Mongolia Brief May 23, 2014 Part II



Photo exhibition about Mongolia opens in Brussels

Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) Dedicated to 25th anniversary of the Mongolia-European Union diplomatic relations, a photo exhibition on Mongolia has opened in the European Commission Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Started on May 19, the exhibition is organized in frames of joint measures by the Permanent Representative Office of Mongolia to the EU and the Foreign Relations Office of the EU.
Opening remarks have been delivered by Mr Kh.Davaadorj, the Ambassador of Mongolia to the EU, and by Mr Viorel Isticioaia Budura, a managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, European External Action Service of the EU. The latter noted that the Mongolia-EU ties have been widening, and emphasized a success of visits of the EC President Jose Manuel Barroso and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton to Mongolia last year. He underlined a signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) as good.
The EU considers Mongolia as its important political and economic partner, "we always aspire to expand our relations and cooperation," he added.
The Ambassador Davaadorj highlighted that the EU is the "Third Neighbour" of Mongolia and is the biggest investor and third largest commercial partner. He mentioned about an importance of the PCA established last year. He hopes that the EU will complete all legal procedure for making the agreement valid soon.
Link to article


Minister A.Gansukh attends int'l transport forum

Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Roads and Transport A.Gansukh participated in the seventh International Transport Forum by invitation of his counterpart of Germany Mr Alexander Dobrindt in Leipzig, Germany, on May 21-22.
He was accompanied by R.Burmaa MP, a head of Mongolia-Germany parliamentary group.
Themed “Transport for a Changing World”, this annual action brought together road and transport ministries of 50 countries and more than a thousand delegates.
The participants mainly focused on the topics relating to economic growth supporter and environment- friendly transport, technique development, digital infrastructure, population increase and climate changes.
During the measure, A.Gansukh met with his counterparts of Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and with other officials.
Link to article


US Embassy welcomes first marine detachment

Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) Embassy of the USA in Mongolia Friday held a welcome ceremony to institute the first ever U.S. Marine Security Guard detachment in the Embassy.
The US Ambassador Ms Piper Campbell expressed her delight at having Marines serving at the Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. She concluded her speech with a quote from 1885, "The Marines have landed and the situation is well in hand".
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Adam Zybert thanked the Embassy for the work in preparing for the Marines’ arrival.  He quoted Ronald Reagan “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem”, and continued “If President Reagan were still here today, I believe he would say the U.S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar does not have that problem either”.
As part of the ceremony, the Marine Security Guards presented the colors for the raising of the flag in the Embassy compound.
Link to article


Stock exchange news for May 23

Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades held Friday, a total of 9,045 shares of 24 JSCs were traded costing MNT eight million 569 thousand and 679.20.
"Remikon” /3,043 units/, "Merex" /1,980 units/, "Nako tulsh" /1,000 units/, "Khokh gan" /1,000 units/ and "Bayalag nalaikh” /982 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value--"Gutal” (MNT two million and 210 thousand), "Talkh chikher" (MNT one million 180 thousand and 950), "Tavantolgoi" (MNT 791 thousand and 100), "Material impex" (MNT 643 thousand and 500) and "Remikon” (MNT 499 thousand and 983).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 567 billion 786 million 222 thousand and 850. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 15,374.42, decreasing by MNT 41.19 or 0.27% against the previous day.
Link to article


Mutual fund establishment and licensing procedure has been approved

May 25 (business-mongolia.com) Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia has approved the “Mutual investment fund establishment and licensing procedure” on 21st of May. The document will regulate and coordinate the implementation of Mutual Investment Fund Law that become effective on 1st of January, 2014. It will enable foreign and local companies to attract investment to their funds through specialized financial companies raising capital from the public. Also, the funds will be exempted of operation tax which FRC believes that a major support on developing such funds and thus financial market of the country.
Link to article

Eznis Airways halts operation due to financial issues

May 25 (UB Post) Domestic airline Eznis Airways officially halted its operations on Thursday due to financial difficulties, and reported it will provide unemployment compensation for its over 200 staff for the sudden layoff.
The staff learned about the sudden halt of operations on the same day.
Eznis Airways LLC was established in December 2006, with an investment from Newcom Group, and launched the first flight in the country between Ulaanbaatar and Choibalsan soum in Dornod Province.
It conducted regular and ordered flights along six routes from Ulaanbaatar to five provinces including Dornod, Khuvsgul, Umnugovi, Uvs and Bayan-Ulgii, as well as one international flight to Hailar District in Inner Mongolia.
Eznis Airways administrators said in their official statement about the halt that the managing board decided on May 22 to temporarily halt operations at Eznis Airways for an indefinite amount of time due to financial problems that prevented regular operations.
“The management of the company and the shareholders have done everything during the last two years to survive, to keep the positions of our employees and, most importantly, to serve the public, but they cannot subsidize the financial losses any longer,” the company stated.
Link to article


President invites Putin to attend 75th anniversary of Khalkhin-Gol Victory

May 25 (UB Post) The Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) was held in Shanghai, China. President Ts.Elbegdorj attended the summit, an inter-governmental forum for enhancing cooperation towards promoting peace, security and stability in Asia and the rest of the world, where he worked to include the “Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security” initiative in the declaration of the Fourth Meeting of CICA and delivered a speech, according to the Office of the President.
Within the working visit to Shanghai, President Ts.Elbegdorj met with President of Russia Vladimir Putin on May 20. At the meeting, the parties exchanged views on increasing bilateral trade and promoting joint ventures between Mongolia and Russia. Both sides discussed issues related to their partnership in expanding the nation’s railway network, in particular, cooperating to use the Trans-Mongolian railway as the primary trade route between China and Russia. President Elbegdorj touched upon a broad range of issues, particularly, on developing railway transit transportation, jointly celebrating the 75th anniversary of the victory in the battle of Khalkhin-Gol, and proposed the abolition of visa formalities between citizens of the two countries.
President Elbegdorj said, “Mongolia is located between China and Russia and is the shortest way for transit by rail and other transport means. We should look at how to use these possibilities and build railway in mutually beneficial ways. It is important to initiate and organize Russia-China-Mongolia trilateral and Russia-Mongolia bilateral dialogues. Railway network and transit transportation issues are strategically important to Mongolia.” He added, “This August, Mongolia will mark the 75th anniversary of the victory in the battle of Khalkhin-Gol. This is our joint victory, and therefore, we would like to celebrate the historical anniversary together.” The President invited President Vladimir Putin to visit Mongolia to jointly mark the anniversary.
President Elbegdorj proposed the organization of a trilateral dialogue on transit transportation issues in Ulaanbaatar. In response, President Vladimir Putin said that he accepted the proposals of President Elbegdorj and expressed his readiness to cooperate with Mongolia. President Putin also invited his Mongolian counterpart to visit Russia.
The issues discussed by the heads of state will be considered during the official visit of Mongolian Prime Minister to Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Link to article


Health advocates oppose draft bill on establishing smoking rooms

May 25 (UB Post) Advocates of the National Center for Public Health (ANCPH) opposed a draft bill that will establish smoking rooms in public service organizations. Around 600,000 people die every year due to passive smoking in the world, according to World Health Organization (WHO) study.
The study revealed that 43.9 percent of the world population at passive smokers at home, while 55.8 percent at workplace. Sitting in a room filled with cigarette smoke for an hour causes equal impact as smoking 15 cigarettes, according to studies. “There is no such thing as safe amount for cigarette smoke inhalation,” reported the advocates.
“Mongolian law makers are about to submit a draft bill which allows smoking rooms in public service places and allows cigarette sales closer to schools for the third time to Parliament. This is a clear sign that Mongolia and Parliament are violating the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control,” added the advocates.
The ANCPH therefore called Parliament to refuse to either discuss or approve the draft bill.
Link to article


Mining Minister appointed acting Agriculture Minister

May 25 (UB Post) Mining Minister D.Gankhuyag was appointed as acting Minister of Industry and Agriculture on Friday, during the regular Cabinet meeting, after the resignation of Kh.Battulga.
Parliament member Kh.Battulga’s resignation from his government duties as minister was approved by Parliament last week. Kh.Battulga resigned in support of the “double deel” bill rejected by Parliament, which called for the prohibition of active Parliament members taking ministerial positions in the government.
The government hasn’t decided on candidates for the position of Minister of Industry and Agriculture. The cabinet must submit nominees to Parliament for the position in accordance with the law.
Link to article


The clock is ticking for the government of Mongolia

May 25 (UB Post) The Government of Mongolia, which received instructions to intensify and recover the economy in 100 days, is getting to work. The plan for the hundred days was approved on May 9 through Parliament and almost two weeks have already passed, with only 90 days left for the government to fulfill, approve and decide on measures to improve the country’s economy.
The government has divided its projects into six groups. Leaders are aiming to complete several projects such as accelerating production in the mining and minerals sector, supporting businesses, developing the construction and infrastructure sectors, enhancing the economic capacity of province and aimags, increasing foreign investment, and implementing measures regarding monetary policy. A special team including officials from the business and financial sectors are working on research and assessments of  how to improve the economy in the near future.
The efforts will focus on a total of 71 issues during the next three months. Obviously, one hundred days is not enough time to complete all the planned work. Three months is short time for the those who work and more than enough time for those who don’t. It might seem impossible to complete so many projects in only three months, but the government has no other option but to try accomplishing its goal.
The primary purpose of this one hundred day effort doesn’t lie in seeing its outcomes tomorrow or next week. Its main purpose is to enhance an economy which has been hobbled for many years and to put the growth of the country’s economy in the right direction.
The following is what the Government of Mongolia has planned to complete and accomplish within one hundred days to strengthen the country’s economy. 
1. Support business owners:
-  Promote smart consumption, reduce unnecessary import consumption and promote the purchase of Mongolian national products
-  Introduce leasing services for equipment, machinery and facilities to promote domestic production
-  Develop a program to possess vested state-owned entities and submit it to parliament
-  Stop unnecessary state monitoring and inspections and give advice to entrepreneurs
-  Create conditions to put land in economic circulation
-  Reduce the number of approvals required for the operation of a business and ease issuance procedures
-  Establish national insurance cooperation for loans
-  Stabilize and intensify operations of the stock exchange
-  Increase MNT for CNY exchange deal by 20 billion CNY
- Make amendments to the law on tender bids regarding the quality of constructions and roads
-  Begin work to create a VAT system which will stimulate spending
-  Develop a draft bill on proprietary rights and submit it for further discussion
-  Ease factors which are increasing expenditures and costs for national industries and domestic operations in order to provide them with sustainable operations, provide loans and loan insurance, and support their inclusion in the domestic and foreign bond market
-  Collect information from calls to the government’s 11-11 center about business challenges and bureaucracy and take urgent, appropriate measures to address them
-  Implement a mid-term program to reduce loan interest rates, make plans to open branches and units of foreign banks, and issue approvals by 2016 in a limited range
-  Make economic data open to the public, develop a draft bill on economic amnesty and submit the bill to Parliament for approval
-  Renew the quota for foreign laborers and balance their classification
-  Develop a draft bill on mobile assets and deposits of immaterial wealth and submit it to the Parliament
2. Increase production in the mining and minerals sector: 
-  Amend Law on Minerals and approve exploration licenses
-  Launch operations at the Asgat silver mine
-  Resolve issues around controversial licenses
-  Take measures to increase coal export, support beneficial cooperation through the participation of foreign and domestic investors in the Tavantolgoi mine, enhance competitive capacity in the foreign market
-  Support gold exploitation
-  Launch operations of a domestic oil processing industry
-  Make preparations for the Mongolia-China coal gasification industry
-  Form a permanent council to strengthen the economy in the Prime Minister’s office
-  Accelerate progress at Oyutolgoi’s underground mine and provide policy support from the government
-  Form a minerals policy council
-  Show policy support for the implementation of non-traditional oil, oil, coal dilution and gasification, and energy export projects and programs
-  Clear hurdles and barriers for companies operating in the uranium sector
-  Resolve railway and transportation infrastructure issues to enhance compatibility with exports
3. Intensify the construction, industry, and infrastructure sectors:
-  Allow state organizations and state-owned entities to buy domestic products directly from manufacturers without arbitration
-  Intensify construction of Gashuun-Sukhait and Tavantolgoi rail lines
-  Finish border railway construction this year
-  Create fuel and energy tax exemptions, improve the investment environment, develop a plan to shift transmission lines and new energy sources for state/private entity partnerships and submit it to the Parliament
-  Manage postponed VAT and customs payments for industrial facilities and equipment
-  Support incomplete industries in starting their operations
-  Support export and build industries to replace imports
-  Increase wool and cashmere production
-  Increase loans to fund the promotion of SMEs to 100 billion MNT and increase sources of loan guarantee funds
-  Activate mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring countries and stimulate talks to build railways and highways that will connect Russia and China and create petroleum, natural gas and energy transportation infrastructure
-  Begin construction of the Baruun-Urt-Bichigt road and improve infrastructure at the Bichigt border point
-  Start construction of the Tuul highway in May
4. Strengthen aimag and provincial infrastructure economy:
-  Implement the “Street” project in aimags and Ulaanbaatar
-  Launch the construction of thermal plants in aimag centers to improve heating supply
-  Renew 16 soum centers included in the “New Soum” project
-  Establish the first phase of milk processing and production in inter-soum centers
-  Connect six provinces (Dornod, Khuvsgul, Umnugobi, Sukhbaatar, Gobi-Altai and Zavkhan) to Ulaanbaatar with paved roads
-  Apply international trade status to the Gashuun-Sukhait and Shiveekhuren border points
-  Launch and continue the 1,000 Households housing program in aimag centers
-  Provide government support for projects and programs implemented in Ulaanbaatar with its own capital
-  Make loan interest rates for apartments built in aimag centers seven percent
5. Increase foreign investment:
-  Attract investment to the nation’s free trade zone
-  Introduce a new debt management system
-  Annulment of profit tax for non-banking financial organizations that attract investment greater than 100 thousand USD
-  Improve tourism infrastructure: initiate projects to introduce duty-free services, business centers, vacation destinations, and free trade zones
-  Create investment funds: activate implementation of the Law on Investment Funds
-  Tax exemptions for banks that attract overseas capital
-  Launch concession works: create more state responsibility in the Law on Concessions, amend the law to protect national producers and entities and grant them priority
-  Increase tourism sector income and promotion within “ITB”
- Attract investment from foreign investment funds and foundations
-  Organize partial investment meetings with vested international banks, financial organizations and foreign countries
-  Increase number of countries with visa-free travel agreements and create a pleasant visa environment for foreign investors
6. Regarding budget and monetary policy
-  Reduce operational budget expenditures by 20 percent and shift to a cost cutting regime
-  Provide transparency about government bond spending and trade in the international market, and improve monitoring
-  Submit draft bill on development policy planning to Parliament
-  Expand the range of operations at the Development Bank and improve governance: increase its independence and amend related laws and regulations to improve the investment environment
-  Evaluate the foreign currency exchange rate and state budget funds with new methods and evaluate stability
-  Provide budget transparency, create conditions for NGOs and tax payers to put controls on the performance of the state budget
-  Prohibit promotions and advertisements through the press and media with the exception of reports from state organizations about their operations, and prohibit “conclusion contracts”
-  Decide whether to continue implementing a mid-term program to stabilize basic commodity prices
Link to article


Cycling tour to cross the country

May 25 (UB Post) Friendship-2014, a cross-country cycling tour, will start on June 1, from Baruun-Urt soum of Sukhbaatar Province. We interviewed Sh.Enkh-Amgalan, organizer of the event, head of physical training at the sport training center of Sukhbaatar Province, member of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee, and head of a cycling tour club.
At this time, what is the destination of your cycling tour?
I started travelling around Mongolia by bicycle 20 years ago. For the 20th anniversary of my tour, I have organized a cycling tour named Friendship-2014, and its preparation is almost complete. We will start our tour on June 1, from Sukhbaatar Square in Baruun-Urt. This tour will cover 2,100 kilometers in Mongolia and 1,500 kilometers in Buryatia, Russia. Through a resolution by Province Governor J.Batsuuri, we have established an organizing committee for the tour, headed by D.Baasandorj, chief of the Social Development Sector. The tour will be an international tour, since it includes Mongolian and Buryatian territory and cyclists. The guidelines, budget, and plans for the tour have been solved. Work is going quite well.
What kind of team will be composed?
There are several ambitious cyclists in our club and our team will be composed of those members. For instance, advertising professional and translator N.Gantumur, technician M.Byambadorj, and the young sportsmen B.Tegshbayar and E.Munkh-Erdene will participate.
My team members have participated in many competitions, won gold and silver prizes at the state championship and are experienced in long distance cycling tours. From the Buryatia side, a specific number of sportsmen will participate and we have visited Ulan-Ude to meet and express our opinion on cooperation. They expressed their willingness to help with cycles and equipments.
Could you clarify your tour destination?
We have had our destination approved by the head and judge’s board of the Mongolian Adventure Travel and Outdoor Sports Federation. As I said before, the tour will start from Baruun-Urt, Sukhbaatar Province, and continue to Munkhkhaan soum, Khentii, Baganuur, Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon, Bulgan, Khuvsgul, the Sant mountain pass, Khundii, Khilen, Anchigs and cross the Mongolian border. Buryatia’s cyclists will join us and cross the South Sayan of Inner Nature of Buryatia, a natural complex of South Siberia, and Baigal Lake. Lastly, we will reach Ulan-Ude. On our return, we will cross Ereentsav of Dornod, Choibalsan, and Baruun-Urt.
Have you recently been to Shillin Bogd of Dariganga?
Our cycling club’s name is Shiliin Bogd. Before starting our long tour, we will go to Shiliin Bogd and wish for the best for all of us. Of course, during the tour, we will take pictures, make videos, and document everything that happens to us.
By the way, we would really like to share our appreciation for the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Mongolian National Olympic Committee, Mongolian Adventure Travel and Outdoor Sports Federation, Mongolian Cycling Union, and Resident Representative Meeting and Governor’s Office of Sukhbaatar Province. Also, our partners the State Bank, Bodi Insurance, and our province organizations. We will proudly reach our goals.
Link to article


A.Munkhbat: Mongolian entrepreneurs are the pride of Mongolia

May 25 (UB Post) The following is an interview with the President of the Mongolian Youth Federation, A.Munkhbat, highlighting issues regarding the federation and future plans including the “Cycling Ulaanbaatar” project and the Asian Youth Forum.
What is the Mongolian Youth Federation planning to do in the near future?
Our federation announced that we will devote May to cyclers. For the last six months, with the initiations of young people, we have been implementing “Cycling Ulaanbaatar” project to transform Ulaanbaatar into a suitable city for cycling. To make this happen, Ulaanbaatar itself needs to transform into an eco-city. To become an eco-city, we need to be able to ride bicycles during warm seasons.
Around 70 percent of the Mongolian population, especially young adults are facing physical inactivity. Cycling is the most appropriate exercise for good health. Just like the old saying, “You don’t die of old age but from inactivity,” we must eliminate physical inactivity from young people and in order to do this, we’re implementing “Cycling Ulaanbaatar” project. The residents of Ulaanbaatar are already seeing the results. Previously, only few people rode bicycles but now, countless young people are cycling. Within May 2014, our association is planning to submit an official request to Parliament to exempt bicycles and other sports equipment from VAT and customs.
In Mongolia, there aren’t many gyms to do sports; however, compared to before, the number of fitness centers has increased significantly. We need to keep on increasing sports facilities. Tax relief to some extend is necessary to make this happen. We’re also aiming to nullify income tax for these sorts of businesses. I’m certain that parliamentary lobby groups will support youths as well as this proposal for subsidy.
It’s important to build cycling roads for “Ulaanbaatar on Bicycle.” Shouldn’t this issue be resolved before subsidies?
Within the framework of the project, road constructions will continue. Although we’re tight on budget, we’ll make arrangements with available organizations and construct more cycling lanes. There are more and more negative aspects with the increasing of cyclers. We’re working to establish a contract about this with the police.
We’ll be doing activities about how to ensure safety while cycling, bicycle-related traffic rules, what to do when there’s an accident and how to register bicycles. Additional measures include registering bicycles for insurance and leasing services. Getting rid of extra weight by cycling and turn into a sportive guy to whom young girls will storm around has become the current trend among young people.
Soon, we will submit “Healthy and Vibrant Mongol” project to the president. Mongolians have the potential to become the fittest and strongest young people in Asia. If we workout correctly and efficiently, we’ll be able to stand out from Asian youths and become healthier.
“Ulaanbaatar on Bicycles” project was included in the 2014 budget but wasn’t supported?
You can’t say it wasn’t supported. It received many votes because it was supported by many people. Last year’s project activity was significantly difficult. Also, the proposal wasn’t added through the government so some MPs added parts to the proposal during the meeting and additional proposals were blocked.
This year, how many kilometers of cycling lanes will be commissioned?
One billion MNT was planned for building cycling roads in Ulaanbaatar. When tenders were announced, two companies were chosen and begun working on the road construction. This year, around 20 kms of road will be built. The first road goes all the way to the end of Belkh Street. There is a 17.2 km long road on the northern side of Bogdkhan Mountain which was handed over to the Minister of Economic Development N.Batbayar and a two billion MNT financing was issued. If this road is commissioned, Bogdkhan Mountain will get a complete circulating paved road.
Together with Speaker of Parliament Z.Enkhbold, we’re planning to organize an international bicycle race named “Get Slim Bogd Khan.” From the Prime Minister’s budget, cycling and running lanes are being built at the National Garden Park which will soon be commissioned. We’re also planning to build a cycling road along Selbe River. We submitted a request to the Chinese Embassy to allow us to build a cycling road in Beijing Street through the capital city.
The Asian Youth Forum is taking place in September. How many representatives of how many countries will participate in this forum?
 Last year with the support from the Prime Minister, Mongolian youths participated in the Asian Youth Forum with a variety of composition. Now, we’ll be taking up many responsibilities as we now have the honor of organizing the forum in Mongolia. The forum will take place in September in Ulaanbaatar directly under the auspices of the Prime Minister. Representatives of 25 Asian countries are to participate.
I met with the Asian Youth Council and the World Assembly of Youth to discuss and come to an agreement on the preparation work for the forum. The motto will be “Youth and Unity” and around 300 representatives from the Mongolian side and 300 representatives from foreign countries will participate. Soon there will be promotions for registering Mongolian representatives. Additional two meetings will be organized for this forum. The very first forum of Northeast Asian Youth will be co-organized with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An integral issue of the Mongolian Youth Federation is children’s amusement park. Lately, there’s hasn’t been any news regarding the amusement park?
The struggle for children’s amusement park is still continuing. We got a new law so we’re trying to follow its principles. The Mongolian Youth Federation isn’t an abolishable organization that consists of some populists or a seal kept in someone’s bag. We are a responsible organization with many years of history. We’re doing whatever is necessary to work in accordance with the law. Many complaints from residents were dismissed at court.
Privatization issue of the amusement park was not permitted from the start. However, privatizations isn’t considered illegal. We’re in a dilemma regarding the court so this issue should be discussed by the National Security Council and they should submit proposals to relevant organizations. Shortly, we’ll submit issues to be discussed by the National Security Council.
A second session regarding the children’s amusement park will be organized. We will clarify many issues including as to why the amusement park issues aren’t being resolved, whether MCS Group fulfilled what they promised and what the capital city will do with the rest of the land. Mon-Uran Company said it’ll build more buildings. Just recently, the Youth Cultural Center was fully repaired and started operating. The ill-spoken Prime Minister was able to acquire money and repaired it. Just like this, many more centers will begin operating.
When will the second session be organized?
It’s planned to be organized by the end of this month. It depends on political situations as they tend to pressure us.
Are promises made during the first discussion session being fulfilled or has it been forgotten?
Troublemakers themselves should resolve their own problems but no one is resolving anything. The Mongolian Youth Federation is a nongovernmental organization so it’s better to clarify with those who made the promises themselves about this issue.
Forbes Magazine selects world’s top 30 young people. The Mongolian Youth Federation will be selecting Mongolia’s top 40 young people together with Forbes Mongolia Magazine. Why are you selecting 40 people?
Presently, those who bring prospects to Mongolia are not regarded as valuable entity to society. Heads of the government are seen as the most important figures. This is wrong. We mustn’t do this. We should be respecting those who bring prospects to society. A list of Mongolian entrepreneurs who should be the pride of Mongolia will be made. The best young people of Mongolia will be selected from those under the age of 40. Young people, who have brought new opportunity into society through their own success, not politically, will be ranked by the capital they’ve acquired.
What sorts of criteria are set for the nominees?
There are several basic questions on the nomination form. The most important thing is their success and achievement. They could not only write detailed descriptions of their success but also add an attachment to prove it. Every successful young person under the age of 40 can become candidates which means that anyone can be nominated these candidates. For example, nominate a person who is successfully running a company. We classified around 40 different sectors. We made applications for nominations. Those who want to nominate themselves or others will fill out nomination forms using this application and submit their material to the organizing committee by the end of May 20.
Link to article


Women of ‘parallel Universe’

May 25 (UB Post) “Parallel Universe” is the third solo exhibition by E.Sainkhuu. This exhibition presents 12 fine art pieces and over 20 graphic works at Blue Moon Art Gallery through May 25.
One of his earlier works, “Silent Word Wish”, was selected as the best work in the “Graphic Photo and Digital Art” category of a Blue Moon Art Gallery exhibition last year, and earned him the opportunity to open his solo exhibition “Parallel Universe”.
Most of the works depict women. Audiences say his work is unique because he can reflect his opinion about misunderstandings and adaptation between people in his work.
Link to article


‘Sutra Great Deity Tara’ inscribed in the Asia-Pacific Register of the Memory of the World

May 25 (UB Post) Sixteen new documentary items from thirteen countries have been inscribed in the Asia-Pacific Register of the Memory of the World, during the 6th General Meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia-Pacific, held from May 13 to 15 in Guangzhou, China.
The event had a record participation of more than forty delegates and observers from sixteen countries. From Mongolia, the Sutra Great Deity Tara was registered in the Asia-Pacific Register of the Memory of the World.
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program is an international initiative launched to safeguard the documentary heritage of humanity against collective amnesia, neglect, the ravages of time and climatic conditions, and willful and deliberate destruction.
The Sutra Great Deity Tara was a Tibetan sutra of the Green and White Tara written by Mongolian philologist, a genuine member of the Institute of Sutra and Letters, former student of religious philosophy school at Gandantegchinlen Monastery in the early 20th century, S.Shagj (1886-1938).
The unique creation consists of a total of 8,228 characters included in 62 stanza poems, 250 lines, 5,718 alpha characters and 2,510 verse in Tibetan language.
The Sutra Great Deity Tara was registered to the List of Unique and Priceless Cultural Heritages of Mongolia in accordance with the government resolution No.118 in 2002.
Link to article


O.Gundegmaa wins gold at Federation’s Cup

May 25 (UB Post) State Honored Athlete and Olympic silver medalist O.Gundegmaa won a gold medal at the fourth stage of Mongolia’s Shooting Sports Federation’s Cup on Wednesday.
Some 110 shooters from 15 teams such as Aldar, Khuch and Avragch participated in the tournament.
O.Gendegmaa captured the medal after collecting 583 points, followed by International Sports Master Ts.Munkhzul and International Sports Master T.Bayartsetseg.
Prior to the tournament, O.Gundegmaa won a gold medal at Shooter Club’s tournament, which was held this month.
During the tournament, O.Gundegmaa displayed that she’s on top form after a lengthy break.
State Honored Athlete O.Gundegmaa has been qualified to compete in the 51st ISSF World Shooting Championship that will take place from September 6 to 20 in Granada, Spain. She will compete for the right to participate in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at the ISSF World Shooting Championship.
Link to article


L.Bold: We didn’t make a revolution to have such a society

May 25 (UB Post) We understand that law enforcement is an institution for the “organization of force” and we have already adapted to an attitude which lives up to it. Even officials and servants in the field have been operating with the concept and belief that organized forces must use force against citizens.
Present society demands innovations in the judicial system and a renewal in thinking, making all levels of law enforcement organizations serve citizens and protect their legal rights instead of using force against them.
During the first two weeks of May, politicians thrived on heated discussions about taking measures against Justice Minister Kh.Temuujin, while on Tuesday, parliament members discussed in detail the hot topic of the judical and legal sector. Tuesday’s meeting of the Standing Committee on Justice and the Sub-Committee on Human Rights touched upon several incidents involving citizens who were under investigation, and whether they breached the law and had not been proved guilty in court, but died during the time they were held in detention centers. Officials and specialists from the Court Decision Implementing Agency and the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission attended Tuesday’s meeting and responded to questions from parliament members, as people in detention centers suffering from health problems is a serious violation of human rights.
During the meeting members discussed even more serious issues, suspecting that law enforcement institutions are becoming organizations which abuse citizens’ freedoms by abusing their power over citizens, repressing, threatening and pressuring them.
Law enforcement organizations say the reason for their actions is that “higher ranking authorities gave them such a duty,” referring to someone whose name and rank is unknown, emphasized parliament members during the meeting.
All steps and actions of a civil servant should be done on legal grounds, and law enforcement, investigations, and the detention of suspects should be carried out legally. But today, judicial servants are operating under the order of high ranking authorities, which reminds people of a period of terrible repression, pointed out some parliamentarians.
Addressing the issue, member of the human rights sub-committee and Foreign Affairs Minister L.Bold said, “What have we strived for since 1990? We didn’t work and make an effort for twenty years to have such fear. Back then, the Ministry to Protect Society From Danger accused anyone they wanted to. They kept all people in fear. Today our situation is the same. We made changes bringing revolution.
Can we have a revolution again if the Ministry to Protect Society From Danger is going to be re-established?” During the meeting he also made the following statement which caught the attention of many:
“We all have one motherland. Mongolia faces economic crisis today. Investment has decreased.
Everyone’s participation causes that, particularly the participation of legal organizations plays a major role in it. Today we are living in the age of information. How is the world imagining Mongolia? Many articles saying that “Mongolia is a giant prison” have been published in the world’s leading publications.
Who caused that? Who is behind these incidents? What is the reason to mine the reputation of Mongolia in foreign countries? The consequence of these incidents is being reflected on each Mongolian household and the livelihood of each individual. What are our legal organizations doing to protect its citizens from this situation? Who is giving an explanation? Or is it true that Mongolia is a giant prison? What will the human rights commission do regarding that issue? I believe that the human rights sub-commission should now hold a meeting and issue an explanation.”
He also stated, “Relevant organizations are saying that death in a detention center of the Court Decision Implementing Agency is a serious incident. Actually it is not an ‘incident’, it is a Mongolian catastrophe. It is a deep catastrophe for the families, children and relatives of these deceased individuals. The question has been raised about where Mongolia is heading, as innocent people who have not been found guilty and are detained in jail are dying.”
Law enforcement organizations have not heard strict and firm criticism or the position of parliament members on mistakes and bungles made during investigation procedures, as stated in recent meetings of standing committee. Maybe members of Parliament and politicians are fearful. Regarding this, Minister L.Bold said, “We won’t be fearful. We are members of Parliament. We will state our minds. Anyone can do anything to us, but we have nothing to fear.”
He explained, “Today, during the meeting of the Standing Committee on Justice, we are discussing laws related to innovations in the judicial sector. The current law on criminal investigation and punishment has features that support and approve of the concept of interrogation and punishment.
This concept of accusing someone after interrogation and torture has been kept in Mongolia. Now we are trying to change that situation. But can’t you change interrogation and punishment practices, respecting the right to be alive and basic rights and interests stated in the constitution? I remember one case crystal clear. One commissioner from the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) called a bed-sore citizen for a hearing. Even though the citizen said he was in a bed-sore situation, the IAAC staff came and carried him to a four-story building and questioned him. We did nor strive for such fear. Isn’t it possible to come and be questioned in some situations? We had a revolution in the 90s and made changes to the Ministry to Protect Society From Danger. Some people call it a revolution without death. We did not join the revolution dreaming of a great life. We made this revolution sacrificing our lives.
“Afterwards we changed everything – including our constitution, changed legal organizations and gave rights to policemen. Soon after, perversion started. You all remember that a former Justice Minister was convicted of a crime, put in a jail and almost killed. Then, rights were given to prosecutors. But the rights were withdrawn from them as it was obvious that prosecutors were becoming the tools of authorities. Then we figured out that the hinge of all these injustices was corruption, and decided to establish an independent organization, the Independent Authority Against Corruption. All rights were given to them, but it led us to today’s situation. Now, what changes should be made and for what? Should we gather at the Central Square again?
“All the methods and tools are the same. Firstly, negative information about a person is spread through the press and media and citizens are led to believe it. Then it becomes boring to people whether that person will be dragged to prison or be killed, because that person has already become the trash of society.
“B.Renchin was a victim of that act. Articles with headline “Seventy-year old needs restraints” appeared in newspapers. In the end, people did not come to B.Renchin’s funeral. My father was suspected and investigated because he cried from deep in his heart at B.Renchin’s funeral.
“All in all, truth wins. Today we have built statue a for B.Renchin. Where are the statues of Lenin and Stalin now? This is not an issue that is resolved by an ideology. It is an issue of people’s choice. But we live in fear today. We are backing away from our democratic choice under the influence of striking each individual, family, organization and society in fear. You should give an answer. You decide if you are going to recover the former Ministry to Protect Society From Danger.
“If there is gap in the law, you tell us and we will fix it. We are not scared. We are members of Parliament. We will state our minds. We should change that situation. Chairmen of relevant organizations are absent today. The Sub-committee on Human Rights is an organization of Parliament. We will work for a guarantee of a democratic society.”
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