive coal deposit in
Mongolia, import energy to China, and expand currently available power plants.
Adding, "An agreement is needed on energy import and export between
Mongolia and China."
In return
China's leader said, "As you said, China will cooperate in supporting
Mongo proposal for a coal gasification project and cooperation based on coal
deposits.
"Your
proposal to build a processing plant to meet Ulaanbaatar's energy demands
through the project of coal gasification, need to first be considered by
related agencies of both countries, because it is seen as a project for the
people of Mongolia."
The Speaker
then noted that Mongolia plans to launch two particular projects for the
railway, road, natural gas, energy, and oil sectors in the framework of the
"Steppe Road" initiative.
Speaker
Z.Enkhbold also suggested that China consider laying a gas pipeline in the
western territory of Mongolia again.
At the end of
the meeting, Z.Enkhbold said that the Asia-Europe (ASEM) summit will be held in
UIaanbaatar in 2016. And expressed thanks to China for its support on the
issue.
Composer
G.Purevdorj has become an Honored Citizen of Ulaanbaatar
October 28
(news.mn) Celebrating the 375th anniversary of Ulaanbaatar, the city
awarded composer and State Merit Cultural Figure of Mongolia G.Purevdorj the
title of Honored Citizen of Ulaanbaatar today in a ceremony. He is the
15th Honored Citizen of Ulaanbaatar.
Honored Citizen
of Ulaanbaatar G.Purevdorj commented, “I will make efforts for the further
development and prosperity of the city. I am not only an artist, but also a
highly citizen of this beautiful, metropolitan city."
G.Purevdorj is
the composer of the celebrated “Night in Ulaanbaatar”, written in 1985. This
song is one of his early works
Ulaanbaatar
city will mark its 375th anniversary on Wednesday, October 29th.
Related:
Composer
of “Ulaanbaatar’s Evening” Becomes Honorary Citizen – Montsame, October 28
Composer G.Purevdorj becomes
honorary citizen of Ulaanbaatar – UB
Post, October 28
Parade
for the 375th anniversary of Ulaanbaatar
October 28
(news.mn) A parade will be organized at Chinggis Khaan Square on Wednesday, on
the day of the 375th anniversary of the founding Ulaanbaatar.
Over 8,000
civil servants from 30 state agencies, city administration, private enterprise
and university students will join in the parade.
On the day of
the 375th anniversary of Ulaanbaatar, there will numerous events, a food festival,
wholesale market, performances, and fairs and exhibitions for visitors to
attend.
Tengis Cinema
and Urguu Cinema will offer 50 percent discounts on ticket, and the National
Museum of Mongolia, Choijin Lama Temple Museum, Bogd Khan Palace Museum, Zanabazar
Museum of Fine Arts, Mongolian Contemporary Art Gallery, Mongolian Theatre
Museum, and Ulaanbaatar City Museum will offer free admission for the day of
the anniversary.
Passengers on
public transportation will also be offered free services that day.
Expanding
Online Content for Mongolians
October 28
(Mongolian Economy) Former parliament
member D.Enkhbat—also known as Mongolia’s ‘godfather of the internet’—was the
founder and CEO of Datacom, the first internet service provider to bring
internet to the general population of Mongolia in the 1990s. In 2012, he
declined an opportunity to stay in parliament, believing that the best way to
affect positive change in Mongolia was through an ongoing campaign to expand
online knowledge access into every Mongolian household. He is a current board
member of the Open Knowledge and Open Education Fund, which is pioneering a
network of online educational content for Mongolians of all ages. As the
majority of online content is accessible only to English speakers, D. Enkhbat
hopes to translate a wide variety of content into Mongolian, to add a new
dimension to every Mongolian’s opportunity to learn.
How many Twitter followers do you have now?
Over 60,000.
Over 60,000.
How well is social media developing in
Mongolia?
Very well. We
have developed here to the point where we now underrate Facebook. Now it’s time
for us to move on to the next stage of internet development.
What direction should Mongolia’s development
go in the internet era and Information Age?
The development
engine of the country is the skilled working force. The development of Mongolia
is rated by its citizens’ mind capacity. Foreigners see us in two
ways—‘Mine-golia’ on the one hand, ‘Mind-golia’ on the other. Mining growth and
mind capacity growth. How can we turn growth into development? We can compete
internationally only when our three million Mongolians learn continuously for
all their life to improve their skills, professionalism, and acquire high
technologies, while keeping up the era’s innovations. This country should be a
nation with a culture of knowledge. We don’t have the chance to educate people
in their 40s, 50s or 60s with the current system. But the worldwide
contemporary education system creates a condition where 7-year-old kids to
70-year-old seniors can learn.
How can we build a continuously learning
nation?
There are two
ways. One is to join the world culture, the wave of open knowledge and
information that has spread worldwide. 70 percent of all software currently
active in use is free. Thousands of people have been working and distributing
to let others use them free. Many academics and scholars have gotten together
to develop secondary school books, which are then made public to be used for
free. There are books, scripts and movies. Some are not completely free, but
are distributed through exchange. I am starting one project for Mongolians. I
am going to hand out 50 training and operational videos to companies starting
out in business. The company will take 49 movies in exchange for sponsoring one
movie. 100 percent free knowledge, minus the price of one video. This is polite
and open exchange based on partnership. The biggest example in the world of
such a partnership and exchange is Wikipedia. If 80,000 people do Wikipedia, on
the other side six billion people read and use it for free. This is the
foremost successful project of its kind in the world. Mongolians need to take
part in this open culture.
There is also a
second big model that can be installed in Mongolia. The world is functioning
under an ‘everybody give and take’ principle. So now, how can we make that
happen in Mongolia—joining together open knowledge and the education system—in
terms of intelligence, technology, management, finance, the legal environment
and international partnerships?
Is that the reason you established the Open
Knowledge and Education Fund?
Yes, the main
reason is that the integrated system for funding this work must be developed.
We don’t have an ownership form for partnering. Mongolia is working to create
this kind of open ownership form. We have recently registered our fund.
Although there are many problems in Mongolia, our fund is a good example of
getting together to work hand in hand with government. Parliament approved our
programme and designated it a government-sponsored programme for 15 years.
Though a related law has not been passed, the state approved the programme and
its financing.The programme involves King Academy, which has 4,000 videos that
are all free. These are 15-minute videos of lessons in all subjects such as
math and physics, and they are all in English. They are free to every kid in
the world. Our fund signed a contract with this academy and obtained a license
to translate them into Mongolian. Through the Ministry of Education, we have
had support from select parliament members, and have the financing verified for
an initial 1,000 movies to be translated.
I have heard
about the development of Wikipedia Mongolia. Tell me about it.
We are working
on the Wikipedia project designated to cataloguing Mongolian history, language,
and culture. And we have made deal with Google to bring all services and
software to Mongolian youth through a partnership. Furthermore, there are many more
big works that we have already started and are on the way.
What is your vision of Mongolia’s future
online?
At the first
stage of internet development, we needed to introduce and deliver the internet
to all citizens. Now at this point we are starting the second phase of
introducing Mongolians to the internet, which is delivering content and
knowledge. Within 10 years, Mongolians will be supplied with 24-hour access to
all online schools and online training. In other words, we are creating a
wide-open, online Narantuul-style flea market. There is high demand for
internet content. Mongolian youth need English, companies need computer skills.
University students need different kinds of subjects, lectures and rehearsals,
while both public servants and private companies need knowledge and advice.
Modern people must be learning continuously. The four-year university can
complement this need, possibly through an online education system. Other
countries have already made a transition to this development. We are testing it
in many different ways. The state needs to support this second phase of
internet development that gives Mongolians better access to knowledge. After a
while, the state’s help won’t be necessary. But in starting, activating and
developing, we need the state to step in for support. The state should spend
tax payer’s money on what is most vital to its three million people.
Do policymakers understand you?
Politicians are
supporting us because they do understand its importance now. This is not an issue
to politicise, but an affair to work on together with great support. We need to
have this mindset that we Mongolians must feed ourselves through knowledge. In
order to make it happen, a person will face the need to recharge the battery or
their brain all the time. But this environment where you can make changes and
choices needs to be accessible to all. The problem today is that so much
research and so many studies need to be done. Currently, the project is just at
its starting point; some deals are signed with international partners, but much
more needs to be done.
Are you out of politics completely? Or are
you still member of the Green Party?
I had a choice:
get reelected as a parliament member or move on and do a different thing. But I
understood that Mongolia’s problem is not in politics but in its way of
thinking. Advancing the domestic development of the internet is much more
significant and wide-reaching cause than taking a seat in parliament. I have
made this choice because this will reform Mongolian culture. Now, I do not
belong to any party.
Recently, there has been a lot of talk
about the development and formation of political parties. Is this happening
because the development of the country depends on these political parties?
Everything in
the country has changed since 1990—except political parties, which have stayed
the same as they were before. We have kept an outdated mechanism at the
national level, in which vital issues go through political parties. And these
parties are all very primitive. Whoever is more aggressive, richer, or talks
more is the winner of any debate. Thus, Mongolian politics needs to transition
out of emotional decision-making to responsible institutional decision-making.
There were some years in the past when politics needed emotion. But today, we
need to get rid of outdated methods, and move on to a high technology, science,
knowledge and skilled workforce-based era. We need to tackle issues in
healthier ways rather than talk about if they are democratic or not every four
year election cycle. Those in charge should stop running the country with
politics.
How would you grade the performance of
current Prime Minister Altankhuyag’s government?
I want to say
that they did not use a very big opportunity. So much money came from mining
when Mongolia had quite a good reputation. But they could not absorb it, and
our reputation has been harmed. So, if what they’ve done is not enough, and
they haven’t received good marks on what they have managed to accomplished,
then it’s better to let them go.
Speaker
of Parliament of Mongolia, Z.Enkhbold Calls on President of China, Xi Jinping
October 28
(infomongolia.com) Upon the invitation of the Chairman of the Standing Committee
of the National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, Mr. Zhang
Dejiang, Mongolian delegates led by Speaker of the State Great Khural
(Parliament) Mr. Zandaakhuu ENKHBOLD are conducting an official visit to
Beijing on October 27-28, 2014.
On the first
day of visit, Speaker Z.Enkhbold called on the President of the PR of China Xi
Jinping and at the beginning of meeting, President of China thanked the Speaker
for paying an official visit and expressed his satisfaction on current reached relations
between the two countries.
At the
beginning, Speaker of the Parliament Z.Enkhbold conveyed warm greetings of the
President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj to his counterpart and further noted that
the recently amended China’s legislation on setting taxation to coal import is
causing heavy loss to Mongolian coal export companies, where the situation has
not been normalized yet. Therefore, Speaker requested the President a temporary
exemption from coal tax export for Mongolian entities until coal market conditions
improve.
Speaker
Z.Enkhbold further said, “Mongolian side is interested to establish a long term
agreement with Sinopec Corporation on exporting synthetic gas. Mongolia is
willing to construct power plant relied on its mining deposits and export power
to China, also, to collaborate with Chinese companies on expanding power plants
in Mongolia. In order to do these, we should establish a general agreement on
power export and import.
Moreover, we
have been proposing many years on putting gas pipelines between Russia and
China through Mongolian territory. However, relevant Russian and Chinese
entities have started to construct the "Far East" gas network and in
this regard, Mongolia is asking again to consider on putting the “West
Corridor” option through Mongolian territory, which will be economically
beneficial and the most optimal solution”.
During the
official visit of the President of China to Mongolia held in August 2014,
several agreements and protocols were signed and thus, this visit is aimed to elevate
the discussed issues into act.
Furthermore,
President Xi Jinping backed Mongolia’s proposals to implement a joint project
on coal deep processing plant in Ulaanbaatar that will help to reduce air
pollution in the city and cooperation with Sinopec Corporation on coal
gasification project. Also, Xi Jinping expressed his support to import goat and
sheep meat from Mongolia and establish a general agreement on power export and
import.
At the meeting
on behalf of Mongolian side, Deputy Chairperson of Mongolia-China Parliamentary
Group Mrs. M.Batchimeg, members of Mongolia-China Parliamentary Group Mr.
S.Byambatsogt, Mrs. S.Odontuya, and Mr. D.Sumiyabazar as well as Senior Advisor
to the Speaker Mr. S.Lambaa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia
to the PR of China Mr. Ts.Sukhbaatar and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Economic Cooperation Mr. D.Gankhuyag were present.
Related:
Speaker
Received by Chinese President – Montsame,
October 28
Top
Legislative Bodies of Mongolia and China Sign MOU to Establish Permanent
Partnership Mechanism
October 28
(infomongolia.com) On October 27, 2014, following the bilateral meeting with
the President of the People’s Republic of China, Speaker of the State Great
Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia, Mr. Zandaakhuu ENKHBOLD held a meeting with
the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of the
PR of China, Mr. Zhang Dejiang.
At the meeting
Speaker Z.Enkhbold noted, “We are now to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to
establish a permanent partnership mechanism between the State Great Khural and
the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, which is considered
an important fact as priority foreign policy of Mongolia to sustainably develop
a long term relations with friendly neighbor of China. In this regard, we would
like to express our gratitude to the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress for accepting our proposal”.
In turn,
Chairman Zhang Dejiang said, “The China-Mongolia relation is one of the
priority foreign policies of the Government of China to develop. The “Silk Road
Economic Zone” proposed by China and the “Steppe Road” initiated by Mongolia
are needed a careful studies on how to develop these two projects withal. In
addition, an economic corridor to connect China, Mongolia and Russia is also
required a narrow studies. By establishing MoU between the top legislative
bodies of China and Mongolia, the relations between the two countries would
cement cooperation and push forward bilateral ties up to a new stage”.
Following the
meeting, Speaker Z.Enkhbold and Chairman Zhang Dejiang have inked the
Memorandum of Understanding to establish a permanent partnership mechanism
between the State Great Khural and the Standing Committee of the National
People's Congress.
Related:
Legislative
Bodies of Mongolia and China Ink MOU – Montsame,
October 28
Mongolia
Signs MOU on Establishing Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
October 28
(infomongolia.com) On October 24, 2014, Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to On October 24, 2014, Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the People’s Republic of China Mr. Tsedenjav
SUKHBAATAR has signed the Memorandum of Understanding on establishing the Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) representing the Government of Mongolia.
The Signing
Ceremony took place in Beijing, China, where formally recognized the
establishment of the Bank, 22 countries’ representatives have signed the
document including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan,
Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, the
Philippines, Qatar, China, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Viet
Nam.
Following the
ceremony, President of the PR of China, Xi Jinping received delegates from 22
participating countries. The purpose of the multilateral development bank is to
provide finance to infrastructure projects in the Asia Pacific region and the
AIIB is expected to begin its operations in 2015 with its headquarters in
Beijing.
Related:
Mongolia
and 21 Other Countries Set up Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – Montsame, October 28
Distributor
Mongolia 2014 Exhibition to Be Hosted to Introduce Authentic Goods
October 28 (infomongolia.com)
The “World Trade Center Ulaanbaatar” NGO in association with Misheel Group is
organizing the “Distributor Mongolia 2014” Exhibition at the Misheel Expo
Center in Ulaanbaatar on November 07-09, 2014.
There many
entities are operating on Mongolia’s import market as an authorized seller of
foreign brands, but at the same time, some companies are importing authentic
and counterfeit goods under certain brand names without a franchise rights.
Therefore, this exhibition is aimed to regulate and introduce official
distributor companies to local consumers that will be enabled to promote their
goods and quality services.
The Exhibition
will be organized with supports of the Ministry of Finance, Mongolian National
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Intellectual Property Office, General Agency
for Specialized Inspection, Agency for Standardization and Metrology, National
Statistical Office, General Customs Office, and General Department of Taxation,
and during the event, entrepreneurs, individuals and representatives of these
organs will give comprehensive advices.
The
“Distributor Mongolia 2014” Exhibition will cover the following sectors:
- Electronics
and Supplies
- Techniques,
Technology and Equipment
- Building
Materials
- Beauty and
Health
- Clothing and
Shoes
- Jewelry and
Accessories
- Food and
Beverages
UB
Mayor Welcomes His Guests from Ulan-Ude and Miyakonojo to Celebrate 375th
Anniversary
October 28
(infomongolia.com) Welcoming the 375th anniversary of founding the capital city
of Mongolia, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, Erdene BAT-UUL received in his office a
guest of the celebrations from Ulan-Ude, Russia, Mayor Aleksandr Golkov on
October 27, 2014.
During the
meeting Mayor A.Golkov expressed his gratitude for the invitation to
participate in the anniversary event to mark on October 29th and said the City
Administration is interested to host a UB Day in Ulan-Ude in 2015 and invited
the UB Mayor E.Bat-Uul.
Today, Mayor
E.Bat-Uul received the Deputy Mayor of Miyakonojo city, Miyazaki Prefecture of
Japan, Mr. Hironori Kodama, who is also invited to attend the UB celebration.
At the meeting, parties focused on progressing cooperation in tourism and
cultural spheres.
Ulaanbaatar and
Miyakonojo cities have a Sister City Relations since 1998.
Moreover,
dedicated to the 375th anniversary of Ulaanbaatar, postage stamps "The
Capital City of Mongolia - The 375th Anniversary" designed by
B.Damdinbazar were published and the presenting ceremony was held at the UB
Administration on October 27, 2014.
Asia
Foundation Partners with UB City’s Metropolitan Department of Information
Technology for Open Street Map
October 28
(infomongolia.com) On October 25, 2014, The Asia Foundation and Ulaanbaatar
City’s Metropolitan Department of Information Technology organized a Map
"Edit-a-Thon" to promote Open Street Map (OSM) at the School of
Information Telecommunications Technology, Mongolian University of Science and
Technology.
The event
brought together 60 enthusiastic young mappers and was facilitated by
experienced local OSM mappers, who are actively engaged in building, editing
and developing OSM in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The main objective
of the event was to provide information regarding OSM and to increase knowledge
of building, editing and developing OSM in Mongolia. During the morning
session, the experienced mappers provided hands-on guidance on OSM mapping
skills; later in the day, participants gathered in pairs to start mapping. On
the OSM platform, these mappers were able to view, edit, and trace using newly
available digital satellite imagery of Ulaanbaatar.
This
high-resolution satellite imagery was recently made available to the Foundation
for tracing in OSM by Digital Globe, a leading provider of global commercial
Earth imagery and geospatial information. The new imagery is more recent and of
higher quality than anything previously available to OSM editors, who will use
it as a guide: adding roads, buildings, rivers, railways, and other features to
OSM’s map of Ulaanbaatar. Mapbox, which provides a powerful and diverse
platform for the creation of custom online maps, has processed the raw
satellite imagery to prepare it for use in OSM and is hosting the resulting map
tiles.
There are now
more than 2,000 square kilometers of high-quality satellite imagery of
Ulaanbaatar available for viewing and editing in OSM. With this Digital Globe
imagery, Mongolian citizens and the rest of the world will have an opportunity
to build a map of Ulaanbaatar that is more comprehensive than any other
publicly available map.
The Asia
Foundation has been supporting Ulaanbaatar City Municipality’s efforts to
improve urban service delivery in Ger areas, especially solid waste management.
Accurate information and constant development of OSM in Ulaanbaatar will
further support the Ulaanbaatar City Municipality’s in making informed
decisions, and ultimately improve urban planning and urban service delivery,
particularly for Ulaanbaatar’s Ger areas.
Mongolia-Germany
int'l meeting runs on minerals and industry
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 28 (MONTSAME) A third meeting of the intergovernmental working group of
Mongolia and Germany on cooperation in Minerals, Industry and Technology
sectors and a fourth meeting of the Economic Committee were held in Berlin on
October 22-24.
The working
group's meeting was chaired by the vice minister of Mining and Energy of
Mongolia D.Dorjpurev and the State Secretariat the Federal Ministry for
Economic Affairs and Energy of Germany Matthias Machnig.
Present were
also a Mongolian chairman of Mongolia-Germany Economic Committee Ya.Batsuuri,
the ambassador to Germany Ts.Bolor, the head of the department for management
of policy implementation at the Ministry of Mining and Energy B.Batkhuu, the
head of the department for the Strategy and Policy-Planning at the Ministry of
Construction and Urban Development G.Mergenbayar and others. They presented a
current state of the main development sectors of Mongolia such as Mining,
Construction, Urban development, the Environment, and Science, as well of
cooperation in these fields. The deputy director of the “GerMon Gas” LLC
Monkhtuya introduced the activities of her company.
Present from
the German side were representatives of Federal Ministries for Economic Affairs
and Energy, for Economic Cooperation and Development, for Foreign Affairs, and
for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, and the
German chairman and members of Mongolia-Germany Economic Committee, along with
representatives of the German Federal Enterprise for International Cooperation
(GIZ), German Industrial Union, East-Asian Community of Germany, and “Germany
Trade and Invest” organization. They informed the gathered about opportunities
of cooperation and ongoing projects and programs.
At the fourth
meeting of the Mongolia-Germany Economic Committee on October 22, the business
people and entrepreneurs introduced their activities and shared opinions on
settling the challenges they face. Four sub-conferences were held on improving
the value of Mongolian coal sector, cooperation in Expiring of raw materials
and processing, Mongolia’s infrastructure development, and Legal and
Organization systems of cooperation.
The
participants were representatives of 120 organizations from Mongolia and
Germany, including Erdenes MGL, MAK LLC, GerMon Gaz LLC, Shivee ovoo Ltd., MIAT
Mongolian Airlines, Deutsche Bahn International, ThyssenKrupp, Siemens, RAG
Mining Solutions GmbH, as well as other organizations for machinery, equipment
and minerals and NGOs.
The meetings
discussed ways of intensifying cooperation in renewable energy sector, cooperation
alternatives and experience sharing in solar energy and wind power
technologies. The sides mentioned that in the past years, the training of
Mongolian professionals has been prolonged and agreed to take decisive actions
about this.
Next meetings are
settled to take place in Ulaanbaatar late June next year.
First
Tripartite Consultative Meeting at Deputy Foreign Ministers Level to Be
Organized in Ulaanbaatar
October 28
(infomongolia.com) The First Consultative Meeting between Mongolia, Russia and
China at the Deputy Foreign Ministers level will be organized in Ulaanbaatar on
October 30, 2014.
At this
Meeting, Mongolia will be headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Economic
Cooperation Damba GANKHUYAG, the Russian Federation by Deputy Minister of
Foreign Affairs Igor Vladimirovich Morgulov and the People’s Republic of China
by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheng Guoping respectively.
In the
frameworks, Deputy Foreign Ministers of Russia and China will be received by Acting
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation of Mongolia, Ch.Saikhanbileg.
Before, the
Tripartite Consultative Meeting between the Foreign Ministries of Mongolia,
Russia and China used to organize at the Directorial-level of the affiliated
territorial departments.
Also, bilateral
Consultative meetings at the Deputy Foreign Ministers level were held only
between Mongolia-Russia and Mongolia-China.
Related:
Three
Vice FMs to hold consultative meeting – Montsame,
October 28
Ulaanbaatar
administrators to be trained in Denver
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 28 (MONTSAME) In a scope of the 375th anniversary of the UB city, here
is visiting Derek Okubo, a director of Human Rights and Community Relations of
the Governor’s Office of Denver city of the USA.
The UB Mayor
E.Bat-Uul received his guest on October 29 to discuss ways of forwarding
friendly relations of the two cities.
Mr Bat-Uul
thanked Okubo for accepting his invitation to the city's anniversary and
requested him to train Ulaanbaatar administrative staff in Denver's Governor
office for short-term internships.
To this, Mr
Okudo thanked the Mayor for the warm welcome and said he is ready to organize
such trainings.
The sides also
agreed to develop a plan of cooperation in many fields.
GEC
to cooperate with German Federal Election Committee
By N. Khaliun
Ulaanbaatar,
October 28 (MONTSAME) Mongolia’s General Electoral Committee (GEC) signed here
the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation with Germany's Federal Election
Committee on October 27.
The document
was inked by Mr Ch.Sodnomtseren, a chairman of the GEC, and by a head of
Federal Election Committee Roderich Egeler. The parties intend to exchange
experiences in the implementation of election laws and information on issues of
election statistics.
Mr Egeler said
that such cooperation will become a model for electoral commissions of other
countries and invited Mr Sodnomtseren to Germany.
Stock
Exchange News for October 28
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 28 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Tuesday, a total of 3,513
shares of 19 JSCs were traded costing MNT 14 million 938 thousand and 877.82.
"APU”
/1,520 units/, “Remicon” /417 units/, “Khasu Mandal” /397 units/, “Arig Gal”
/204 units/ and "State Department Store” /92 units/ were the most actively
traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "APU”
(MNT five million 631 thousand and 100), "Talkh Chikher” (MNT two million
381 thousand and 900), “Darkhan Nekhii” (MNT one million and 845 thousand),
"Khasu Mandal” (MNT one million 627 thousand and 700) and "Mogoin
Gol” (MNT 650 thousand and 650).
The total
market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 557 billion 831 million 781
thousand and 87. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 15,490.73, decreasing 45.10 units
or 0.29% against the previous day.
Mongolia
grabs first medals in Woodball World University Championship
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 28 (MONTSAME) A Mongolian E.Enkhtuvshin won the first bronze medal of
Mongolia in the field game of Woodball at the World University Championship of
Woodball on October 22. Two other "bronze" have been grabbed by
G.Batbuyan and Sh.Batjargal in category of field game of couple.
The events ran
October 21-26 in Perlis of Malaysia, with a participation of over 200 athletes
from 12 countries.
The previous Championships
have run in Taiwan, Thailand and Uganda.
The athletes
have competed in nine categories for 32 packages of medals.
Our national
team started attending Woodball tournaments ten years ago. This year, the
team headed to Malaysia one week prior to the tournament to have joint
trainings with other teams. The Mongolian team also participated in the Asian
University Championship in 2013.
Ambassador
at meeting of organizing committee of int'l art exhibition
By N. Khaliun
Ulaanbaatar,
October 28 (MONTSAME) Mongolia's Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador
to the Italian Republic Sh.Odonbaatar participated in annual meeting of
Organizing Committee of the 56th international art exhibition, expected May
9-November 22 in 2015 in Venice.
Opening remarks
were given by Mr Paolo Baratta, a president of la Biennale di Venezia, and by a
curator of the 56th exhibition Okwui Enwezo. Paolo Baratta introduced the 56th
exhibition remembering to accept the criticisms but not the solutions that some
put forward “we did not throw out the use of pavilions for the Biennale,--he
explained--but we enhanced it in a definitive way, by arranging a large,
stand-alone International exhibition at the same time. We arranged additional
large spaces and appointed a curator for this ambitious project of ours. A main
International Exhibition replaced the international sections, which used to be
added to the exhibition organized by the curator of the Italian Pavilion".
"It’s been
15 years since that reform, and the start of this new chapter, and it is thanks
to that calculated choice that today, a curator of the ilk of Okwui Enwezor –
like his most recent predecessors – can present not just a ‘section’, but an
entire International Exhibition inspired by the ambition to offer the world a
global sounding board.
"In that
occasion the Arsenale became an addition to the Giardini venue, and 15 years on,
the number of participating countries, exhibiting in the two venues, is equal:
28 national participants at the Giardini and the same at the Arsenale, on the
occasion of the 14th International Architecture Exhibition".
This meeting
was attended by representatives of 80 countries. Mongolian artists are expected
to participate in the 56th International Art Exhibition of la Biennale di
Venezia. The latter will also present, as is traditional, the national
participations with their own exhibitions in the Pavilions at the Giardini and
at the Arsenale, and in the historic city centre of Venice.
This edition
will also include selected Collateral Events, presented by international
entities and institutions, which will present their exhibitions and initiatives
in Venice concurrently with the 56th Exhibition.
Mongolian
tops Int’l opera contest
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 28 (MONTSAME) A singer of the State Opera and Ballet Theatre
S.Batchimeg became on October 28 a champion at the XI Lhasran Linhovoin Opera
Contest which was held in Aginsk city of the Russian Republic of Buryatia.
Some 70 singers
have competed in this contest. Mongolia was represented by five singers from
the State Opera and Ballet Theatre. The winner S.Batchimeg is a graduate of the
University of Culture and Arts of Mongolia. She had also won a second place in
the 2011 National contest of opera singers named after People’s Actor
G.Khaidav, and a third place in the 2012 “Uchirtai Gurvan Tolgoi”- Best Opera
Roles Contest.
Global
Gender Gap Index 2014: Mongolia
October 28
(infomongolia.com) According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2014, launched on
October 28, the gender gap for economic participation and opportunity now
stands at 60% worldwide, having closed by 4% from 56% in 2006, when the World
Economic Forum first started measuring it. Based on this trajectory, with all
else remaining equal, it will take 81 years for the world to close this gap completely.
The ninth
edition of the report finds that, among the 142 countries measured, the gender
gap is narrowest in terms of health and survival. This gap stands at 96%
globally, with 35 countries having closed the gap entirely. This includes three
countries that have closed the gap in the past 12 months. The educational
attainment gap is the next narrowest, standing at 94% globally.
Here, 25
countries have closed the gap entirely. While the gender gap for economic
participation and opportunity lags stubbornly behind, the gap for political
empowerment, the fourth pillar measured, remains wider still, standing at just
21%, although this area has seen the most improvement since 2006.
With no one
country having closed its overall gender gap, Nordic nations remain the most gender-equal
societies in the world.
Last year’s
leading four nations - Iceland (1), Finland (2), Norway (3) and Sweden (4) -
are joined by Denmark, which climbs from eighth place to fifth. Elsewhere in
the top 10 there is considerable movement, with Nicaragua climbing four places
to sixth, Rwanda entering the index for the first time at seventh, Ireland
falling to eighth, the Philippines declining four places to ninth and Belgium
climbing one place to tenth.
Further up the
index, Mongolia falling to 42nd compare to 2013 Index, but last year it was
surveyed 136 countries.
Apartment
granted to parents of four sets of twins
By B. Dulguun
October 28 (UB
Post) The Prime Minister granted a new apartment to the parents of eight
children, born in the rare case of four consecutive deliveries of twins, to
celebrate the 375th anniversary of the founding of Ulaanbaatar.
Father
D.Enkhtur and mother Ts.Undrakh, previously residing in the 11th khoroo of
Sukhbaatar District, received the key and certificate of ownership for the
three-room apartment from Governor of the Capital and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar
E.Bat-Uul and Chief of the Ulaanbaatar City Governor’s Office Yo.Gerelchuluun,
on October 27.
While presenting
the keys to the apartment, the Governor commented, “The state and government is
paying a lot of attention and executing many projects to increase the
population. To the two of you, who have eight children with four deliveries – a
rare exception even in nature, I’d like to thank you on behalf of the residents
of the capital. To support and ensure a comfortable life, I’m awarding you with
the largest sized apartment from apartments given to city residents in need of
housing. I hope you raise your children well and into residents who will
contribute greatly to the city’s development.”
D.Enkhtur’s
family will be moving to the 81 cubic meter apartment at Building 32A of
Chukhag Town in 27th khoroo, Songinokhairkhan District. “I’m very grateful to
the Governor of the Capital, who awarded my family with this apartment, and the
President of Mongolia, who initiated this,” said D.Enkhtur.
Roads
around Government Palace to close for public parade
By M. Zoljargal
October 28 (UB
Post) Ulaanbaatar administrations closed roads in the area of the Government
Palace at midnight yesterday to run the public parade honoring the 375th
anniversary of Ulaanbaatar.
The
intersection on the west side of Chinggis Square will be closed until 12:00
a.m. on Thursday, while the intersection on the east side of the square will be
closed from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
The road
stretching from Amar Street to the intersection of the Mongolian State University
of Education will be closed until 2 p.m. today.
The Ulaanbaatar
City Traffic Police Department has advised residents to drive on alternative
intersections and roads in the meantime. Drivers are also advised not to drive
their cars today to prevent traffic congestions.
Trolleybuses
running free of charge today
Public
transportation buses will charge passengers 200 MNT, which is a 50 percent
discount, while trolleybuses will operate free of charge on the occasion of the
375th anniversary of Ulaanbaatar.
The tariff will
continue from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. today. Buses will not charge children.
Public
transportation companies are offering the tariff as part of “Metropolis Super
Sale” public event.
No day-off today
A false rumor
stating that the Ulaanbaatar’s anniversary will be a public holiday has spread
among the residents. The Ulaanbaatar City Governor’s Office has confirmed that
the rumor is false.
The officials
cleared the misunderstanding and reported, “The public is allowed to have
day-offs only on national holidays, in accordance with the law.”
The anniversary
is listed as a commemorative day, rather than a national holiday, so residents
will have their regular work day today.
Mongolian
railroad set to have both narrow and broad gauge rails
By B. Mendbayar
October 28 (UB
Post) The long-ranging dispute over using mixed railway gauges has now been
settled, and Mongolia is set to lay narrow gauge rails to its southern border
points and broad gauge rails to its northern ports.
A draft
resolution on “Some Measures to Ensure the Implementation of the State Policy
on Railway Transportation” was ratified with 84 percent support at the cabinet
meeting held on October 25.
According to
the draft resolution, new railway routes from Tavantolgoi to Gashuunsukhait and
Khuut to Bichigt will be constructed with narrow gauge rails (1,435 mm), and
new railway routes from Arts Suuri to Erdenet, Tavantolgoi-Sainshand-Baruun-Urt
– Khuut-Choibalsan and Khuut to Nomrog will be fit with broad gauge rails
(1,520 mm).
Only
in Mongolia: Schools that work in six shifts
October 28 (UB
Post) Schools that are not up to standards are closed and torn down in
Ulaanbaatar, but the process of rebuilding and repair work is taking long,
giving rise to many problems.
For example,
the students of School No.3 have been studying in different schools for three
years because it was torn down for reconstruction.
Furthermore, 50
school and kindergarten premises are registered as out of use buildings in the
capital city. The State Professional Inspection Agency closed six schools due
to outdated infrastructure: School No.3 and No.11 of Sukhbaatar District,
School No.38 and No.73 of Bayangol District, School No.32 of Khan-Uul District
and School No.14 of Bayanzurkh District. School No.3 and No.11 will be built
through state funding, while four will be built through a concession.
Authorities said that contractors of the projects will be announced within this
year.
The following are reports of schools that
are operating in different building.
Bayangol District, School No.73
Overall 1,000
students study at School No.73 and since they don’t have their own building,
students study in two different places. Students of the primary school, grades
one to five, study at Gan Zam School No.20, while their secondary and high
schools study at School No.51. This school has a dormitory because children
from Tuul, Emeelt and Rashaant regions study there. Some students even study at
the dormitory. The children of primary school study in three shifts. After the
second shifts finishes the third shift, study in a room with no air
circulation. The third shift classes finish at 19:30 which is a difficult
condition for younger children. Since the library is not working children are
not able to read new books, said the school’s librarian.
The following is an interview with the
teacher of class 5B of School No.73, D.Tuvshinjargal.
When will the school’s reconstruction
begin? Do you have any information?
We get
information about the school only from our director and he says that the
contractor has been announced but we don’t know the reason why it’s taking that
long [to start the construction]. The new school was planned to be commissioned
by the first of September of next year. I think it is not possible. Some
parents say that the land is going to be sold. This kind of news are really
stressful for us. We fear of losing the school and our jobs.
What kind of issues are you facing in your
daily operation?
Of course, I
think that there is no place like Mongolia, where the schools work in six
shifts. After School No.20 finishes its third shift, my school faces a lot of
troubles. We used to have about 1,000 students, and now many of them have
transferred. Children, parents and teachers are all facing hard conditions.
Would you say that children’s rights are
being violated?
Children can’t
enjoy their certain rights in the field of study. Officially, classes must be
taught for 40 minutes but we have only about 35 minutes. Kids can’t study in an
appropriate and comfortable environment.
Sukhbaatar District, School No.11
The students of
School No.11 of Sukhbaatar District are studying at the building of School No.31.
School No.11 has approximately 600 students. The school is working in two
shifts. An average class has 38 students.
According to
the director of the school, they have no problem teaching, but basic needs such
as toilets, dining halls and facilies for students to spend free time are the
issue. The new school is planned to be built through the state fund. Officials
say that the selection process of the contractor was announced on August 29,
2014 and the deadline for registering ended on September 29. School No.11 is
optimistic that they will have their premises built soon.
Sukhbaatar District, School No.3
School No.3 was
founded in 1921 and has over 1,485 students. Since 2012, students of the school
have been studying in two shifts at School No.4 and No.16. Children of primary
school used to study in three shifts before, but now it has been changed to
two.
The following is an interview with the
director of School No.3, B.Khorolgarav.
Since 2012, students have been studying at
different places. When was the school building originally planned to be
commissioned?
At the time of
the agreement, I was not the director. So I have no idea about this first
agreement. Officials say that the rebuilding process will be finished by
September next year.
At what level is the building’s
construction currently at?
The concrete
framework has been finished. The overall budget for the reconstruction of our
school is 6.8 billion MNT.
You said that there is no problem in
teaching and studying. Are there any other issues?
We are facing
some trouble in developing our student’s talent and abilities.
Bayanzurkh District, School No.14
In December
2013, the State Professional Inspection Agency and the National Emergency
Management Agency inspected School No.14 at the report that a ceiling of the
restroom on the first floor collapsed. As a result, the school was closed.
Since then, the students of the school have been studying at Shavi complex,
School No.92 and No.44. The director of the school refused to be interviewed
and did not provide any information.
Khan-Uul District, School No.32
School No.32
was founded in 1954 dedicated to the animal laboratory. In 1965, the laboratory
was recommissioned into a school, where about 600 children of Zaisan area
studied until 2013. The school was officially closed in May 2013 as a ceiling
broke down due to water pipeline issues. The reconstruction of the school is
estimated to cost 5.8 billion MNT and the construction work hasn’t started yet.
Currently around 350 students of grades one to five study at a gym premise that
was built in 2009, while the students of grades six to 12 have been studying at
School No.15 for the second year.
Director of
School No.32 G.Munkhbayar said that when he started working as the director in
2011, the school building was not up to standards.
“At the moment,
our students study at the lobby of School No.15. Since the teachers of School
No.15 lock the doors of classes, our students and teachers have no way of
working. I have made requests several times to the related departments, there
was no response. The teachers of the secondary school, education manager,
social workers are at School No.15, while the archive and the library are
located at the gym. The ministry aims to develop every child but we have no
opportunity to develop our students under these circumstances. I would like to
ask authorities to resolve the inactive concession agreement and the budget
problem for renewing the school building.”
Source:
Undesnii Shuudan
P.Munkhsaikhan:
Talent is like hair braided with three stands
October 28 (UB
Post) The following is an interview with
Head of Ulaanbaatar Ensemble and “Rock Monster” P.Munkhsaikhan.
You’ve been the head of Ulaanbaatar
Ensemble for a year now. How is it to work as the head?
I worked for
many years as a director. Directors have to be excellent organizers. The sector
I’m currently working is still the arts and cultural sector. Therefore, there
isn’t much of a difference. Certainly, my responsibilities have gotten higher
since I have to execute government work and operate with tax money. Still,
artists always had high responsibilities. When the curtains of the stage open
at six o’clock, actors and actresses have to be ready regardless of whether they’ve
gotten a role.
Has the management and policy of
Ulaanbaatar Ensemble been changed?
We will portray
Ulaanbaatar from all aspects. For instance, mainly national arts performances
will be produced for foreign visitors and tourists while new productions and
performances are produced for locals. “Uilsiin Saikhan Ulaanbaatar” musical
will be performed for three days from October 27 to 29. The Grand Prix winner
of Universe Best Songs Ts.Telmuun will be the protagonist. “First Kiss” musical
will be performed once more next month. We are organizing a series of live
music concerts. Majority of the people think rock concerts are featured on open
stages with drunken audiences. When rock concerts are performed on concert
halls, all the attention is put on the music and gives off a completely
different feel. This type of performance is enjoyed by real music lovers, not
by someone pretending to be a modern person.
Ulaanbaatar Ensemble consists of mainly
folk artists such as long singers, circus performers and national dancers but
recent musicals are being performed by famous young singers. How do fellow
members of the ensemble feel about this?
Artists easily
understand each other. Our ensemble members accepted this concept with a round
of applause. They don’t always listen to folk music. Most members are graduates
of the Music and Dance College of Mongolia or the Mongolian State University of
Arts and Culture. We’re preparing to stage ethno compositions, combining
national music with modern styles. For example, “Ariun Khavriin Takhilga” (The
Rite of Spring) ballet to be launched next month is being choreographed by
D.Enkhgerel and D.Altangerel is composing the music. This production will be
performed to a national music accompaniment. “Khukhuu Namjil” opera will be produced
in ethno style. Only multitalented artists who can sing, dance and act can
surpass senior artists.
What does Ulaanbaatar Ensemble aspire
towards?
Mongolia has
four buildings used for theater purposes and one of them is Ulaanbaatar
Ensemble. We want to transform the ensemble into a musical theater and flourish
musical performances in Mongolia. Most people aren’t aware of Mongolian
musicals and it’s understandable. Major world musicals aren’t announced by the
media. We’re planning to perform eight musicals within two years. Although
musicals will not develop that easily, artists will learn to perform musicals,
which is a huge achievement.
Can you elaborate on these musicals?
We wrote
scripts together with a young artist named Nipon. I saw that South Korea
nominates its best drama series. Film scripts that conquer many viewers are
written by young writers. They are observant and use simple language. I enjoyed
reading poems written by Nipon. People who understand philosophy see the deeper
side of daily life. Some people criticized our musicals for having simple
language. Music is abstract so expressions used in musicals have to be close to
real life. When listening to music, one person will vision an ocean while
another visions space.
The general director of Ulaanbaatar
Ensemble is Oleg Yumov, right?
Despite his
young age, he is a promising director who received the Buryat State Award and
Gold Mask Award. He directed at the Black Box Theater for three years. We both
graduated from St. Petersburg State Academy of Theatrical Arts so we
practically understand each other through eyecontact.
Have you directed any plays?
I’ve directed
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Bardam Tuulai” (Proud Rabbit) and “Two soum” at
the Mongolian State Academic Drama Theater. During difficult times for theaters
when the society changed, I hosted “Triangle” music program at MNB and was the
first VJ (announcer for commercial music television stations).
You’ve hosted TV shows, directed films and
composed music and written lyrics. Which work did you enjoy doing the most?
I have many
things I like. As a hobby, I like playing guitar. People say that they have a
profession because they’ve got a diploma for studying in school. For me,
diploma is a certificate for showing that I can do a specific work. Just proof
that I graduated from a school. There are many people who do something
professionally without diplomas. A person’s lifestyle can be determined by the
works they enjoy. People do the things they like wholeheartedly and
exceptionally. For example, a banker who enjoys extreme sports may not be
afraid of risks.
Old songs transcend time and are enjoyed by
many. Modern songs only last for a month, season or a year. Why is that so?
Many years ago,
rock and pop bands produced all sorts of music. Only the select few remain
today. In the future, only the best of current compositions will last.
Lately, Mongolian artists refuse to hold
big concerts and organize small concerts in bars. Is this connected to the
economic crisis?
Artists are
divided into two; those who became famous thanks to sponsorship and those who
became famous thanks to fans. Artists who can fill the concert hall with
audiences and reach people’s hearts are much stronger than artists with
sponsorship. Let’s say Ulaanbaatar has 1,500,000 residents, one percent of them
equals 15,000 people. Just to conquer the hearts of a percentage of the total
city residents and make them listen, all concert tickets will have to be sold
out. Pretenders who follow those 15,000 loyal fans will come along.
Mongolia has many up and coming artists.
While some are truly in love with the arts, others are active temporarily, just
long enough to become popular. In your opinion, are there any promising and
talented artists who will produce many things in the future?
You can define
talent as a braided hair plaited and intertwined with three stands. God given
ability, luck and hard work make up talent. There are artists who work hard but
don’t have the ability. In contrast are those who learn things quickly and have
the ability but are lazy. Luck depends on whether you were born in the right
place at the right time. For instance, if there is a talented singer, that
person will be able to produce something great if composers and songwriters who
can compose songs and lyrics suited for their voice are present at the same
time and age. Prodigies, on the other hand, aren’t controlled by money, time or
anything else. If a violin prodigy is born, music will find that child on its
own. Someone that great would be able to make a violin even from a log.
Currently, I don’t see any Mongolian prodigies but there are many talented
artists. Only the audience will assess them and make them into stars. Not me.
No matter how great or talented someone is, they will not be valued or be recognized
if no one knows about them. Audiences play a big role in raising artists.
Assets of the
world’s wealthiest artist is comparatively pitiful next to the assets of the
100 best businessmen. But conquering thousands of people in stadiums is more
valuable than anything. History written by celebrities is greater than the
highest building on earth.
Another thing
I’d like to point out is that Mongolia doesn’t seem to support or encourage up
and coming artists. When a young artist is suggested for a performance,
organizers neglect them and choose someone more reputable who’s been in the
field for a longer time. Old songs are good but they’re already being listened
to. It seems that the tendency opt towards old things is more dominant in
Mongolia. I fear that there’s a group that wishes to oppress new generations.
In the press and media, it says that we have to reminisce about great artists
since they’ve accomplished these things and are now living like this. People
say if you give new artists some attention, they’ll become arrogant. Russians
don’t see this as arrogance, instead it is valued as it portrays their
self-confidence and individuality. Mongolia destroys their self-confidence and
tries to tear their individuality. New artists should be encourage, supported
and promoted.
Source:
http://entertainment.mongolnews.mn /1c6y
Mongolian
sumo A.Ichinnorov receives fastest promotion to Sekiwake in century
By D. Sergelen
October 28 (UB
Post) Mongolian sumo wrestler A.Ichinojo receives the fastest promotion to
Sekiwake rank of the professional sumo in a century. The Japanese Professional
Sumo Association has announced the new list of wrestlers’ title on October 27.
Mongolian sumo
Ichinojo A.Ichinnorov was promoted from his Maegashira rank to Sekiwake,
skipping the Komusubi rank, in the new list.
A.Ichinnorov
joined the top division of professional sumo only two months ago and has
excelled to his current rank. He will join the upcoming tournament Kyushu Basho
with his new rank.
A.Ichinnorov
led the September tournament (Aki Basho) with 13 wins and two losses in the top
division of professional sumo.
Ichinojo A.
Ichinnorov won against revered sumos such as Ozeki Kisenosate, Goide and
Yokozuna Kakuryu M.Anand and lost to Ikioi and Yokozuna Haramapuji on the
eighth and fourteenth day of the tournament.
A.Ichinnorov,
21, graduated from the new wrestler’s training under the Sumo Association and
received his certificate on October 3, 2014. Wrestlers who were training with
him currently compete in the lower divisions.
The Mongolian
sumo won a special prize for fighting spirit and special prize for outstanding
performance in the September tournament.
‘Incheon-2014’
photo exhibition
By B. Narantuya
October 28 (UB
Post) The “Incheon-2014” photo exhibition, sharing images from this year’s
Asian Games, is being presented from October 27 to October 30, at Blue Moon Art
Gallery.
A group of 22
journalists from the Mongolian Journalists Association documented the Asian
Games for the first time. Official photographers Ch.Ganbat, E.Magnaibayar,
B.Munkhzul and E.Hartsaga captured the highlights and special moments of the
event on display in “Incheon-2014″.
The Asian
Games, a multi-sport event celebrated every four years, was held in Incheon,
South Korea, from September 19 to October 4, 2014. Global audiences kept in
touch with all of the Asiad action over the Internet and through television
broadcasts of the games.
Photographer
E.Magnaibayar attended the 2012 London Summer Olympics and 2014 Sochi Winter
Olympics previously. “I work in business and I am not a big fan of sports. But
watching the sports at the Incheon Asian Games gave me the idea that this big occasion
is a war between countries, in a peaceful way; where the war happens only
through sports,” he said.
The Mongolian
team made great achievements that had never before happened in the nation’s
sports history, by winning a total of 21 medals, including five gold, four
silver and twelve bronze medals. The overall achievement of the Mongolian team
placed them at number 14 of 45 countries in the medal table, showing that the
competence and ability of young Mongolian athletes are growing stronger. The Mongolian
athlete’s achievements are seen as positively affecting the development of
country. At the Incheon Asian Games, 233 athletes from Asia took part in 23
different sports.
Behind these
photographs and broadcasts there is always the hard work of people. This
exhibition includes about 100 photographs capturing the most exciting moments
in the games. The exhibition is open to all people, giving viewers an
opportunity to experience the Incheon 2014 Asian Games.
Problematic
Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act lands pharmacists in court
October 28 (UB Post) -Dozens of
pharmacists investigated for trading sedatives-
Daily News was
contacted about pharmacists going to court for selling the psychotropic drug
Luminal, after an article was published about children suffering negative side
effects, leading to a ban on Luminal production. Luminal is commonly used as a
sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant, but pharmacists were charged for trading
Luminal and other drugs categorized as narcotics or psychotropic substances.
Charges against pharmacists
The General
Agency for Specialized Inspection of Mongolia (GASI) discovered that pharmacies
in Chingeltei District, including Sulden and Noni pharmacies, were trading
Luminal without a license two years ago. A pharmacist and retailer were
prosecuted in accordance with Article 193 of the Criminal Code.
A GASI file
documents their repeated, illegal trade of Luminal at the pharmacy located in
the 22nd building in Duchin Myangat settlement center of Chingeltei District. A
state prosecutor charged them with selling Luminal without a special license
and selling narcotics and psychotropic substances. At the time, nine pharmacies
were permitted to sell these types of drugs in accordance with orders from the
Head of the Capital City Health Department. Sulden and Noni pharmacies weren’t
included in the list of approved sellers.
In the file,
witness J.Enkhbayar, representing the Capital City Health Department, had
stated, “Luminal is included in the List of Essential Medicines. Pharmacies
must serve the public by providing medical prescriptions. Pharmacies can sell
the psychotropic diazepam (a sedative), Apaurin and phenobarbital (Luminal),
since they are used to treat various illnesses. Laws enforced in Mongolia
contradict real life. A proposal was submitted to the parliament about this
issue.”
While a judge
claimed, “Licenses for trading narcotics and psychotropic substances weren’t
issued before, and not even now. However, they must have a special license for
operating a business.”
Primary court dismissed the case against the pharmacist but convicted the retailer. Another GASI file showed that a Monos Pharmacy pharmacist was charged with the same crime earlier this year.
Primary court dismissed the case against the pharmacist but convicted the retailer. Another GASI file showed that a Monos Pharmacy pharmacist was charged with the same crime earlier this year.
Psychotropic substances treated as
narcotics
Lawyers
commented about drug manufacturers, pharmacy directors and pharmacists being
investigated for illegally trading and selling psychotropic drugs.
A source from
one legal organization disclosed, “Article 193 of the Criminal Code states that
pharmacists who sell psychotropic drugs will be held as associates in the
crimes of illegally manufacturing, acquiring, storing, transporting, delivering
or selling psychotropic and narcotic substances. According to the Criminal
Code, this type of medicine must be traded with a special license. Yet,
pharmacists and pharmacy directors are violating the law.”
The U.N.
approved the List of Psychotropic Substances, which includes Luminal and
sedatives, in 1971. The U.N. passed the List of Narcotic Drugs in 1961.
Mongolia uses 12 substances listed on the List of Narcotic Drugs and 27 on the
List of Psychotropic Substances. Lawyers explained that drug manufacturers and
pharmacists are accused of crimes because some laws integrated the two
different substances (narcotics and psychotropic substances) as one
terminology, while others refer to the terms separately. Specifically, Article
3.1.6 of the Law on Medicine and Medical Devices classified that narcotics lead
to addiction, while psychotropic substances affect the mind.
The Law on
Medicine and Medical Devices specifies that the lists of drugs classified in
Mongolia as narcotics and psychotropic substances and their production, import,
storage and trade regulations have to be approved by the Minister of Health.
Resolution No. 400 of the Minister of Health, passed in 2011, namely the
regulation on the production, import, and distribution of narcotic drugs and
psychotropic substances, didn’t specify pharmacies permitted to distribute
psychotropic drugs and highlighted that public pharmacies can distribute these
types of drugs. The regulation on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances
states that provincial and Ulaanbaatar health departments will determine the
total number and location of pharmacies permitted to distribute these
substances. In other words, laws and regulations about health, medicine and
medical devices separate psychotropic drugs from narcotic drugs. In the
Criminal Code, the two are integrated as one. This is implicating drug
manufacturers and pharmacists in criminal activity.
Regular inspection on pharmacists
The Ulaanbaatar
Specialized Inspection Authority conducts general inspections of pharmacies
once every two years. A common violation discovered during these inspections is
the unlicensed sales of psychotropic drugs and narcotics such as sedatives and
Luminal.
During the 2012
general inspections, more than ten violations occurred in each district, and
pharmacists were investigated. Some were charged.
A source
reported that inspection agencies exposed several similar cases after the
uproar about a child being poisoned by Luminal in early 2014.
|
|
List of Narcotic Drugs
|
|
1.
|
Buprenorphine
|
|
2.
|
Dihydrocodeine
|
|
3.
|
Hydromorphone
|
|
4.
|
Codeine
|
|
5.
|
Levorphanol
|
|
6.
|
Morphine
|
|
7.
|
Methadone
|
|
8.
|
Oxycodone
|
|
9.
|
Oxymorphone
|
|
10.
|
Fentanyl
|
|
11.
|
Pethidine
|
|
12.
|
Trimeperidine
|
|
|
List of Psychotropic Substances
|
|
1.
|
Allobarbital
|
|
2.
|
Amobarbital
|
|
3.
|
Barbital
|
|
4.
|
Bromazepam
|
|
5.
|
Glutethimide
|
|
6.
|
Diazepam
|
|
7.
|
Clonazepam
|
|
8.
|
Levomepromazine
|
|
9.
|
Meprobamate
|
|
10.
|
Medazepam
|
|
11.
|
Methamphetamine
|
|
12.
|
Methaqualone
|
|
13.
|
Methylphenidate
|
|
14.
|
Metafenazat
|
|
15.
|
Nitrazepam
|
|
16.
|
Pentobarbital
|
|
17.
|
Pentazocine
|
|
18.
|
Pinazepam
|
|
19.
|
Secobarbital
|
|
20.
|
Trifluoperazine
|
|
21.
|
Phenobarbital
|
|
22.
|
Fluphenazine
|
|
23.
|
Cyclobarbital
|
|
24.
|
Chlorpromazine
|
|
25.
|
Chlordiazepoxide
|
|
26.
|
Ephedrine
|
|
27.
|
Ketamine
|
Source: Daily
News
We
don’t have roads and squares for people with disabilities
October 28 (UB
Post) The Human Rights Commission evaluated the living conditions of people
with disabilities in Mongolia. Although there are 117,000 disabled people
living in Mongolia, out of which over 28,000 are children, special public
resources and pedestrian crossings with sensors have not yet been built for
their use.
A significant
factor in the high number of impaired individuals living in Mongolia is traffic
and industrial accidents. How can we help these disabled people?
Members of
parliament, administrators of the city, and state authorities have discussed
helping and promoting disabled people’s lives many times but have still not
implemented the changes talked about.
Recently
constructed overpasses at Bumbugur market, 100 Ail, and a bus station at 120
Myangat have seen much better improvements for use by impaired people.
These overpasses have elevators for elders, disabled people, pregnant women,
and others who might struggle with mobility.
The Mongolian
National Association for Wheelchair Users, National Federation of the Blind,
and Mongolian National Federation of the Deaf participated in designing the
overpasses at Bumbugur and 100 Ail with the Ulaanbaatar Traffic Police
Department.
During the
evaluation by the Human Rights Commission, it was identified that a special
walkway with Braille for visually impaired people had not been built at the
Bumbugur overpass, and that wheelchair users couldn’t use the elevator by
themselves, requiring assistance to reach it.
The specialists
warned that the Braille walkway on the overpass at 100 Ail did not meet
standards, and the elevator’s size was inadequate and it was dangerous to use
For disabled
people, it is hard to live, study and work in Mongolian society because
accessible working and living environments are not provided.
Looking at
statistics from 2013, there were 54,967 male and 52,178 female disabled
individuals living with visual, hearing, cognitive and speaking impairments and
illnesses such as leprosy, epilepsy, and mental illness in Mongolia.
As the
organizers working on behalf of disabled residents said, they delivered a
recommendation letter to the ministries and state administration organizations
before the building of access ramps last year, but they have not been built .
The organizers
say that they will deliver the results of their accessibility inspection again,
this time as a recommendation to the Cabinet, Parliament and relevant
organizations. If the attempts of the Human Rights Commission and relevant
organizations could be made effective and if state organizations implemented
their recommendations, impaired people’s lives in the city would improve.
Undesnii Shuudan interviewed
M.Chuluun-Erdene, manager at Tugeeml Khugjil Center, an NGO for people with
disabilities.
What other problems face impaired people
besides road and transportation issues?
There would not
be any difficulties for people with disabilities if the road and transportation
issues are resolved. Actually, because of the transportation issue, people with
disabilities don’t have any choice but staying at home. Another issue is
to provide salaries for people who help disabled people.
Undesnii Shuudan also interviewed citizen
M.Tsengel, to learn about problems facing people living with disabilities.
When did you become visually impaired?
I used to be
able to see until I was seven years old. I became blind because I did not
have lens replacement surgery.
Have you ever crossed the overpass at
Bumbugur trade market?
Yes, I have,
but there was no Braille walkway for visually impaired people. For me, it’s
hard to cross a road and I usually receive someone’s help to cross. It would be
really easy if a siren was installed at pedestrian crossings.
Do the companies that build overpasses
listen to suggestions like this?
Not really. I
think it is better if the construction companies meet with impaired people and
reflect what is said in building projects.
Source:
Undesnii Shuudan
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