Mongolia Brief November 19, 2014



MPs Visit Russian Buryatia
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) Members of the State Great Khural (parliament) L.Bold, D.Ganbat and Ts.Arvin have paid a visit to the Buryatia Republic of the Russian Federation, the gogo.mn website said Wednesday.

Prior to the visit, the MPs attended a ceremony to enforce the Mongolia-Russia visa-free agreement last Sunday at the Mongolian Altanbulag border checkpoint with a participation of the two countries’ representatives. The MPs underlined a significance of the agreement in expanding of the bilateral relations and cooperation.
In Russia, the MPs held meetings with Mr V.V.Nagovitsyn, the Head of the Buryatia Republic; M.Gershevich, the Chairman of Buryatia’s People’s Khural;     and local government's members. The sides touched upon issues of lifting the Mongolia-Russia trade and economic ties into a new level and of opportunities for forwarding the cooperation near borders. The parties also exchanged views on widening the ties and collaboration between Mongolia and the Buryatia in other areas.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Bold legged the National University of Buryatia to highlight a present situation of Mongolia and its foreign relations.

Mongolian Diplomats Compete in Int’l Sailing Tournament
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) Diplomats of Mongolia’s Embassy in Singapore took part in the Ambassador’s Cup international sailing competition on November 15 in Singapore.
The annual tournament is organized with heads of the diplomatic missions in Singapore together with sailing athletes. It also attracts famous businessmen and authorities of transnational corporations.
Mongolia was represented by Ms B.Delgermaa, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Singapore, diplomats, and officials of the DHL company.
This year’s events were co-organized by the Embassy of Brazil and the Changi sailing club, sponsored by the Airbus Helicopters, DHL, Shenton Wealth Holdings, Cosmosteel and CBMM.
An honored guest of the tournament and Senior Parliamentary Secretary at the ministries of Defense and National Development Mr Maliki Osman handed prizes to winners. 

Renovations in Constitution Discussed
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) Mongolian Academy of Sciences and Mongolian National Democratic Party (MNDP) are jointly organizing a discussion themed “Renovations in Constitution” on November 19 at Chinggis Hotel.
The gathered are discussing a conclusion recently made by L.Tsog MP led working group on a necessity to amend some sections of the Constitution, as well as politicians and analysts' suggestions   that the Constitution needs to be renovated in order to bring sustainability to the Cabinet.
Present at the discussion are a president of the Academy of Sciences B.Enkhtuvshin, a chairman of MNDP M.Enkhsaikhan, also M.Batchimeg and Ya.Sodbaatar MPs.

Snow Leopards to Be Protected
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) Mongolia’s population of snow leopards--exclusively rare species of animals-- amounts to some 1 000. It indicates that Mongolia has the second biggest population of the species in the world, after China.
A joint statement was made by Mongolia’s Press Institute, Mongolia’s Foundation for Protection of Leopards, Green Earth Club and Anglo-American Plc. The statement notifies a decision to take comprehensive measures until 2021 for improving the living environment of snow leopards. Conditions of their living are worsening due to decreasing number of their prey as bighorns and wild goats, which, in their turn, have been forced to leave the lands they graze on due to growing number of livestock. A head of the Foundation for Protection of snow leopards B.Monkhtsog said Mongolia started collaborating with other countries in 1980 in a program for improving living environment and food by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) taking into consideration a serious decrease in the population of snow leopards. He mentioned about many initiatives by Mongolia and actions taken by the Ministry of Environment and Green Development, IUCN Mongolia, Institute of Biology of the Academy of Sciences, Centre for Protection of Leopards, and local administrations along with the specially protected areas towards conserving these animals since 1993.
“We are going to cooperate and co-implement activities for improving the conditions for snow leopards until 2021. So far, 25 leopards are carrying monitoring collars. The most recent carrier of such collar is a three-year-old leopard which was caught at Tsagaan Shuvuut of Uvs aimag, and was returned to the wild," Mr Monkhtsog said.
These collars allow the researchers to monitor the population, food, a snow thickness, and refresh the environmental conditions information every five hours. It has been also discovered that snow leopards hunt not only during nights but also during the daytime.
According to unofficial source, there are 3,900-6,400 leopards in the world--in Afghanistan, Mongolia, China, Russia and India.

MPP Management Board not in support of Ch.Saikhanbileg for PM
November 19 (news.mn) Speaker of Mongolian Parliament and DP Leader Z.Enkhbold and MP and Head of the Cabinet Secretariat for Government Ch.Saikhanbileg, who has been nominated by the DP for PM, held a meeting that went on for hours with the opposition MPP caucus.
Ch.Saikhanbileg introduced his action plan to the MPP caucus and answered the questions of its members.
The 19 MPP caucus members expressed support for Ch.Saikhanbileg, but the final decision about his nomination was made not by the MPP caucus but by the Management Board of the MPP.
Following the caucus meeting, the Management Board of MPP held a meeting attended by the 19 caucus members. The nomination was rejected with a 12 to 7 vote.
The MPP now seems to be divided on the issue of forming a new government and rallying with the DP and Ch.Saikhanbileg's nomination for PM.
On Monday MPP leader M.Enkhbold, MPP caucus head S.Byambatsogt and MPP Secretary General J.Munkhbat held a press conference.  During the press conference MPP announced that  the party not in support of Ch.Saikhanbileg for PM.

Mongolia Investment Summit Hong Kong kicks off
November 19 (news.mn) The annual Mongolia Investment Summit kicked off in Hong Kong on November 17th.
One of the largest Mongolian investment event attracting Asia Pacific regional investors, it gives investors perspective to define Mongolia based operations and activities. The forum comes at the critical time, as Mongolia needs to reignite foreign direct investment while it is forming a new government still in political negotiation.
Mongolia Investment Summit Hong Kong is being attended by President of Bank of Mongolia N.Zoljargal, Deputy Minister for Economic Development O.Chuluunbat, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to China Ts.Sukhbaatar, and Head of the Invest Mongolia Agency S.Javkhlanbaatar, and other officials, business partners, Mongolia based businessmen, and investors.
Mongolian business organizations like Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia, Business Council of Mongolia, Erdenes Tavantolgoi, and Magnai Trade will also be represented at the summit.
The two-day summit gives in depth views of Mongolia's macro economy, financial sector, and an analysis of the investment environment,  seeking ways to rebuild investor trust in Mongolia and revive the economy.
During the summit, the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce opened its Hong Kong office with a ceremony on November 18th.

Namibia Expresses Its Interest to Establish Economic Cooperation with Mongolia
November 19 (infomongolia.com) On November 18, 2014, Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) reported that the recently accredited Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Namibia to Mongolia, Mr. Ringo Abed expressed his country’s interest to develop cooperation with Mongolia in mining, agriculture, fishing and cultural spheres during the meeting with MNCCI Secretary General Mr. E.Oyuntegsh.
At the meeting with MNCCI authorities, the Ambassador of Namibia to Mongolia was accompanied with his Advisor Mr. Theo Grunewald, where Ambassador Ringo Abed noted, “However Mongolia and Namibia have established the diplomatic relations 25 years ago, but economic relations had not been established to date between the counties. During the handing of the Letter of Credence to the President of Mongolia, I underlined my willingness to stimulate economic cooperation. Our Chamber of Commerce intends to establish cooperation with Mongolian Chamber and forward further plans of collaboration. Our two countries have similar territorial sizes and population numbers as well as are common in nomadic culture. Before, mining sector was a major contributor to Namibia's GDP and current Government’s Policy is paying more attention to the agricultural sector. As same as Mongolia, our country is rich in mineral resources, in particular, Namibia is known predominantly for its gem diamond and uranium deposits. Moreover, our country’s fishing farm and tourism industry are well developed in the region and in this regard, we have opportunities to exchange experiences and boost cooperation”.
In response, Secretary General Mr. E.Oyuntegsh noted that the MNCCI is interested to establish cooperation with Namibian Chamber of Commerce and expressed his readiness to commence partnership in trade and commerce.

American Professional Basketball Player to Compete in Mongolian Super League 2014-2015
November 19 (infomongolia.com) The National Super League of Mongolian National Basketball Association (MNBA) for 2014-2015 season is being organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the season opening will be held at 06:00 pm today in Central Sports Palace in Ulaanbaatar on November 19, 2014.
In this year’s season 10 teams claimed to participate and the opening match will be held between “Bayangol Shonkhoruud” and “Govi-Altai Montorkh” teams. The second game between “Bayanzurkh Khantalstyn Irvesuud” and “Uvurkhangai Gegeen Khangai Leader” will be continued from 08:00 pm.
Also, the MNBA announced to register more teams until November 24th and the current 10 teams participating are:
1. “Khantalstyn Irvesuud” (Bayanzurkh District, UB)
2. “Tuv Urgats” (Tuv Aimag)
3. “Montorkh” (Govi-Altai Aimag)
4. “Shonkhoruud” (Bayangol District, UB)
5. “SBL Khasyn Khuleguud” (SBL Company)
6. “Tanan Garid” (Dornod Aimag)
7. “Tekh Khartsaga” (PUB Alliance Company)
8. “Khasu Megawatt” (Chinggis City, Khentii Aimag)
9. “Valvoline” (Inter Standard Oil Company, Dornogovi Aimag)
10. “Gegeen Khangai Leader” (Uvurkhangai Aimag)
This year’s highlight is an American basketball player, Carldell Johnson, for the first time will be playing in Mongolian Super League and he will be joining the “Valvoline” team.
Carldell "Squeaky" Johnson (born January 28, 1983) is a professional basketball player, who currently plays for Toros de Aragua of the Liga Profesional de Baloncesto (LPB). He played college basketball at the University of Alabama-Birmingham from 2003-2006 after beginning his collegiate career at Salt Lake Community College. Since turning professional in 2006, he has spent time with three different teams in Mexico and two in Belgium, as well as having multiple stints with the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League. He has been a non-roster invitee of the San Antonio Spurs on two occasions, and played with the New Orleans Hornets during the 2011-12 NBA season.
In his comment, Carldell Johnson said, "I was interested in Mongolia about three years ago. Ulaanbaatar is a very peaceful city.
I used to watch about Mongolians on TV and internet. Mongolians are very friendly people. When I was first asked to play for Mongolian National League it was so amazing and at the same time I was so proud of myself to be the first NBA player to play in Mongolian League”.
To remind, the "SBL Khasyn Khuleguud" won the 2013-2014 Super League of Mongolian National Basketball Association for the fourth time.

WB Permanent Rep Introduces Projects to Standing Committee
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) A head of the parliamentary Standing committee on state structure A.Bakei Wednesday received Mr James Anderson, the Permanent Representative of the World Bank (WB) to Mongolia.
Mr Bakei said he is satisfied with a re-appointment of the WB of Mr Anderson to Mongolia and hoped that Mr Anderson will work here fruitfully and will not face any difficulties because he had worked before here in times of transmission period.
Thanking the Standing committee head for the audience, Mr Anderson spoke about projects to be realized by the WB in Mongolia, including the Third phase of the Sustainable livelihood, “E-health”, “Smart government” and “Reforms in education quality”, and asked Bakei to have related Standing committees discuss these projects and to have parliament ratify them.
Mr Bakei promised to accelerate the ratification of the projects.
Benefits of the previous phases of the “Sustainable livelihood” project went to every person in rural areas. The Third phase of this project will focus on refining upon the local governance. The “E-health” project aims to improve unity of health information system and to create E-solutions for delivering health services to selected areas. The “Reforms in education quality” project has a purpose of improving a quality of primary education by making the reading and mathematics subjects more fruitful and upgrading concentration skills of pupils. The “Smart government” will support smart governance and initiatives and will improve the adequacy, transparency and benefits of the state services by using information and communication technologies.

Scientist Discover Kings’ Treasures at Kharkhorum
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) Mongolia-Germany joint archeological expedition presented November 19 its achievements of their works. They have discovered from the area of ancient Kharkhorum city, located in Ovorkhangai aimag, the consecrated treasures of the Mongolian kings that date back to the XIII century and symbolizes the eternal rule of the Great Mongol Empire.
The first archeological excavation at the remains of the Kharkhorum was done by a joint research team of Mongolia and the Soviet in 1948-1949 who had defined the remains of a large building, located in the south western angle of the city area, as a palace named “Tumen amgalant ord” of Ogodei Khaan’s. But the most recent expedition on the same site denied this conclusion and discovered that the pieces are the remains of a giant monastery of Buddhism that was built in 1235-1256 in respect of rise of Yuan Empire, and was called “Tsogt Ikh Sumiin Ger” (Home of Great Temple of Tsogt).
The consecrated treasures of the Mongolians kings have been found from under what is assumed to be an entrance to the monastery. 

"Changes in Scientific Picture of World, Philosophy" Action Approaches
By N. Khaliun
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) This symposium will be held at the Conference Hall of the Presidium of Mongolian Academy of Sciences on November 20.
It will be co-organized by the Institute of Philosophy, Sociology and Law of Mongolia's Academy of Sciences and Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO.
Over 20 scientists and researchers of natural and social sciences and humanities will take part in the  symposium to receive/give reports “Philosophy and concrete science”, “Research in elementary particle physics”, “Biology of genetic science and its impact on other sciences”, “Social function of science, the quality of scientific research, ways to improve their effectiveness", "The differences between science and pseudoscience", "Ethics of science" and "The Social responsibility of scientists", and to run discussions.  

Cultural Tourism Trends to Be Considered
By N. Khaliun
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) A scientific conference themed "Development of cultural tourism trends, current state of training specialists" will run in Ulaanbaatar November 20-23.
Within the conference, to be organized by the Ministry of culture, sport and tourism, the reports are expected on topics as "The current state and prospects of the development of cultural tourism" and "The demand for professionals in tourism industry, training programs".
The participants will also discuss the state policy in tourism and experiences of several countries in developing of the cultural tourism in order to develop later related proposals and recommendations.

"Convention on Children's Rights-Mongolia" Reports Achievements
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) An event themed “Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and Mongolia” was co-ran Wednesday by the National Authority for Children and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the international Convention.
Mongolia was one of the first five countries to join and ratify the CRC in 1990. A presentation on the implementation of the Convention in Mongolia, its results and achievements of cooperation was given to the public and the children.
Out of 700 participants 250 were adults, including representatives of international organizations, NGOs, and general education schools, and also some 450 children. The children's questions about education, police, human rights, child protection and promotion for children’s participation were answered by representatives of the ministries of Education and Sciences, Health, and of Population Development and Social Welfare, Ulaanbaatar Police Department, the National Authority for Children and NGOs.
"Red Scarf" children’s ensemble at the National Broadcaster, and dancers from the Mongolian Children’s Palace together with State Honored artist B.Ganchimeg gave a performance. The children gathered sang a birthday song for the 25th anniversary of the CRC.
The event was interpreted in sign language for children with hearing disabilities.
Teachers, social workers and officials of some NGOs were awarded honorary certificates and medals. The achievements made since the commencement of the CRC in Mongolia include: an increase of early childhood education enrollments from 35% to 68% in 1990-2013; under five child deaths were reduced by more than 1/3 since 1990; percentage of children who are underweight dropped by over 90% since 2000; as of 2006, corporal punishment is illegal in schools; in 2000-2013, cases of under-five child mortality from diarrhea decreased 65%; from 1990 to 2014, primary education enrollment increased from 75% to 96%; in 2008-2013, coverage to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV increased from 0% to 67%; primary school completion rate reached 98% compared to 75% in mid 1990s; 68% of Mongolians got access to clean and safe drinking water; full immunization coverage  increased from 68% to 78% between 2005 and 2013; since 2003, maternal deaths declined from 109.5 to 42.6 per 100 000; 99% of births of children were registered; iodized salt use increased by 2/3 between 2000 and 2013; iodized salt helped children survive and thrive; Mongolia eliminated measles in 2014; in 2013, nearly 99% of all child births were attended by skilled professionals; today, more than half of Mongolians are using improved, unshared sanitation facilities; in the last decade the investment targeted to children increased by 11.7 reaching one trillion Tugrug in 2013; over 95% of young people (between 15-24), and 97% of adults were literate; social work as a new profession to protect children was introduced in 1997; today, 16 higher education institutions have courses for social workers; first ever nationwide toll-free, 24/7 child helpline was launched in 2014; law on protection of child rights–1996; promotion of a Multi-disciplinary Approach to Child Protection since 2005; establishment of national and local institutions for children’s rights since 1991; cases of infant mortality decreased from 77 in 1990 to 26 in 2013; 9 common indicators for child’s rights are regularly measured and the data on implementation of child’s rights are collected, reported the National Authority for Children.

Earthquake reported in Umnugovi Province
November 19 (news.mn) A magnitude 4.7 earthquake occurred  24 km from Nomgon sum in Umnugovi Province at 11:05 a.m. (Ulaanbaatar time) today, November 19th.
The location of the earthquake was 42.84 degrees longitude and 105.44 degrees latitude.
The Research Center for Astronomy and Geophysics at the Academy of Sciences of Mongolia reported, “Small tremors followed the strong quake, but now they are gone. Local residents of Nomgon sum and the province center felt the quake. Specialists are now working to provide more details about the quake in Dalanzadgad sum.”
A magnitude 4.7 quake and its aftershock tremors can cause minor damage to buildings and homes. But there is no report of loss or damage due to the quake.
Related:
Earthquake Occurs in Omnogobi AimagMontsame, November 19

Censuses of Livestock and Pets to Run
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) The capital city will count its livestock and pets on this December 7-17.
An order of the City’s Mayor on organizing the censuses was issued on Wednesday. Accordingly, a commission has been set up to run the actions, chaired by T.Bat-Erdene, a deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar in charge of ecology and green development affairs, and MNT ten million 374 thousand will be allotted from the reserve of the Mayor for a training of census conductors, preparation, control and consolidation of results.
Obligations have been given to governors of all districts to finance the censuses in their areas. The city’s census commission has been told to deliver ongoing information and final results to the National Statistical Committee in due time and to consolidate general results in a first quarter of 2015.

"Kakuryu" M.Anand Leading Sumo Tournament
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) One of the "Yokozuna"-titled sumo wrestlers Mongolian "Kakuryu" M.Anand is currently leading the Kyushu bash (November tournament) of the Japanese professional sumo, which is continuing in Fukuoka city.
M.Anand has gained 10 wins, no lose so far. He is being followed by his countrymen--Yokozuna “Hakuho” M.Davaajargal with eight wins, “Harumafuji” D.Byambadorj, Ozeki-titled Kisenosato, “Kyokutenho” N.Tsevegnyam.
By the schedule, Anand will face on Wednesday Ozeki Kisenosato. Another Mongolian Sekiwake-titled “Ichinojyo” A.Ichinnorov will fight with Japanese Toyohibiki. 

Specialized Inspection Agency Questions Southgobi Sands
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) General Agency for Specialized Inspection reported on Wednesday that it suspects that SouthGobi Sands LLC might be conducting illegal actions under its reputation of a foreign investor.
The company obtained a total of 35 special licenses from different companies in 2007. The agency demands that SouthGobi Sands submit allegation to confirm the legibility of the obtainment within this December 20. 
The demand is appropriate in respect of the fact that the natural reserves are a property of the Mongolian people. The company is also being investigated in general grounds of taxation dodging.  

City Solution Forum introduces cycling project
November 19 (news.mn) JCI Ulaanbaatar non-profit community organized the City Solution Forum-Traffic in collaboration with the Ulaanbaatar City Mayor`s Office and Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The forum was attended by state and non-state organizations, businessmen, researchers, and the public.
Forum participants delivered presentations on the following four subjects:
- Measures to reduce traffic jams
- Regulations and planning to reduce vehicle use
- Regionalization and planning
- Driver and passenger norms and ethics
Planning to reduce vehicle use in the city, a presentation promoting cycling in Ulaanbaatar was given by project specialist and coordinator O.Sansarkhuu.
Mongolian Youth Federation has conducted the “Ulaanbaatar with Cycling” project in the city for the past two years and organized four cycling parades, a weekend cycling eco-tour, and called for building bicycle lanes in the city.

SSIA moves to ban semi-precious stone exports
November 19 (news.mn) The State Specialized Inspection Agency has delivered demands to the Customs Service seeking a ban on the export of semi-precious stones.
The move comes after irreparable damage has been done to the environment as local stone traders dig for rough red jasper. This kind of prospecting has been popular in recent years.
Two men were found dead after they went to dig for rough red jasper. Under a resolution issued by the provincial Governor's Office, police, the local Specialized Inspection office and environmental authorities have begun patrols but still cannot control the illegal trade of semi-precious stones.
Police and the General Intelligence Agency will collaborate to discover individuals and groups who dig, collect or sell and support the semi-precious and colorful stone trade.

Two companies permitted to export meat to Russia
November 19 (Mongolian Economy) Meat export to Mongolia’s northern neighbor is finally to take place, after vice minister of Industry and Agriculture Sh.Tuvdendorj acquired the requisite permission during his recent visit to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his brief stopover in Mongolia last September, was the first to initially accept Mongolia’s request to import meat.
Russian Inspection Agency experts toured and reviewed 12 Mongolian meat processing companies. Two companies, Erdmeat and Precom from Erdenet city, have been chosen and permitted to export meat to Russia. 
The 10 remaining companies have been tasked with raising hygiene standards in their processing and packaging facilities, such as improving the quality and cleanliness the tables and chairs used in the process of removing meat from bone, said the Russians.

Ruling DP Could Not Reach Consensus with Opposition MPP on New Candidacy for Prime Minister of Mongolia
November 19 (infomongolia.com) At the National Consultative Committee Meeting of Democratic Party held on November 14, 2014, it was agreed to replace the Party leadership following the collapse of current Cabinet by nominating incumbent Speaker of the Parliament Z.Enkhbold as the Head of DP.
Moreover, the DP Committee members have promoted the Head of the Cabinet Secretariat Ch.Saikhanbileg for the Prime Minister of Mongolia, who won over the second candidacy, MP R.Amarjargal.
Due to regulations, the candidate for Premier’s post promoted by ruling party should be negotiated with other political forces having seats in the Parliament before ratifying at the Parliamentary plenary session.
Accordingly, the DP leadership sent its proposals of negotiation seeking support from other Parties to promote Ch.Saikhanbileg for the next Prime Minister of Mongolia.
However, as considered as “small” political forces in the Parliament, the CWGP and “Justice” Coalition had agreed to support Ch.Saikhanbileg’s candidacy, but the main opposition Party (Mongolian People’s Party) revised the issue at its two-day meeting, where at the latter meeting held at MPP Board of Members-level with participation of DP Head Z.Enkhbold and nominee Ch.Saikhanbileg, was concluded yesterday on November 18, 2014.
Although the meeting decision was not revealed yesterday, but today on November 19, 2014, the MPP Board of Members represented by Head of MPP, concurrent Deputy Speaker of Parliament M.Enkhbold, Chairman of MPP Group at the Parliament S.Byambatsogt and MPP Secretary General J.Munkhbat have called a press conference regarding the Party decision.
At the press conference, MPP Board Members stated, “The Democratic Party sent its proposal to nominate the Head of the Cabinet Secretariat Ch.Saikhanbileg for the Prime Minister of Mongolia on November 17, 2014.
Accordingly, the MPP Board of Members and MPP Group discussed the issue at its two-day meeting and issued its decision yesterday. The MPP Board has 21 members and following the revision, 63% of attendees resolved not to support the promoted candidate Ch.Saikhanbileg for the Premier’s post.
Today morning we officially sent the letter to the Head of DP Z.Enkhbold. The reason is not applicable to support the candidature used to work as main figure in the ‘Government for Changes’ with ousted Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag, who chaired the Cabinet that caused a worsening economy and raising debt nationwide. If the DP Consultative Committee suggests a person, who can resolve the current situation, the MPP will accept the next candidacy. Therefore, the 26 MPP Group members at the Parliament will follow the Board decision”.

The Global Terrorism Index 2014: Mongolia
November 19 (infomongolia.com) The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) released the second edition of the Global Terrorism Index 2014 Report which provides a comprehensive summary of the key global trends and patterns in terrorism over the last 14 years beginning in 2000 and ending in 2013.
The 2014 Report analyses the impact of terrorism in 162 countries (99.6% of the world’s population) and identifies the social, economic and political factors associated with it. The Index has also been compared to a range of socio-economic indicators to determine the key factors most closely associated with terrorism.
Over 80 per cent of the lives lost to terrorist activity in 2013 occurred in only five countries - Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria and Syria. However, another 55 countries recorded one or more deaths from terrorist activity. Whilst 102 of 162 countries covered in this study experienced no deaths from terrorism in 2013. Moreover, 60% of all attacks involve the use of explosives, 30% use firearms and 10% used other tactics including incendiary devices, melee attacks and sabotage of equipment.
The IEP has identified the following 13 countries as being at risk of increased terrorist activity from current levels: Angola, Bangladesh, Burundi, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Iran, Israel, Mali, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Uganda.
There are three statistically significant factors associated with terrorism: state sponsored violence, group grievances and high levels of criminality. Interestingly, poverty rates, levels of school attendance and most economic factors have no association with terrorism. The strong relationship between terrorism and other forms of violence underlines how the persistent targeting of police forces and the instability generated by terrorist activity can undermine the rule of law.
Nevertheless, Mongolia is included in those 39 countries with no impact of terrorist in 2013.

Ulaanbaatar and Moscow ink cooperation agreement
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ A Mongolian delegation headed by a Chairman of the Citizens’ Representatives Khutal of Ulaanbaatar D.Battulga met on November 17 with a Chairman of Moscow City Duma Aleksei Shaposhnikov in Moscow.  
The sides discussed contemporary urban-planning and land uses in Moscow and its policies on health, the environment and youth, as were asked by Mr Battulga, and inked an agreement on cooperation. After this, Shaposhnikov said there will be no obstacles in the cooperation as such an agreement has been established. “Green-light policy will be conducted, and Moscow will always be ready to assist our Mongolian friends,” he said.
The Mongolian delegation has come to Moscow due to a necessity to renovate the infrastructure of Ulaanbaatar that has been designed by former Soviet engineers, noted the Chairman of Moscow City Duma.
The agreement of cooperation will let train Mongolian professionals in Moscow on land management, urban planning, and policies of cities and communities. "It is a very important action", noted Mr Battulga,"a strengthening of ties with Russia is priority of Mongolia’s foreign policy".
Our delegation was also one of the first passengers to travel to Russia after visa-free regime was enforced.

Stock Exchange news for November 19
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Wednesday, a total of 8,829 JSCs were traded costing MNT 23 million 471 thousand and 322.00.
"APU” /3,644 units/, “E-trans logistics” /1,823 units/, “Hai Bi Oil” /1,257 units/, “Genco tour bureau” /524 units/ and "Arig Gal” /500 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "APU” (MNT 13 million 482 thousand and 800), "Gobi” (MNT two million 222 thousand and 500), “Material impex” (MNT two million and 142 thousand), “Baganuur” (MNT one million 612 thousand and 800) and "Arig gal” (MNT one million and 175 thousand).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 507 billion 042 million 980 thousand and 804. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 14,937.16, decreasing 130.48 units or 0.87% against the previous day.

US Ambassador’s speech on Day for Tolerance
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the USA to Mongolia Ms Piper Anne Wind Campbell has given a speech on the Day for Tolerance.
“In 1996, the member states of the United Nations declared November 16 would annually mark observation of the Day for Tolerance. Amidst the sweeping changes of the 1990s, the UN noted with concern the increase in hostility toward many groups, including some minority ethnic groups, lesbian gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons, and people with disabilities. The Day for Tolerance was thus created to help build awareness of the importance of cultural diversity.
Human history has generally trended toward a global society that is more open and tolerant, and indeed during these last 19 years great changes have taken place across the world, including in America. In the U.S., we have opened military service to all who wish to serve their country without requiring them to hide whom they choose to love. Marriage is now legal for LGBT persons in many U.S. states, and efforts are underway to legalize it in many more. The Americans with Disabilities Act continues to be amended to ensure access and basic human rights for persons with all types of disabilities. Issues involving race relations are still actively discussed in America, and we are proud of the strides we continue to make towards understanding and mutual respect.
Throughout human history, learning to be tolerant has meant recognizing that “all” members of society have meaningful contributions to make and working to ensure that they can do so. Providing for a family by working in a job, serving your country in the military, graduating from a university, or building a stable family by marrying the person you to love - these are examples of fundamental human rights that nourish the soul and strengthen the fabric of society. They contribute to the greater good.
To ensure that all members of our society can contribute, then, is the essence of tolerance. Denying the ability of some to contribute based on their differences means denying ourselves a richer and more diverse society. Intolerance means our nations are weaker than they can be and, in our interconnected world, that means we all miss out.
During my time in Mongolia, I've learned that, from its earliest days, yours has been a culture of thoughtfulness and inclusiveness. Chinggis Khan organized debates among representatives of various religions in order to understand their beliefs; he also welcomed into his empire knowledge from many cultures. He understood that being different did not imply being less. I applaud the efforts underway in Mongolia to protect the rights of disabled persons, LGBT persons, and other vulnerable groups. In so doing, Mongolia continues to live up to its reputation as a place of inclusiveness and tolerance and sets an important example for other countries around the world. The United States will continue to stand with you and support you as Mongolia continues its development as a nation that honors the contributions of ‘all’ its citizens,”

Women boxers competing in World Championships
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, November 19 (MONTSAME) Boxers of the national women’s team are competing in the 8th AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships running in Jeju, South Korea.
Mongolia has been represented at the competitions by eight boxers. Out of them, T.Bolortuul IMS (48 kg), M.Gundegmaa MS (54 kg) and N.Oyun-Erdene MS (57 kg) have beaten their opponents in the first bouts. A middleweight boxer E.Undram IMS will fight against a Canadian rival Ariane Fortin in the first round.
Other boxers did not advance to the next bouts. They are being headed by P.Serdamba, the secretary-general of the Mongolia’s Olympic Boxing Federation, and coached by D.Bandi and B.Enkhtaivan.
The Boxing World Championships will continue until November 25.

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