Mongolia Brief November 24, 2014

State budget for 2014 to be altered

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 23 (MONTSAME) At the cabinet meeting--the very first one after the new Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg was elected on Friday--amendments were discussed to the law on 2014 state budget.

A reason of this became a new structure of the government. As the law on the state budget says that new regulations in the budget are required for the general managers of budget in case the cabinet changes. 

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Concepts of bills approved

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 23 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on Friday approved a concept of a draft new wording of the law on arbitration and also concepts of bills on punishment and socializing criminals and on proceedings of implementing court decisions.

Adopted in 2003, the law on arbitration has been harmonized with a model law of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), so the current law is required to be amended in accordance with a 2006' alteration of the UNCITRAL. The alteration expects to raise the public trust in arbitration, to popularize the arbitration for tackling debates and to reduce both time and expenses of the arbitration actions.

In frames of governmental goals, the Ministry of Justice has been running reforms in order to make the punishment policy more appropriate, effective and optional. By the newly adopted law on crime, the punishment types and forms have been re-determined, and the prison punishment has been transmitted into open and closed systems. The prison punishment for teenagers is transferred into educational and discipline organizations. The bill on punishment and socializing criminals is correlated with these amendments.

The law on proceedings of implementing court decisions is required to be worked out in order to improve final-stage works of adjudication.

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President’s visits summarized

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 23 (MONTSAME) At its meeting on Friday, the cabinet discussed results of an official visit of the President Ts.Elbegdorj on October 13-15 to Austria as well as of his working visit to Hungary on October 17-19 of 2014.

The cabinet also discussed the President’s participation in the 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit held October 16-17 in Milan of Italy. The results of the visits will be submitted to the National Security Council (NSC).

Mr Ts.Elbegdorj delivered speeches on Mongolia's position at an opening of the ASEM Summit and at preliminary meeting themed “Asia-Europe cooperation”. 

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Speaker’s visit to China discussed

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 23 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on Friday discussed results of an official visit of the Speaker of parliament Z.Enkhbold paid on October 27-28 to the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

The PM and an acting Minister of External Relations and Economic Cooperation CH.Saikhanbileg was told to submit the results to the National Security Council (NSC).

Main purposes of the Speaker’s visit were to strengthen the Mongolia-China comprehensive partnership relations, enhance the mutual trust and understanding, to expand the ties and cooperation between the legislative bodies, and to set up a mechanism of running meetings between parliaments of the two countries.

The cabinet considered that these purposes have been implemented successfully.

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Cabinet meeting in brief

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 23 (MONTSAME) On Friday, the cabinet decided to submit to the National Security Council (NSC) a presentation on a laboratory equipped with facilities for detecting specific kinds of crimes.

- The cabinet backed in principle a draft general law on administration initiated by the President Ts.Elbegdorj and decided to convey it to the initiator.

- The cabinet backed a concept of the law on organic foods and ordered Ministers to adopt the law after reflecting their proposals. A legal environment has not been formed yet in Mongolia for the industry of processing organic agricultural products, for registering, examining and approving these products. The country needs to have a legal regulation for creating common demands for national producers and sales and for encouraging them.

- The cabinet considered as necessity to adopt a draft new wording of the law on labour after discussing and backing it.

- In accordance with a decision of the court, Sh.Solongo was re-appointed the first deputy head of the Cabinet Secretariat for Government.

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State flag hoisted on Day of Chingis Khaan

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 23 (MONTSAME) On the 852nd birth anniversary of Chingis Khaan--the Day of Mongolian Pride--a ceremony took place Sunday to raise the State Flag of Mongolia and to bestow the Nine White Banners.

The Nine White Banners were placed on the Square of Chingis Khaan after which nine guards of Honor--all on horses--carried them one time around the State House, with a ceremonial music and protected by the state Guard troops.

After this the Nine White Banners were placed back in the Protocol and Honor hall of the State House.

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Order of Chinggis Khaan presented to Kh.Namsrai

November 24 (news.mn) On the occasion of the 852nd birthday of the Great Chinggis Khaan and National Pride Day in Mongolia, world famous physicist  and academic Kh.Namsrai was presented with the State's highest prize, the “Order of Chinggis Khaan”, in accordance with a decree by the President of Mongolia. 

The award ceremony was attended by President Ts.Elbegdorj, Speaker of the Mongolian State Great Khural Z.Enkhbold, Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg, members of the Order of Chinggis Khaan, and notable political, social and religious figures.

President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj presented the Order of Chinggis Khaan to Khavtgai Namsrai. The Mongolian physicist became the 8th person to be presented with the honor.

During the ceremony, President Ts.Elbegdorj and academic Khavtgai Namsrai gave speeches and students from the Music and Dance College gave a performance paying respect to the guest of honor.

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Related:

Order of Chingis Khaan goes to academician Kh.Namsrai – Montsame, November 23

Tribute paid to state flag, great white banners and statue of Chinggis Khaan

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) The 852nd anniversary of birth of the Great Chinggis Khaan--the National Pride Day--was celebrated nationwide on November 23.

A solemn ceremony of paying tribute to the State Flag and the Great White Banners ran at the Chinggis Square, after this, the President Ts.Elbegdorj, the Chairman of the State Great Khural Z.Enkhbold, the Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg, MPs, Government members and citizens’ representatives paid tribute to the Statue of Chinggis Khaan.

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Ambassador pays tribute to Chinggis Khaan’s statue in Ankara

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) Mongolia's Ambassador to Turkey Mr B.Batkhishig along with the officials from the Embassy laid wreaths at the statue of Chinggis Khaan in Ankara city of Turkey on November 21, on the eve of the 852nd birth anniversary of the Great Chinggis Khaan--the National Pride Day.  

Mongolian students who study in the Turkish National Police Academy paraded in their uniforms. After paying a tribute to the statue, the anthems of Mongolia and the Republic Turkey were sounded. Mr B.Batkhishig and the deputy governor of the Chankaya district of Ankara Mr Gulsun Bor Guner made congratulatory remarks.

Present at the ceremony were also officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, administrations of Ankara and its district Cankaya, and the Mongolians who live/study in the city.

Around three meters tall, a bronze statue of Chinggis Khaan was erected in a park named after him in the Cankaya district of Ankara in 2006 on the occasion of the 800th anniversary of Great Mongol Empire. The statue was created by a Turkish sculptor, this is the first ever statue of Chinggis to be erected abroad.
A famous quote of Chinggis Khaan on how he approached affairs of state is inscribed in Turkish at the front of the statue and in the traditional Mongolian script at the back. It says, "Let my petty body lie exhausted, but not the nature of my state. Let my whole body lie exhausted, but not my state”.

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Defense officials participate in Xiangshan forum

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) Mongolian delegation led by the Vice Minister of Defense A.Battor attended the Xiangshan international forum on Security which was held in Beijing on November 21-22.

This bi-yearly track-2 defense forum is organized by Academy of Military Sciences of China. The forum gathered defense chiefs and scholars of countries in Asia and the Pacific who discussed issues of regional security environment, maritime security and cooperation against terrorism.

This year’s forum was held in track-1.5 because it included representatives of governments of Asian countries. The state advisor and the Minister of Defense of the PRC Chang Wanquan opened the forum by presenting a paper themed "Chinese military and the Security of Asia and the Pacific".

A Deputy chief of the General Staff of People’s Liberation Army of China Wang Guang Zhong met with the Vice Minister of Defense A.Battor to exchange opinions on regional security.

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Livestock sphere winter preparation is almost complete

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) Acting Minister of Industry and Agriculture Sh.Tuvdendorj informed the cabinet on its meeting of November 21 that the preparation for 2014-2015 winter has been satisfied in a level to provide a wintering for 50 million livestock of 142.5 thousand families or 80 million heads of livestock as converted into sheep population.

According to pastures capacity study, the grazing fields are sufficient in 76 percent of the total territory, and the herders in the rest of the territory are planning to graze their livestock in other aimags.

Based on the assumptions of the grazing capacity, drinking water access, hay production, organization of encampments, preparation of herding families, and inspection of livestock fattening, the livestock sector's preparation for the winter is going with 90 percent, he said. 

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PM offers other parties cooperation

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister and a member of Democratic Party Ch.Saikhanbileg sent to political parties in parliament letters with an offer to cooperate with the democrats' faction in forming of a new cabinet.

As instructed by the Speaker Z.Enkhbold, the new Premier should present the news composition of his cabinet to parliament within two weeks. 

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State flag of Mongolia hoisted in Osaka

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) On the 852nd birth anniversary of Chingis Khaan--the Day of National Pride celebrated on Sunday, the General Consulate of Mongolia in Osaka city of Japan hosted a ceremony of raising the State Flag of Mongolia.

The General Consulate is located in the city’s busy street, so many tourists and residents have taken pictures during the ceremony. Apart from the diplomats of the Consulate, the ceremony attracted Mongolians living in Osaka. 

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Preparation is underway for ASEM Summit

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) The Ministry of External Relations and Economic Cooperation, also the Office of the National Security Council (NSC) and several other organizations have set up a working group that will  ensure a preparation for the 2016 ASEM Summit to be held in Mongolia.

Last week, the group’s members exchanged views on preliminary researches and plans.

Established in 1996, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) currently has 53 partners, 51 of whom are countries and two--international organizations such as the European Union and the ASEAN.

The 11th Summit of ASEM will run here coinciding with its 20th anniversary.

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Mongolia may ratify CRC protocol

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on Friday instructed the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Population Development and Social Welfare to adopt the concept of the draft law on ratifying the additional protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (the CRC), reflecting  suggestions made by the cabinet members.

If the protocol is ratified, Mongolia will forward an ensuring and protecting of children’s rights, will submit complaints to related international organizations, will receive an international assistance. It will also aid for establishing a national mechanism that improves/monitors implementation of the CRC and for receiving and solving children’s complaints.

In violent cases to children rights breach, the Ministry of Population Development and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation will be able to submit complaints to the associated international organizations.

The cabinet also approved the draft of the Fifth National Report on the Implementation of the CRC.

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Standing Committee chairman receives WB country manager

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) MP and a chairman of the Standing Committee on budget Ts.Davaasuren received Monday the country manager of the World Bank for Mongolia Mr Jim Anderson.

The latter presented the drafts of projects by the WB to be implemented in Mongolia, namely, “SMART government”, the third “Sustainable Livelihoods”, “Education Quality Reform”, and “E-Health”. Mr Davaasuren appreciated the projects and promised to cooperate with WB in implementing them and other possible project that will contribute to the development of our country.

He said the state pursues economic policies in favor of overcoming a pressure on mining and private sector. The WB is rich in practices of implementing many projects, in particular, on infrastructure development, said the chairman.

Mongolia and the WB can also cooperate in projects on promoting exports such as in livestock raw materials, fir this industry is less affected by world economic crises. "For instance, the sides can co-implement projects on organic food, wool and cashmere, leather and light industry".

In response, Mr Anderson said the WB focuses on expanding cooperation with Mongolia in other economic sectors than mining, particularly on promoting processing industries of agriculture. “I fully agree and accept Your offer to cooperate in major projects to serve in the country’s development," added Mr Anderson.

He also said Mongolia has now an access to credits with easy terms from the WB's International Development Association and to financial source from the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development, Mr Anderson reported.

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New PM receives congratulations from Russian counterpart Medvedev

By N. Khaliun

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) The Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev sent a telegram of congratulations to Chimedin Saikhanbileg on his assumption of the Prime Minister of Mongolia on November 21.

About this reports the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Mongolia. "Russia and Mongolia have traditionally friendly relations. I am confident that the further development of the bilateral cooperation in trade-economic, investment and humanitarian spheres, also in implementation of major joint projects meets the fundamental interests of our two countries. I wish You, Mister Prime Minister, good health and success in Your responsible position," the telegram says.

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Stock Exchange news for November 24

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Monday, a total of one million 853 thousand and 178 units of 19 JSCs were traded costing MNT 946 million 719 thousand and 913.80.

"State Department Store” /One million and 840 thousand units/, “Hai Bi Oil” /10 thousand units/, “Remikon” /1,000 units/, “Genco tour bureau” /645 units/ and "Arig gal” /362 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "State Department Store” (MNT 943 million and 720 thousand), "Hai Bi Oil” (MNT five million and 100 thousand), “Talkh chikher” (MNT one million and 702 thousand), “APU” (MNT one million and 022 thousand) and "Atar-orgoo” (MNT one million and 020 thousand).

The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 505 billion 396 million 870 thousand and 076. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 14,849.89, increasing 14.63 units or 0.10% against the previous day.

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Aerobic gymnasts grab medals in Asian Championship

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) A national team of Mongolia with 35 athletes won one gold and two bronze medals in the 4th Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championship which took place November 17-21 in Danwon of South Korea.

The events were participated by some 300 gymnasts from 11 countries such as China, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Hong Kong and India and others.

Our team had athletes from the National Institute of Physical Culture (NIPC), Institute of Physical Culture at the State University of Education and the “Light” club at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST), from two secondary schools, and Darkhan-Uul aimag.

A team of the MUST won the gold medal in the above 18-age category. Another team, coached by E.Monkh-Orgil at the NIPC, grabbed the bronze medal in the dance aerobics contest. In the youngest age division (12-14 years old), D.Bat-Monkh and M.Byambatseren captured another "bronze". 

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Children’s sports festival to be organized

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) At the cabinet meeting on November 21, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Education and Sciences were obligated to organize the fifth National children’s sports festival in 2015, including within the categories of summer and winter sports.

The festivals for children and universities and the nationwide festivals are organized every four years. Children’s sports festival will run in June among the disabled children, in eight categories, in September--among the general education pupils in 15 categories, and in five categories of winter sports--in December next year. 

While the previous festivals were held in three phases, all sports tournaments of 2015 festival will begin in Ulaanbaatar simultaneously with an attendance of the righteous athletes chosen from the State Championships to complete 5-7 days. The participants of the festival will be actively included in cultural events as well.

The first children’s sports festival was organized in 1999. The International Olympic Committee has also made a decision to regularly organize the Teenage Olympic Games starting from 2010, to promote youth engagement in sports.

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Yokozuna Hakuho, M.Davaajargal Ties with All-Time Record of 32 Career Championships

November 24 (infomongolia.com) The 2014 Kyushu Basho or Grand Sumo November Tournament was successfully finished in Fukuoka city of Japan on November 23, 2014.

The Tournament Emperor’s Cup went to Yokozuna Hakuho, M.Davaajargal, who captured the Cup for his 32nd time and this is the highest record of Japanese Sumo that ties with the record made by Yokozuna Taiho 43 years ago. Currently, the third Yokozuna Hakuho is listed on the top matching the all-time record of 32 career championships.

Hakuho (Munkhbat DAVAAJARGAL) made his debut in March 2001, he reached the top Makuuchi Division in May 2004. In May 2007 at the age of 22 he became the second Mongolian after Asashoryu D.Dagvadorj to be promoted to the highest rank in sumo, Yokozuna. In 2009, he broke the record for the most wins in a calendar year, winning 86 out of 90 bouts.

Moreover, the second winning-record by Mongolian wrestlers was achieved by Kyokutenho N.Tsevegnyam, who competed from West Maegashira #11 and finished the 2014 November Tournament with a 10-5 record. The achievement is recorded as the oldest sumo wrestler in his 40 years and 2 months finishes the tournament with records of over 50% of wins.

Kyokutenho N.Tsevegnyam made his debut in March 1992 with the first group of Mongolians ever to join the Sumo sport in Japan and reached the top Makuuchi Division in January 1998. Now, he is the longest serving active wrestler in the top division, he has received the Kanto-sho (Fighting Spirit Prize) seven times and the latter prize was awarded at this November Tournament. Moreover, he has won once the Emperor’s Cup in May 2012. He is the first wrestler since the 1930s achieving more than 50% of wins in the top division after the age of 40, and only Noshirogata in his 40 years and 1 month had made such results in 1935. He acquired Japanese citizenship in 2005.

Japanese sumo record holders to date, who took the Emperor’s Cup more than 20 times:

Taiho - 32

Hakuho - 32

Chiyonofuji - 31

Asashoryu - 25

Kitanoumi - 24

Takanohana - 22

Final standings of Mongolian wrestlers, 2014 November Tournament

Makuuchi Division

1. East Yokozuna Hakuho - M.Davaajargal 14-1

2. West Yokozuna Kakuryu - M.Anand 12-3

3. East Yokozuna Harumafuji - D.Byambadorj 11-4

4. West Sekiwake Ichinojo - A.Ichinnorov 8-7

5. MW-3 Terunofuji - G.Gan-Erdene 8-7

6. MW-10 Tamawashi - B.Munkh-Orgil 8-7

7. MW-11 Kyokutenho - N.Tsevegnyam 10-5

8. ME-13 Takanoiwa - A.Baasandorj 3-12

9. MW-13 Arawashi - E.Dulguun 8-7

10. MW-15 Kyokushuho - T.Erdenebaatar 9-6

Juryo Division

11. E-1 Tokitenku - A.Khuchitbaatar 12-3

12. W-1 6 Kagamio - B.Nanjid 9-6

13. W-3 Seiro - A.Unubold 4-11

14. E-4 Shotenro - D.Nyamsuren 7-8

15. W-7 Asasekiryu - B.Dashnyam 9-6

16. E-10 Azumaryu - S.Todbileg 6-9

17. W-12 Sakigake - Ya.Battushig 6-9

Makushita Division

18. W-11 Chiyoshima - G.Munkhsaikhan 3-4

19. W-14 Gochozan - D.Uuganbaatar 4-3

20. E-18 Ryuonami - B.Buyanjargal 4-3

21. W-23 Daishoho- R.Shijirbayar 4-3

22. W-25 Sensho - E.Bayarbat 4-3

23. E-53 Aratoshi - V.Tserendorj 0-2-5 withdrew due to injury

24. W-60 Daionami - B.Uuganbayar 3-4

Sandanme Division

25. E-24 Takakasuga - E.Enkhmanlai 3-4

Jonidan Division

26. E-9 Sadahikari - D.Narantsogt 4-3

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Related:

Davaajargal wins 32 sumo grand tournaments – Montsame, November 24

Hakuho wins his 32nd Emperor's Cup – news.mn, November 24

Ulaanbaatar to host Asian Fencing Festival

November 24 (news.mn) During the annual Congress of the International Fencing Federation (FIE) held in Rome, Italy, Vice President of Mongolia's Fencing Federation L.Ganpurev met the International Fencing Federation's (FIE) Alisher Usmanov, Vice-President of the FIE Wang Wei, and Secretary General Frederic Petrushka to exchange opinions.

Mongolia's Fencing Federation also held meetings with representatives from the fencing federations of the South Korea, China, Japan, Great Britain and Uzbekistan.

During the annual congress it was agreed that Ulaanbaatar would host the 2015 Asian Youth Fencing Festival, from September 7-12.

It was also decided that the General Assembly of the Asian Fencing Federation would be hosted in Ulaanbaatar in 2015.

The General Assembly of the Asian Fencing Federation, representing 35 countries, is tentatively scheduled for September 7th, 2015.

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Related:

Mongolia to host fencing events – Montsame, November 24

Wrestling team wins cash prize in Kazakhstan

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) A Mongolian wrestling team has successfully competed in the 2nd “Eurasia Barysy” Kazakh kures wrestling which was held last weekend in Taraz of Kazakhstan.

Dedicated to the 150th birth anniversary of a Kazakh legendary wrestler Baluan Sholak, the competition was attended by 12 teams of Asian and European countries. The Mongolian team has a coach O.Bakhyt and Th.Tsagaanbaatar, G.Kherlen, M.Dagvadorj, Kh.Tsogtgerel and B.Sugarjargal. They defeated opponents from Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. At the final, our team beat Kazakhstan’s counterpart.

For taking the first place, the Mongolians received a USD 50 thousand cash prize. Second and third places went to Kazakhstan and Georgia.

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Two Mongolians become World champion for sambo

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) Mongolian wrestlers grabbed medals in the World Sambo Championship which ran on November 21-23 in Narita of Japan.

The Mongolian team included mostly judokas of the national selected team. A State Honored Sportswoman and judo world champion M.Urantsetseg won a gold in the 48 kg contest. An international master of sports and gold medalist of the 2014 Asian Games D.Tomorkhuleg also captured a gold medal in the men 68kg bout.

Meanwhile, L.Otgonbaatar won a silver medal in the men 90 kg, and Ts.Naranjargal--in the women 72kg contests.

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Last week’s bestsellers

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, November 24 (MONTSAME) Internom released the list of best sold books in its bookstores between November 17 and 23. The translated to Mongolian version of “The Memory Book: How to Remember Anything You Want” by Tony Buzan, the world-famous educational consultant and inventor of mind-mapping techniques, was as the top of the bestsellers.

The second one was again the New York Times’ “Best business book”—“Lean In: Women, Work and Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg. It was followed by the Oxford English-Mongolian dictionary which contains over 90 thousand words and phrases and some 135 thousand translations along with English idioms and spoken and written language expressions.

The others were “Putin” by Chris Hutchins and Alexander Korobko, “Let’s Develop the Right Brain of a Six-Year-Old”, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson, “Sorkhugtani” by B.Sarantuya, “Methods to disinfestations and combating anthracnose” by D.Ravdan, “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson and “Dori’ Advices to the Younger Generation” by B.Batbayar. 

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90th anniversary of Mongolia's Constitution approaches

November 24 (news.mn) The first constitution of the Mongolian People's Republic, or People's Republic of Mongolia, was passed by the First National Great Khural on November 26, 1924. Until the new Constitution of Mongolia was adopted on January 13, 1992, as Mongolia began dramatic political reforms and transitioned to a democratic society, earlier constitutions were adopted in 1940 and 1960. Constitution Day was celebrated as National Independence Day of Mongolia.

November 26, 2014, will mark the 90th anniversary of the constitution first adopted in Mongolia.

On the occasion of Constitution Day, the Mongolian Academy of Sciences held a debate on the subject of “Reform of the Constitution”, in collaboration with the Mongolian National Democratic Party.

Head of the Mongolian National Democratic Party, M.Enkhsaikhan, addressed the audience and participants in the debate.

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33,297 teenagers receive national ID cards on National Pride Day

November 24 (news.mn) An oath taking ceremony for the nation's 16-year-old citizens to receive their national ID cards and become official citizens of Mongolia was held for the 12th year at the Government House, on Monday, November 24th.

The Mongolian Youth Federation's ceremony was held under the auspices of the Prime  Minister of Mongolia.

The event took place on the occasion of the 852nd birthday of the Great Chinggis Khaan, also known as National Pride Day in Mongolia. Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg addressed the young citizens, reminding them, “You are waiting now for the prime time of your lives, to discover the world and create your own path. I want to tell you to fulfill your duty as a proud citizen of Mongolia.”

The nationwide oath taking ceremony took place in Ulaanbaatar and 21 provinces, at the same time. This year 33,297 young people received their national ID cards.

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Former PM N.Altankhuyag leaves for South Korean medical treatment

November 24 (news.mn) Ousted PM N.Altankhuyag was in a serious motorcycle accident near Tsonjinboldog, outside of the city, over the weekend. The former PM was advised to seek medical treatment in South Korea, as hospitals in Mongolia were not equipped to treat the full extent of his injuries, so he left for South Korea on Sunday.

Local reports say that the former PM suffered severe brain and spinal cord injuries and a collarbone fracture.

N.Altankhuyag and his reform government were ousted in a parliamentary vote of no confidence on November 5th.

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Housing construction to increase into foreseeable future

November 24 (Mongolian Economy) Everywhere across the city in recent years, Central Bank backed housing construction projects have been sprouting up, as the government continues a supply side supportive policy.  

Since last year, MNT 582.8 billion in mortgage loans have been issued, plus MNT 872.1 billion in refinanced mortgage loans at a reduced interest rate of eight percent per year, and an additional MNT 296.1 billion to increase construction essential materials manufacturing for dedicated projects by Mongol Bank. Meanwhile the government has spent MNT 429.5 billion increasing the housing supply and another MNT 70 billion on land exemptions.

Total construction work of 16,500 apartment units and houses were completed across Ulaanbaatar last year, as 14,685 residents received a mortgage and real-estate prices rose by 26 percent. This year, 21,540 houses and apartments are scheduled for completion. Local real-estate market experts say that although the prices have fallen since the beginning of the eight percent mortgage loans, they will likely follow the macroeconomic general outlook.

Last year, the construction sector accounted for a great deal of GDP growth, despite a relatively small share of total GDP. Strong sector growth has continued over the past three years, as a total of 40,000 houses and apartments have been built. Local investment pouring into the sector doubled and increased by 2.3 times in just the past year.  Moreover, bank loans issued to the construction sector rose by 60 percent. Unfortunately, foreign investment has fallen, as the investment legal environment has had a huge impact on this matter, says a study by industry company UMC ALPHA.

Of the housing still under construction, 9,507 units, 25.4 percent of the total, are to be completed by the end of this year; the remaining of 27,800, or 74.6 percent, are to soon follow in 2015. The problem with such a boom in available apartments, however, is that there is a lack of infrastructure, particularly electricity and heating, that can meet such a supply of current residence construction projects, according to reports released by real-estate companies. If, for example, there is a problem with the connection to the power stations, all the houses and apartments that depend on this utility will see a shortage of heating and electricity for at least 48 hours.

UMC ALPHA experts say that to tackle the issue, we need to clarify the real demand of residential homes, produce appropriate residential models that fit the purchasing power of citizens, and develop domestic construction materials production—the main factor affecting the price of property.

Director of UMC ALPHA, N.Monsor, insists for the need of coordinating infrastructure engineering with city planning, and developing a better legal environment where construction and investment are favored.  

Price and time correlation

The price for per square meter of residences differs depending on their completion time. For a fully finished apartment today, the average price per square meter is MNT 2.4 million, according to Master Properties, a real-estate company. A decade ago the average residence that number was MNT 460,000.
Here is the average price outlook for residential apartments (MNT million)

2014- 4th quarter    2.1
2015-1st quarter     2.4
2015-2nd quarter    2.5
2015-3rd quarter     1.9
2015-4th quarter     2.5
2016-1st quarter     3.5
2016-2nd quarter     2.5
2016-3rd quarter     3.7

Source –Master Properties

Looking at the chart above, the highest price reach occurs in the third quarter of 2016, while the lowest is expected to be in the third quarter of 2015. This can be attributed to the fact that 10 out of 12 residential projects planned to be complete after the fourth quarter next year are considered top level luxury residences.

Residences that are completed before the end of this year are predicted to cost more than those that are to be completed within the next two years. The difference in cost is attributed to a difference in grade—standard versus luxury grade apartments. For instance, standard grade apartment projects do not require purchase orders one or two years ahead of time, as they take a shorter time to build and tend to be cheaper, resulting in higher demand from customers.

But for luxury and above-standard level apartments, there is less a correlation between the price and the time when a customer considers buying. Customers who can afford this kind of residence make their choice by looking at non-price factors such as construction quality, the surrounding environment, and infrastructure.

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First Cabinet Meeting Chaired by 28th Prime Minister of Mongolia

November 24 (infomongolia.com) On November 21, 2014, the newly elected Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg called a Cabinet meeting on the first day of accreditation, where over 20 issues were revised.

Cabinet meeting resolutions in brief:

- It was discussed to make some amendments in the law of 2014 state budget under the reason of structural changes in the Government.

- Concepts of newly revised law on Arbitration, law on Prosecution and Socializing, and the law on Decision Execution were approved.

- The visit of the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj to the Republic of Austria conducted on October 13-15, 2014 and the visit to Hungary on October 17-19, 2014 were revised and agreed to submit to the National Security Council of Mongolia.

- The summary of participation of Mongolian delegates headed by President Ts.Elbegdorj in the 10th ASEM Summit concluded in Milan, Italy on October 17, 2014 was revised and considered important as to strengthen Mongolia’s position in the region as well as to host the next ASEM Summit in Ulaanbaatar in 2016.

- The Prime Minister, who concurrently serves as an Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation of Mongolia, Ch.Saikhanbileg is obliged to submit the official visit of Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) Z.Enkhbold to the People’s Republic of China held on October 27-28, 2014 to the National Security Council of Mongolia.

- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Education and Science as well as Governors of Capital City and Aimags are entrusted to organize the V Children Sports Festival in both winter and summer categories in 2015. The festival for children with disabilities will be organized in 8 events starting from June, where Summer Festival in 15 categories will be commencing in September and the Children Winter Festival will be held in 5 categories from December 2015.

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Former Prime Minister of Mongolia, N.Altankhuyag Suffers

Serious Injuries Riding ATV

November 24 (infomongolia.com) The 27th Prime Minister of Mongolia N.Altankhuyag suffers serious injuries when he was riding an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV) in Tuv Aimag on November 22, 2014.

The incident took place near Chinggis Khaan Equestrian Statue at Tsonjin Boldog Complex, where the former Premier was having a 7-day rest at the Khaan Jims camp.

After crash, doctors diagnosed he broke his collarbones and serious traumas in his brain and spinal cord. Therefore, doctors advised him to undergo treatments abroad.

Former Premier N.Altankhuyag left the country on November 23, 2014 to have surgeons in South Korea.

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Mongolian Judo Team Finishes 2014 Qingdao Judo Grand

Prix with 1 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals

November 24 (infomongolia.com) Mongolian Judo Team comprised of 28 wrestlers, two judokas in each weight category, have competed in the series of Judo Grand Prix took place in Qingdao, China on November 19-21, 2014.

The Team was expected to grab at least one Gold medal as considered strong representatives, but achieved only 1 Silver and 3 Bronze medals.

The Silver medal went to U.Duurenbayar who competed in the Men’s +100 kg, where the other three Bronze medals by O.Uuganbaatar in the Men’s 81 kg, G.Altanbagana in the Men’s 90 kg and G.Otgontsetseg in the Women’s 48 kg respectively.

Final Results for Women’s 48 kg

1. UNGUREANU, Monica (ROU)

2. PARETO, Paula (ARG)

3. Galbadrakh OTGONTSETSEG (MGL)

3. KIM, Sol Mi (PRK)

5. FIGUEROA, Julia (ESP)

5. KUZNETSOVA, Alesya (RUS)

7. QI, Qige (CHN)

7. RUMYANTSEVA, Kristina (RUS)

Final Results for Men’s 81 kg

1. MAGOMEDOV, Sirazhudin (RUS)

2. CIANO, Antonio (ITA)

3. Otgonbaatar UUGANBAATAR (MGL)

3. PACEK, Robin (SWE)

5. Nyamsuren DAGVASUREN (MGL)

5. YASUDA, Tomofumi (JPN)

7. CHEN, Asaf (ISR)

7. LUCENTI, Emmanuel (ARG)

Final Results for Men’s 90 kg

1. VAN T END, Noel (NED)

2. SASSON, Alon (ISR)

3. DVARBY, Joakim (SWE)

3. Gantulga ALTANBAGANA (MGL)

5. GROSSKLAUS, Ciril (SUI)

5. NYMAN, Marcus (SWE)

7. MAGOMEDOV, Magomed (RUS)

7. SULEMIN, Grigorii (RUS)

Final Results for Men’s +100 kg

1. HARASAWA, Hisayoshi (JPN)

2. Ulziibayar DUURENBAYAR (MGL)

3. MEYER, Roy (NED)

3. NISHIGATA, Kenta (JPN)

5. BREITBARTH, Andre (GER)

5. ZIMMERMANN, Robert (GER)

7. Battulga TEMUULEN (MGL)

7. HARMEGNIES, Benjamin (BEL)

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Newly Elected Prime Minister of Mongolia Sends Request

Letter to Form Coalition Government

November 24 (infomongolia.com) On November 21, 2014, Parliamentarian Chimed SAIKHANBILEG was elected as the 28th Prime Minister of Mongolia at the plenary session of the State Great Khural (Parliament), who succeeds MP N.Altankhuyag.

According to the affiliated law, Speaker of the Parliament Z.Enkhbold obliged the newly elected Premier to form his Cabinet and submit names within two weeks from the day of accreditation.

So today on November 24, 2014, Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg sent a request letter to establish a Coalition Government to each political force having seats in the Parliament.

The letter cites in order to recover the deteriorated economy shortly, Premier Ch.Saikhanbileg pledges to take immediate steps, furthermore, to renew all-level electoral rules by amending the Constitution of Mongolia that aims to strengthen equal-right parliamentary governance.

Moreover, he urges to successfully implement big-scale projects such as Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi as well as other projects in mining, energy and infrastructure sectors by creating friendly investment environment that would attract interests of local and foreign firms.

On the same day, the opposition political force (Mongolian People’s Party) responded to the Letter stating that the issue of establishing a Coalition Government with ruling Democratic Party shall be considered at the MPP Board of Members-level meeting and then to submit to the Baga Khural (Lower Chamber) of MPP. Consequently, the MPP decided to form a working group with six members including U.Enkhtuvshin, N.Nomtoibayar, Yo.Otgonbayar, Ya.Sodbaatar and J.Enkhbayar, chaired by S.Batbold. If the MPP resolves to join the Coalition Government, these members would represent the MPP’s position and jointly make decisions with DP and other parties.

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State Hawk U.Bat-Orshikh Wins Traditional Wrestling Competition Dedicated to 2014 National Pride Day

November 24 (infomongolia.com) On November 23, 2014, a traditional wrestling competition among top 128 wrestlers dedicated to the 852nd Anniversary of birth of the Great Chinggis Khaan under the National Pride Day was held at the Wrestling Palace, Ulaanbaatar.

This is the third edition dedicated to the event, where President Ts.Elbegdorj and other officials were present awarding the prizes to winning wrestlers.

At the final 7th round, resident of Ulaangom Sum of Uvs Aimag, State Hawk U.Bat-Orshikh won the competition over the resident of Baruunturuun Sum of Uvs Aimag, State Giant S.Munkhbat, where the State Falcon B.Gonchigdamba and State Hawk Ts.Sodnomdorj were left in the semi-finals.

These top four wrestlers were awarded with a tribute “Mongolian Pride” by President Ts.Elbegdorj.

Moreover, the National Wrestling Federation announces the next biggest event dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Mongolia, which commemorates annually on November 26th as ratifying Mongolia's First Constitution in 1924 that led to the establishment of the People's Republic of Mongolia (1924-1992).

At the traditional wrestling competition dedicated to the 90th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Mongolia, it was announced to compete 256 wrestlers to start at the Wrestling Palace at 02:00 pm on November 26, 2014.

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