Mongolia Brief March 21, 2014



State Prizes Awarded
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) By a decree of the President Ts.Elbegdorj, the state prizes were given Friday to some people on occasions of several celebrations such the International Women’s Day, the 93rd anniversary of Mongolian Armed Forces and the Nowruz--Lunar New Year of Kazakhs.

The title of People’s Medical Doctor went to Prof. G.Tsagaankhuu, a teacher on neurology at the University of Health Sciences for his 50-year preparing neurologists and surgeons.
A solo singer of the “Kharanga” rock group Kh.Lhagavsuren and a voluntary creative artist N.Tomorkhuyag received the title of State Honored Artist.
A wrestler of the national selected team twice-bronze medalist of FILA World Championship T.Monkhtuya and a veteran boxer G.Batbileg became the State Honored Athletes.
The title of State Honored Cultural Figure was given to Ts.Khulan, a poet and head of the Puppet Theatre of Mongolia.
The State Honored titles for the fields of industry, teaching, mechanics, construction, sports, arts and health went to others.
The Red Flag Order of Military Merit was bestowed upon reserved Colonel S.Yunden, a medical doctor at the “Gegee Med” hospital, the Red Flag Order of Labour Merit--upon Kh.Smoil, a veteran constructor.
The Polar Star Order, the Order of Military Merit and the Military Medal of Honor went to others.


Ambassador of Vietnam Presents Diplomatic Credentials
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj received the diplomatic credentials from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Mongolia Mr Fang Dang Duong on Friday.
After this ceremony the President received Mr Fang. The leader of the country congratulated him on being appointed the Ambassador to Mongolia.
The Ambassador thanked the President for receiving the credentials and pledged to make all his best to deepen the Mongolia-Vietnam relations and cooperation within his office term.
The President noted that he had visited Vietnam in November last year, holding meetings with the President of Vietnam, authorities and businessmen. "We have agreed to do many works in line of my visit, the Vietnamese businessmen can run business in Mongolia and make investments, in which they will receive a support, especially for supporting the economic ties," Mr Elbegdorj said.
The Ambassador conveyed to him greetings from the Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang. "The state visit of Mr Elbegdorj to Vietnam last year was fruitful for the bilateral relations," says Vietnam's President in his greetings.
The new Ambassador of Vietnam to Mongolia Mr Fang Dang Duong has graduated from the School of Foreign Language at Mongolian State University (MSU) and Mongolian University of Agriculture, has a doctor degree.


Speaker to Work in Bayan-Olgii
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The Chairman of the State Great Khural Z.Enkhbold Friday headed for Bayan-Olgii aimag with a working tour until March 24.
He intends to attend a ceremonial meeting for the Nowruz, meet the aimag’s authorities, leg a Kazakh family, get acquainted with the Asgat silver deposit, and to give interview to the local radio and TV channel.
The Speaker is being accompanied by A.Bakei MP, a head of the parliamentary Standing committee on state structure, other officials and the media.


Vice Speaker Receives Russian Journalists
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) A Vice Speaker of parliament L.Tsog Friday received A.Kovalenko and G.Denisov, a project manager and an editor-in-chief of the Russian "Mongolia Seichas" news portal.
Main functions of the Saint-Petersburg-based portal are to translate Mongolian laws into Russian language and to propagandize Mongolian history and culture and news about Mongolia, they said.
Then the visitors asked the Vice Speaker about the 75th anniversary of the Khalkh River Battle and the Mongolia-Russia relations. Nr Tsog said a governmental commission has been set up to arrange the celebration measures, hoping the President of Russia will attend the event.
Mr Tsog is confident that the Mongolia-Russia friendly relations will strengthen, and the Russian investments will grow. He also noted his intention to do much to expand the inter-parliamentary cooperation.
The Russian journalists asked him about the events in Crimea. He responded that people of any country must determine their destiny, adding the Crimean referendum represented a willingness of the region’s people.


Premier Meets with Wealth-Makers
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The Prime Minister of Mongolia N.Altankhuyag held a meeting with so-called wealth-makers on Thursday.
The PM and some 150 business people focused on difficulties the latter face and on ways of supporting domestic production. 
Present at the action were also D.Terbishdagva,  the Deputy PM; Ch.Saikhanbileg, the Minister of the Cabinet Office of the government; N.Batbayar, the Minister of Economic Development; Ch.Ulaan, the Minister of Finance; N.Zoljargal, the governor of Bank of Mongolia, and several high officials, who responded to all questions. 


Premier’s 30 Minutes Meeting Runs
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The fuel price reduced by 100 togrog in Khovdaimag, and an indoor market has been put into use in Bayan-Olgii aimag, the Premier N.Altankhuyag said at the "PM’s 30 minutes" weekly meeting on Thursday.
Now all western three aimags have such indoor markets. The construction of it Bayan-Olgii province  has been financed by 50 billion togrog, from the PM’s package, and about it will be reported at the forthcoming parliamentary spring session, he added.
A united administration for border checkpoints has been set up at the Cabinet Secretariat for Government, its head Ch.Saikhanbileg said, hoping that the border and customs actions will become more active and functional. He urged the media to unveil and publish any problems or failures occurring at the customs and border checkpoint services.
The media told the Premier about some illegal actions of local authorities, for example, some localities' leaders have bought cars under capitals of the budget. If all this is proven, the guilty ones will be punished despite his/her positions, the Premier stressed. 


Cabinet Meeting in Brief
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting Friday decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Democratic Revolution of Mongolia on December 10 this year, and then set up a national committee for organizing the event.
- The cabinet prolonged the term for up to two months to pay customs tax and VAT for cargo airplanes and their facilities and spare parts.
- On occasion of anniversaries and celebrations of the state and local administrative bodies, obligations were given to heads of agencies, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar and authorities of aimags to stop sending greetings and presents purchased by state budget money.
- The Minister of Economic Development N.Batbayar was ordered to work out proposals on projects and programmes which will be implemented within the "Street" project, and to discuss them at the cabinet meeting.


Opposition party leader M.Enkhbold meets Wang Jiarui
March 21 (news.mn) The Chairman of the Mongolian People`s Party (MPP), M.Enkhbold, is on an official visit to China. For his visit to China, opposition party leader M.Enkhbold met the head of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Wang Jiarui on the third day of the official visit. 
Parties exchanged opinions on bilateral relations between the two parties and the two countries. The opposition party leader`s visit to China comes at the same time as this year’s 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and China. 
At the meeting both parties emphasized that bilateral relations between the two countries has endured for a long time and they exchanged opinions on future relations and cooperation. 
The official visit to China aims to move the traditional relations between MPP and the Communist Party of China to a new level, boost cooperation by keeping up with the times, to share each other`s experience and familiarize each other with current socio-economic development in China. 
MPP was established on March 1st in 1921 whilst the Communist Party of China was founded on July 1st in 1921.


Mayor works at “Chingis Khaan” int’l airport
Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) On Friday, the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city E.Bat-Uul worked at the "Chingis Khaan" international airport to get au fait with its current activities.
5-8 flights are performed and some 1,000 passengers are received a day. For the time being, the airport carries out the customs examination through three terminals of international and local flights, the airport’s authorities said.
After getting acquainted with the regulations, safety management and services for passengers, the Mayor emphasized that all staffers and flight attendants must work for passengers at the highest level of service because a national airport always serves as a face of a country.


Stock exchange news for March 21
Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades held Friday, a total of 53 thousand and 619 shares of 15 JSCs were traded costing MNT 92 million 502 thousand and 280.00.
"State Department Store" /30 thousand units/, "Ereentsav" /12 thousand and 963 units/, "Genco tour bureau” /8,958 units/, "Nako tulsh" /600 units/ and "Mongol savkhi" /418 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value--"Ereentsav" (MNT 41 million 481 thousand and 600), "UB hotel" (MNT 24 million and 380 thousand), "State Department Store" (MNT 17 million and 400 thousand), "UB-BUK" (MNT four million and 715 thousand) and "Mongeo" (MNT two million and 079 thousand).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 665 billion 499 million 892 thousand and 341. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 16,541.05, decreasing by MNT 59.96 or 0.36% against the previous day.


Banks Decide to Finance Housing Loans of MNT 959 Billion
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) Since commencing a low-interest housing loan program last June, commercial banks have received loan applications totaling 959.3 billion togrog.
After a careful consideration over the new requests, the banks decided to grant mortgage totaling 921 billion togrog to 16 thous.334 applicants.
During that time, the banks have also received requests to refinance already awarded housing loans of 845 billion togrog, which were delivered under the Government program to stabilize the mortgage system of the nation. Refunding requests for the loans totaling 487.6 billion from 17 thous.241 citizens have been approved by the commercial banks.


Foreign Minister Visits Australia
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) Mongolia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Bold paid an official visit to Australia on March 16-20 at invitation of his counterpart Ms Julie I.Bishop.
He was accompanied by MPs and business delegates, who held some meetings and measures for expanding the bilateral relations in the political and economic spheres.
On March 18, the FMs of the two countries ran official talks to exchange views on widening the bilateral cooperation and collaborating at the regional level. Ms Bishop stated that the Australian government decided to augment a number of scholarships for Mongolian students and increase the budget size of developmental cooperation for Mongolia, reaching USD 20 million.
The Australian Foreign Minister also said her country positively accepted proposals of Mongolia about involving Mongolians in the visa program of temporary workers in Australia and increasing investments of Australia.
A Mongolia-Australia intergovernmental memorandum on the cooperation in the consular sector was signed by R.Bold, the Ambassador of Mongolia to Australia, and by J.Brown, the first assistant secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.


FM Visits Australian National University
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Bold Wednesday attended the open discussion about Mongolia at the Australian National University /ANU/ in Canberra, Australia.
The action has been organized by the Mongolia Institute of the ANU in frames of the FM's visit to this country.
Mr Bold introduced to the gathered Mongolian history, economics and politics and answered to teachers and students' questions.
Then he was interviewed by Australian ABC, Sky News TV channels and "The Australian" daily, mainly focusing on present economic development of the country, its investments and foreign policy.
After this, FM Bold met with Australia-based Mongolians in Melbourne. 


Mongolian Officials Received by Australian Speaker
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) Accompanying the FM in his official visit to Australia, the Mongolian delegation was received Thursday by Ms Bronwyn Bishop, the Speaker of Australian House of Representatives.
The delegates handed over an invitation letter to Ms Bishop from Z.Enkhbold, the Speaker of Mongolian parliament, and then exchanged with her views on the matters about relations between Mongolia and Australia and inter-parliamentary cooperation.
At another meeting on Wednesday, with Mr John Hogg, the head of Senate house, the delegates talked about ways of boosting bilateral ties and collaboration in education and humanitarian sectors and of intensifying investments and economic ties between the two countries. 


Minister Holds "No Tie" Meeting
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The Minister of Education and Sciences L.Gantomor Thursday held an informal "No Tie" meeting with journalists at initiative of the Mongolian Press Institute.
The Minister's speech was dedicated to "High education and quality reform" theme. He also stressed that the reform in the high education system will strengthen universities and institutes' capabilities of providing scientific knowledge. He said that all universities will receive labs with latest hi tech.  


SCO Secretary-General to Visit Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) Secretary-General of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Dmitry Mezentsev is to visit Mongolia March 23-26 at invitation of Foreign Minister L.Bold.
D.Mezentsev (55) was appointed to the office of SCO Secretary-General for duration of 1 January 2013 through 31 December 2015 at SCO Heads of State Council meeting in Beijing on June 7 of 2012.
MrMezentsev is also an Ambassador-at-large of the Russian Federation Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2008. He has PhD degree in political psychology, and is doctoral candidate of Moscow State Institute of International Relations of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mezentsev is married and has a daughter and a grandson.


Mongolia to Develop Strategic Partnership with Russia
Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) Economic Development Minister of Mongolia N.Batbayar received MrIskanderK.Azizov, the Ambassador of Russia to Mongolia on Friday.
The sides shared views on Mongolia-Russia joint projects, programs and measures and explored solutions to certain pertaining issues. They also talked about further development of the long lasting friendly relations and the strategic partnership of the two countries, as well as potential joint projects.
It was the first meeting of MrAzizov with the Economic Development Minister since his receiving the office of Ambassador last September.


Mongolians Involved in Working Holiday Visa Program to Australia
March 21 (infomongolia.com) Foreign Minister of Mongolia Luvsanvandan BOLD has conducted an official visit to the Commonwealth of Australia on March 18-20, 2014. The delegation was comprised of some Parliament members and business representatives attending in several meetings focused to broaden mutual political, economical and social affairs. 
During his visit, Minister L.Bold held official talks with his Australian counterpart Julie Bishop on March 18, parties exchanged views on broadening bilateral collaboration and partnership at regional level and during the meeting Foreign Minister J.Bishop announced that the Government of Australia increases its scholarships for Mongolian students by 5 that allow a total of 43 citizens of Mongolia to receive scholarships annually.
It was announced a five-year, 20 million USD Australia-Mongolia Extractives Program to assist the sustainable development of the resources sector in Mongolia. Besides, Mongolians are involved in the Working Holiday visa, which is a temporary visa for young people (18-31 years old), who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year. It is a temporary visa that encourages cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible countries. 
In the frameworks of other negotiations, the Memorandum of Understanding on Consular Cooperation was signed by Mongolian Ambassador Ravdan BOLD and Consular & Crisis Management Division (CCD) First Assistant Secretary Justin Brown. 


Australia-Mongolia Business Council Launched
March 21 (infomongolia.com) In the frameworks of official visit by Mongolian delegates to Australia led by Foreign Minister L.Bold concluded on March 20, a Mongolia-Australia Business Council is opened.
The Australia-Mongolia Business Council within its aims to support bilateral economy, trade and investment was first registered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission in the beginning of this year and an official opening ceremony of the Council was held on March 18, where the third largest bank by market capitalization in Australia - ANZ and one of the Asia Pacific's leading law firms - Minter Ellison joined the Council.
On March 20, Foreign Minister L.Bold met with authorities of Australian Securities Exchange (ASE), where parties exchanged opinions on seeking opportunities to register Mongolian enterprises at the ASE.
As of today, over 170 Australian companies are conducting its activities relevant to Mongolia and about 40 entities have opened its representative offices in Ulaanbaatar.
Mongolia and the Commonwealth of Australia have established the diplomatic relations on September 15, 1972 and as of today over three thousand Mongolian nationals are residing in Australia, of which about 600 students are studying.


Int'l Scientific Conference on Mongol Studies Starts
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The 2nd international scientific conference on new tendencies of the Mongol studies kicked off Friday in the Round Hall of Mongolia's State University (MSU).
Organized by the Institute of Mongol Studies at the MSU, this year’s action is dedicated to the 90th birth anniversary of Charles Bowden, a famous British scholar on Mongol studies. It has brought together 20 scholars and scientists from Mongolia, USA, Germany, Poland, Japan, China and Hungary.
They are delivering reports on the Mongolian history, culture, society, language and literature. The conference has a vital importance in terms of touching upon urgent problems of Mongol studies, seeking solution, sharing experience and methods of international Mongol studies, cooperating at a foreign ties level, exchanging information, introducing newest documents and methods of the scientific works.
The conference will continue until Saturday.


Chairman of Board of Directors of Oyu Tolgoi LLC Represents Mongolia at 2014 Asia Mining Congress
March 21 (infomongolia.com) The 10th Asia Mining Congress was successfully organized at the Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Center in Singapore on March 17-20, 2014, where over 30 project implementers and mining companies from Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, North and South Americas were present.
The event was sponsored by about 50 companies including Mongolia’s Sharyn Gol JSC and over 420  representatives and experts from state and private sectors have participated in the region’s leading mining investment and innovation event that aims to connect the most important global mining stakeholders with partnership, capital raising, and innovative advancement opportunities.
Representing Mongolia, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oyu Tolgoi LLC Mr. Galsan BATSUKH spoke of the challenges of building, running and developing a mega-mining project like Oyu Tolgoi.
In his speech, Chairman G.Batsukh noted, “When the early discoveries were made at Oyu Tolgoi - they created significant excitement in the investment world. Gradually, these discoveries have put Mongolia on the global mining map. Building a mine and infrastructure on the scale needed was an obvious challenge. Today construction of the open pit and concentrator is complete. Oyu Tolgoi is an operating business, with a workforce of 7,500 people. We are now mining, producing and selling copper concentrate.
Oyu Tolgoi has all the keys for successful operation, based on the strong support from the Government and Rio Tinto’s global standard of management and expertise. There is more to do, but we are beginning the change from a capital-intensive construction project to a safe, sustainable and profitable business, which delivers value for all our shareholders and stakeholders”.
Following the speech Mongolian delegates answered on interested questions forwarded from audience, where Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Republic of Singapore Mrs. Banzragch DELGERMAA has participated upon the invitation.


In 2013, Rio Tinto Paid 220 Million USD in Taxes and Payments to Mongolia
March 21 (infomongolia.com) In conjunction with Rio Tinto recent announcement, the company has released a Report "Taxes Paid in 2013" few days ago.
In its latest Report, Rio Tinto noted that the company paid 220 million USD in taxes and payments to Mongolia in 2013, the fourth highest amount out of all the countries in which Rio Tinto operates. Globally, Rio Tinto paid 9.4 billion USD in taxes in 2013.
The Rio Tinto Chief Financial Officer Chris Lynch said, “This report demonstrates the significant contribution Rio Tinto makes to public finances in the countries where it operates around the globe. We are a strong advocate for global tax transparency and this is reflected through this report and our founding membership of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative".
Rio Tinto, which manages the Oyu Tolgoi mine, voluntarily reports the details of all individual payments over 1 million USD made to governments in the countries where Rio Tinto operates.
The country in which most tax was paid was Australia, with more than 5.7 billion USD paid last year. Further, Canada (523 million USD), Chile (380 million USD), Mongolia (220 million USD), United States (217 million USD), South Africa (167 million USD), France (126 million USD), Guines  (64 million USD), Singapore  (52 million USD) and  the United Kingdom  (26 million USD) were among other governments to have received significant tax payments during 2013.
As of today, an official statement regarding the negotiation between the Government of Mongolia and Rio Tinto on restoring the activity of underground mine at OyuTolgoi is not revealed yet.
However, Rio Tinto planned to borrow three billion USD from 15 commercial banks for the underground project and in December 2013, Rio Tinto had secured extensions to the financing commitment letters from these banks, but the period is due to expire on March 31, 2014.
Currently, Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) Z.Enkhbold did not release a Decree for an irregular plenary session, which is expected to take place on March 24 and during the meeting one of the issues to discuss urgently would be OyuTolgoi, if the Government and Rio Tinto had reached a consensus to continue the underground project.
But Mongolia Economic Forum is scheduled on March 24-25, therefore an irregular Parliament meeting would probably be postponed, nevertheless an official date of opening the Spring plenary session of the Parliament is set on April 05, 2014.


Mongolia Eliminates Measles
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The World Health Organization (WHO) is expected to certificate Mongolia as free of measles, in recognition of its total elimination of the disease.
Along with Mongolia, three others such as Australia, South Korea and Macao have been declared free of measles and are to be certified accordingly.
According to a WHO report, Mongolia has experienced no lab-confirmed or epidemiologically-linked cases since 2010, when last seven clinically confirmed cases of measles occurred.
Measles is an infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus, specifically a paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus. In developing countries, where measles is highly endemic, WHO doctors recommend two doses of vaccine be given at six and nine months of age. Unvaccinated populations are at risk for the disease.
There is no specific treatment for measles. Most patients with uncomplicated measles will recover with rest and supportive treatment. It is, however, important to seek medical advice if the patient becomes more unwell, as they may be developing complications.


Mongolia Celebrating World Poetry Day
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) Celebrating the World Poetry Day (March 21), a discussion-meeting themed "Poetry--Wealth of Human Existence" is planned to run in the National Library on Friday.
At the meeting, young generation poets will meet renowned writers, including state high-prized writers Sh.Surenjav, D.Tsedev, G.Mend-Ooyo, a literary critic Ya.Ganbaatar and a poet Ts.Khulan. During the meeting, S.Baigalsaikhan, a head of the Literature Department of the Sciences Academy, will deliver the "Poetry--Wealth of Human Existence" presentation".
In celebrating this Day, UNESCO recognizes the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind.
A decision to proclaim 21 March as such was adopted during UNESCO’s 30th session in Paris in 1999.
One of the main objectives of the Day is to support linguistic diversity through poetic expression and to offer endangered languages the opportunity to be heard within their communities.
On Wednesday, Ms Irina Bokova, Director- General of UNESCO issued a message for the World Poetry Day. "As a deep expression of the human mind and as a universal art, poetry is a tool for dialogue and rapprochement. The dissemination of poetry helps to promote dialogue among cultures and understanding between peoples because it gives access to the authentic expression of a language," the message said.


Kazakh people celebrate Day of Nauriz
March 21 (news.mn) Today, to celebrate the Kazakh Holiday of Nauriz, the Day of Nauriz event was held at Chinggis Khaan Square (formerly Sukhbaatar square).
The Kazakh Holiday of Nauriz or the Spring holiday is annually marked by ethnic Kazakh people on March 21st. During the special day Kazakh people promote their own unique traditions and customs in displaying colorful events. For the Kazakh Holiday of Nauriz, the President of Mongolia, Ts.Elbegdorj was present at the event and delivered greetings to the Kazakh people. 
Art cultural performances at the Central Cultural Palace will follow the event on Chinggis Square.


“Stories from Mongolia” Movie Day to Be Organized in Washington D.C. This Sunday
March 21 (infomongolia.com) On March 23, 2014, Carnegie Institution for Science is organizing a Day of Mongolian Documentary Films in association with Arts Council of Mongolia in Washington D.C., the United States.
During the cultural event, three Mongolian documentaries will be screened, “Singer from the Taiga” by Z.Batbileg, “Give the World a Chance” by B.Bayar and “Horse Trainer” by B.Bayar. These films feature stunning landscapes and traditional ways of life closely tied to nature and organizers are inviting all with free entrance and appealing Mongolians to come in with its traditional costumes - Deel.
Moreover, filmmakers Z.Batbileg and B.Bayar have already arrived in the United States and discussions with audience will be also organized and the program introduced by Andy Finch, Member of the Board of Directors, Arts Council of Mongolia.
Stories from Mongolia 
05:15 p.m.
SINGER FROM THE TAIGA (Mongolia, 2011, 32 min.)Washington, D.C. Premiere.  Follow folk artist Tsogbadrakh as he struggles to preserve the disappearing throat-singing culture of the Darkhad people, by searching for native elders who may be the last with knowledge of these songs.  Journeying through the scenic and remote northern Mongolian taiga, he discovers music that is deeply connected to the natural world. Directed by Zoljargal BATBILEG.
06:15 p.m.
GIVE THE WORLD A CHANCE (Mongolia-Germany, 2012, 50 min.) U.S. Premiere. Journey into the world of Badar Papizan, a traditional  musician  living  in  the  pristine  mountain  valleys  of  Bayan-Ulgii Aimag  (Province)  in  western  Mongolia.  He is determined to pass on his extensive knowledge of folk arts, nature, and medicinal herbs to the next generation, and he worries that  if we  keep  polluting  our world,  the mountain  and  river  spirits will  disappear  and  nature will  lose  its  soul. Directed by Banzragch BAYAR.
07:30 p.m.
HORSE TRAINER (Mongolia, 2013, 53 min.)U.S. Premiere. An ancient tradition throughout Mongolian history, horse training is essential to the nomadic lifestyle. This film tells the story of a young racehorse rider who longs to return to his horses while at school, and follows his training and racing experiences. Beautifully filmed on the Mongolian steppe, the story culminates with the races at the great Naadam Festival. Directed by Banzragch BAYAR.
FREE. No reservations required.
Carnegie Institution for Science, Elihu Root Auditorium, 1530 P St., NW (Metro: Dupont Circle)
Cousin Jules
Sunday, March 23, 2014


Our Hockey Team Bags Third Win
Ulaanbaatar, March 21(MONTSAME) The Mongolian ice hockey team Thursday won over Thailand with score margin of 8:2 in IIHF Challenge Cup in Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Prior to this win, Mongolia had two wins (against Hong Kong and Kuwait), and one lose (against Chinese Taipei), while Thailand had one win and two losses. With this result, the Mongolian team is currently standing second at preliminary round list, after last year’s champion Chinese Taipei, who has four wins.
According to the schedule, Mongolia is to match against host UAE on the Abu Dhabi Ice Rink this Saturday.
Six top teams of Asia such as Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, UAE, Thailand and Hong Kong are competing in round robin system at this seventh edition of International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Challenge Cup of Asia in Abu Dhabi until March 22.


Ozeki Anand close to gaining Yokozuna title
March 21 (news.mn) On day 12 of the Haru Basho or the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament, Ozeki Kakuryu made an ambitious step on his quest for the Yokozuna promotion on Thursday by beating Yokozuna Harumafuji. 
Ozeki Kakuryu is at the head of the challenge, remaining as leader with 12 wins and only one loss. Ozeki Kakuryu is promised the Yokozuna title if he wins 13 fights or more.
Hakuho M.Davaajargal beat his rival Kisenosato (8-4) and is also leading the Haru Basho with 12 wins on day 12. 
Kyokutenho N.Tsevegnyam beat Azumaryu S.Todbileg (8-4) and Kagamio B.Nanjid won against Sadanoumi to successfully continue in the Haru Basho with 50 percent success. Kagamio B.Nanjid needs to win over the next days in order to finish with at least 50 percent success.

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