Mongolia Brief June 18, 2014



Parliament to Discuss Telecommunications Law

Ulaanbaatar, June 18 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag submitted Wednesday a dratf law to amend the law on telecommunications to the parliament Speaker Z.Enkhbold.

In developing this draft, the Telecommunication Regulatory Committee studied chances to introduce in Mongolia the number portability services.
Licenses for carrying out telecommunications operations, services and manufacture have been issued to mobile operators for the purposes of maintaining the safety, efficiency and quality of telecommunications services, controlling the protection of privacy of correspondence since 1995, and thus far operators such as Mobicom Corporation LLC, Skytel LLC, Unitel LLC, and G-Mobile have been granted such licenses.

OSCE: Presidential Election of 2013 was Exemplary

Ulaanbaatar, June 18 (MONTSAME) The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has released a final report on the review of the 2013 Presidential election of Mongolia.
Paying a visit here, the OSCE authorities presented the report to administrative officials of the General Election Commission (GEC) on Tuesday and exchanged views with them on relevant matters.
Present at the meeting were Mr Janez Lenarcic, a director of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights; Ms Audrey Glover, a head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission; Ch.Sodnomtseren, a chairman of the GEC; and others.
The OSCE leaders emphasized that the last year's Presidential election of Mongolia attracted a great attention of many countries, and said the OSCE focused attention on a voting process. Mr Lenarcic highlighted that this election was very competitive, ensuring people's right to vote. The GEC well organized the election, he added.
The 2013 Presidential election was observed at a national level by 20 thousand foreign delegates and media organizations. The voting was carried out by electronic devices, and ballot papers were counted both by the machine and by hands.
Emphasizing a utilization of electronic devices, the OSCE said these machines operated normally even in the most remote places of the country.
Then the OSCE authorities asked the GEC about some matters. First, the criteria of selecting observers were not clear and transparent. To this, the GEC head admitted that the observers were selected after a few weeks training before the election, now, the GEC will prepare observers by involving them in a special seminar. The media people will be considered as important observers, so they will also be involved in a seminar-training, Mr Sodnomtseren said and expressed a willingness to take advice and experience from the OSCE.
Other matter are about a prompt delivering of the election results to the public through E-devices,  positions of monitoring cameras in the voting rooms, and an ownership of the E-devices, the guests said. The GEC should make sure that such devices are not a property of any political forces, the OSCE authorities said.

Ways of Saving Mazaalai Discussed

Ulaanbaatar, June 18 (MONTSAME) On occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification, a discussion ran Tuesday in the United Nations (UN) Resident Representative’s Office in Ulaanbaatar under a theme of "Desertification and Mazaalai".
The participants--State Secretary for the Environment and Green Development Ministry J.Batbold, UN Development Program Resident Representative Sezin Sinanoglu and representatives of the “Save Mazaalai” Foundation, the National Committee for Soil Protection and Anti-desertification--shared views on the "Save Mazaalai" program and decided that it be approved by relevant authorities, by the Naadam Festival (July 11), and that international memorandum of understanding be established afterwards.
Expressing her willingness to support the efforts to save the endangered animal from going extinct, Ms Sinanoglu said that she had thought that the saving efforts would not give outcomes due to very low population size of the Gobi bear, but she changed her mind.
Mr Batbold noted that the Gobi bear is one of the most suffering animals from desertification. When there is no rain in the Mongolian Gobi, not only already threatened animals but also domestic animals could not find food, and that is why this discussion "is taking place on the world day to combat desertification, under such a theme", he explained.

Graduates from NUM donate to National Cancer Center

June 18 (news.mn) Over 120 graduates from the School of Law, National University of Mongolia, are looking donate to the Department of Radiotherapy of the National Cancer Center of Mongolia on June 18th by saving money from the party they would usually throw in 2014.
These graduates received support from other law firms and collected 9.3 million MNT, that can be used to buy a defibrillator for the Department of Radiotherapy of the National Cancer Center.
The ceremony for the donation of the heart therapeutic defibrillator to the Department of Radiotherapy at the National Cancer Center is happening tody, June 18th.
There will also be a book donation that aims to create a library for children at the National Cancer Center.

Suicide attempt at Supreme Court

June 18 (news.mn) A desperate woman attempted to commit suicide at the Supreme Court after she heard the court’s decision regarding a property case on Tuesday June 17th.
According to unconfirmed sources, the woman claimed she was homeless as a result of a one-sided prosecutor`s office and court decision.
The woman appealed to the Supreme Court on Tuesday to resolve the argument about apartment ownership, however she lost the battle.
Chingeltei District Police Department has arrested the woman.

President of Dankook University bestowed with Altangadas

June 18 (news.mn) On the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Mongol Studies faculty at the Dankook University in South Korea, the President of the university, Ho-sung Chang, was awarded with the highest state honor, Altangadas, in accordance with a decree by the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj by Deputy Speaker R.Gonchigdorj on June 16th. The award was given for his efforts and contribution to the development of Mongol studies and for providing Mongol Studies scholars.
At the ceremony, held at the Embassy of South Korea to Mongolia, Dr. Ho-sung Chang expressed gratitude for receiving the highest state honor Altangadas and pledged to extend faculty training and activities in Mongol Studies and increase curriculum programs and to co-operate with Mongolian institutes.
For the event, representatives of the Embassy of South Korea to Mongolia, teachers and fellows from Dankook University, as well as Mongolian teachers who work for the University and the head of the Korean Association for Mongolian Studies were invited.
The Mongol Studies Faculty at Dankook University was found in 1993. Over the past years, over 230 graduates have graduated from the University in Mongolian language, history, culture and various research topics. Now there is even a Mongolian Studies Center run at the University.

State Secretary Burian received Ambassador of Mongolia

June 18 (foreign.gov.sk) State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic Peter Burian received Ambassador of Mongolia (seated in Prague) Dorjdamba Zumberellkham today (June 16, 2014).
At the beginning of the meeting, the Ambassador of Mongolia presented Burian with greetings addressed to the President of the Slovak Republic and asked to convey his thanks for the invitation to the official inauguration of President Andrej Kiska on Sunday, June 15.
At the meeting they positively evaluated the dynamics of mutual relations, which is also reflected through the realization of joint projects, for example, in agriculture. They expressed a mutual interest in deepening Slovak-Mongolian relations in all areas of common interest – especially in trade and commerce and deepening mutual political dialogue through top-political level visits. The planned contact activities will serve as a good opportunity to conclude several planned agreements.
They also spoke about signing several agreements in the trade-and-commerce area, as well as in education. "In Mongolia, there are many of our former graduates who work at university posts and contribute to building and enhancing positive relations between our countries,” Burian said. During the meeting he also emphasized the need for the rapid finalization of the investment agreement which is – together with the double-taxation prevention treaty – a prerequisite for developing our economic cooperation.
Both confirmed the mutual interest of their countries in continuing the existing cooperation and the mutual support of candidacies for international organizations, including the UN.

Standing Committee rejects resignation of Economic Minister

June 18 (news.mn) During Tuesday`s Standing Committee meeting on the economy, the resignation of the Minister of Economic Development was discussed. The resignation was not accepted by a majority vote.
Only one MP out of 14 who attended the Standing Committee meeting voted in favour of the resignation of the Minister of Economic Development, N.Batbayar. The remaining 14 MPs rejected the resignation. Therefore the issue of the resignation of the Minister of Economic Development is to be submitted to a Parliamentary plenary session meeting.
MP and head of the MPP caucus, S.Byambatsogt, stated the justification for the resignation of the Economic Development Minister, saying that "the economic conditions are getting worse, and the number of wage-earners and salaried employees is decreasing. Investment is frozen, and dozens of organisations are close down. Besides, the Economic Development Minister violated the Law on Sustainable Budget." This statement was submitted by 26 MPs of from the minority caucus.
There has been no query or suggestion for the Economic Development Minister N.Batbayar.

Monetary Prizes Doubled to Winners of State Naadam Festival in Archery Category

June 18 (infomongolia.com) At the Cabinet meeting held on June 14, 2014, it was decided to increase the monetary award to winners of the State Archery Tournament, which was considered low compare to winners of traditional wrestling and horse racing competitions.
Accordingly, changes were made to the Appendix of the Government Resolution No. 271 from 2010 to double monetary award to winners of the State Naadam Festival in the archery category, besides to add winning places by two or the first five places will be awarded with monetary prizes.
Due to changes, Finance Minister Ch.Ulaan is entrusted to allocate 25 million MNT from Government Reserve Fund for above prizes.
The new standard of monetary award to follow for traditional wrestling winners, race horse trainers and archers won in the State Naadam Festival, MNT (Tugrug).

Mongolia and Poland to Broaden Bilateral Relations in Trade, Economy and Businesses

June 18 (infomongolia.com) The First Intergovernmental Commission Meeting between Mongolia and the Republic of Poland is scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar on June 24, 2014.
The Meeting is aimed to deepen bilateral relations in trade, economy and business partnerships, moreover Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) in collaboration with the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency is organizing Mongolia-Poland Business Forum.
The Polish business delegates will be representing from sectors of mining facilities & equipment manufacturing, road transportation, construction manufacturing, telecommunications, agriculture & food production facilities, environment, energy, light industry as well as companies in consulting services for all kinds.
The Business Forum will be commenced at the Corporate Hotel next to the MNCCI at 10:00 am on June 23, 2014.
Polish Companies to participate are:
1. NARANTAL Global Sp. z o.o. - Mining consulting
2. Inspektor BHP Sp. z o.o. - Safety clothing and personal protective equipment (protective gloves, boots)
3. KOPEX S.A. - Mining facilities and equipment
4. SKYBONE Sp. z o.o. - Milk and meat products, vegetable oils, fruits, vegetables, and grain processing technology
5. TINES Capital Group - Rail, subway and tramway track manufacturer and complex technology, industry, infrastructure construction, chemical materials such as clay, putty, and paint and insulation system
6. Softnet Group Sp. z o.o. - Telecommunications operators
7. GEO Sp. z o.o. - Legal and accounting services, and veterinary advice as well as construction, agriculture and animal husbandry consulting
8. Przedsiebiorstwo Produkcji - Prefabricated buildings (modular construction) industry
9. URSUS S.A. - Agricultural machinery, large manufacturer of tractors
10. FAMUR S. A. - Underground mining machinery and equipment manufacturer
11. COLIAN Sp. z o.o. - Candy, food spices, dried fruits, beverages, logistics
12. VIEWPOINT Group - Consultations in public relations and management with the external environment
13. IMPRESSION Sp. z o.o. - Road construction
14. EKOLOG Sp. z o.o. - Environmental protection and renewable energy sectors
15. MSX Resources S.A. - Exploration-mining industry
16. HORUS-ENERGIA Sp. z o.o. - Diesel, gas and biogas-powered electric generators
17. Dom Inwestycyjny Investors S.A. - Investment banking
18. Lactima - Food, variety sorts of cheese, butter, margarine
19. Ignapol - Men and women cloth and leather garments manufacturer
20. Biuro Technologiczno-Marketingowe - Production technology, machinery and equipment, food
21. Stowarzyszenie Energii Odnawialnej - Renewable energy
22. GEOD - Drilling machinery and equipment
23. AGH - Mining-Metallurgical Academy

Winners of Japanese Anime and Cosplay to Win 7-Day Trip to Japan

June 18 (infomongolia.com) The Embassy of Japan in Ulaanbaatar in association with the Union of Youths Interested in Japanese Culture and ASA Circus are organizing Japanese Pop Cultural Day at the ASA Circus on July 05, 2014.
The event will be starting from 11:00 am, where Japanese pop singer Kio Sakai is participating upon the invitation.
Also, the best cosplay (costume play) competition will be organized among youths aged 15-23 years old, besides Japanese song and manga comic drawing contests will be also held and grand finalist 5 winners will win a 7-day trip to Japan.
During the Cultural Day, corners will be opening to introduce Japanese culture, Maid Cafe, Japanese Pop, anime and manga as well.

German-Mongolian Race Day Organized in Berlin in Scope of 40th Anniversary of Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

June 18 (infomongolia.com) In the scope of commemorating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Federal Republic of Germany marks this year, a Hoppegarten Sprint Cup competition named after the State of Mongolia was organized in Berlin, Germany on June 15, 2014.
The Government of Mongolia was represented by Minister of Defense, MP D.Bat-Erdene, who is also the President of Mongolian Horse Sports Club, Foreign Minister L.Bold, Justice Minister Kh.Temuujin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Federal Republic of Germany Ts.Bolor and the German side was attended by representatives of Bundestag, Federal Office of the President, Cabinet Secretariat of the Federal Chancellor, and authorities of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Ministries, as well as officials from Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Bank and Lufthansa.
At the Hoppegarten Sprint Cup over 10 thousand viewers were present, where Mongolian jockey G.Bayarsaikhan successfully raced in the competition, however he could not finish in the first, but cheered Mongolian audience, who were dressed with Mongolian national costume, Deel, and all were allowed to enter with free admission.
During the event, Mongolian national exhibits promoting tradition, culture and customs as werll as products, food and souvenirs were displayed. Moreover, Mongolian ethnic band "Domog" or "The Legend" performed a folk music to audience, where “Berlin TV”, “Bloomberg TV Mongolia”, and “Rennbahn TV” televisions broadcasted live the Day.
The opening remarks of the Day was delivered by Defense Minister D.Bat-Erdene, who said, "I am pleased to that so many of our countrymen accepted the invitation and made this German-Mongolian race day to such a colorful experience. On days like today, it is clear how well the partnership relations between our two countries have grown. We were able to observe impressive, how much the love for the horse and the equestrian sport that brings together people".

First International Conference on “Ulaanbaatar Dialogue” Brought Scholars from 9 Countries

June 18 (infomongolia.com) The First International Conference welcoming “Ulaanbaatar Dialogue” on Northeast Asian Security was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ulaanbaatar on June 17, 2014.
The initiative on Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security was firstly forwarded by President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj at the VII Ministerial Conference of the Community of Democracies held in Ulaanbaatar in April 2013.
The Conference was attended by majored in Northeast Asian Affairs scholars from 9 countries and representatives of research institutes from Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, China, Russia, Japan, USA, Netherlands, Germany and UK. The panel sessions held within the Conference discussed issues concerning the security risk, economic and infrastructure cooperation, regional integration in Northeast Asia.
The Conference demonstrated that Mongolia maintains friendly relations with all states of the Northeast Asian region and has high potentials for contributing to the solution of security problems in the region by means of dialogues and negotiations. The conference will be organized regularly in the future, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.

Ambassadors from Mexico, Luxembourg, Malta and Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia Accredited by President Ts.Elbegdorj

June 18 (infomongolia.com) On June 18, 2014, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Mexican States to Mongolia Mr. Jose Luis Bernal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to Mongolia Mr. Paul Steinmetz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Malta to Mongolia Mr. Clifford Borg-Marks and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to Mongolia Ms. Kanaiym Baktygulova have presented their Letters of Credence to the President of Mongolia Mr. Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ.
Following the credential handing ceremony, President Ts.Elbegdorj congratulated the envoys to represent their states and received the newly accredited Ambassadors holding a separate meeting.

3D Images Decorating Streets of Ulaanbaatar

June 18 (infomongolia.com) In the scope of started the spring landscaping and decorating the streets of Ulaanbaatar city, the Mayor’s Office of the Capital City is implementing a program to draw 3D images on the streets of UB.
According to an official of the City Office O.Odjargal, a total of 35 3D images will be drawn by students of Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture and Ikh Zasag University in 35 locations of UB each within 2 sq.m that aims to experience the beauty of art and urban landscapes of the pictures in order to adorn the neighborhood promoting culture, art and anti-drugs.
This new measure will be accomplished within this week and has been attracting a lot of public attention and appreciation.

Mexican Ambassador Presents Credentials

Ulaanbaatar, June 18 (MONTSAME) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Mexican States to Mongolia Mr Jose Luis Bernal presented his letter of credence to the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj in the State House on Wednesday.
After this ceremony, Mr Elbegdorj held a brief meeting with the Ambassador to congratulate him on being appointed as such and to wish him a further success.
Mr Luiz Bernal stressed an importance of broadening of relationship with reciprocal high-level visits of governmental and parliament members of the two countries.
The leader of Mongolia Elbegdorj told the Ambassador that the Presidential Office and a Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support his efforts.

Standing Committee Head Meets OSCE Delegation

Ulaanbaatar, June 18 (MONTSAME) Chair of the parliamentary Standing committee on state structure A.Bakei Wednesday met a delegation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), in the State House.
Ms Audrey Glover, a head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, also Mr Alexander Shlyk, a consultant to the OSCE and officers for Mongolian affairs, thanked Bakei for receiving them, then Ms Glover said the OSCE/ODIHR report on review over the 2013 Presidential election of Mongolia showed positive indicators, however, some details should be observed in future.
Mr Bakei thanked the OSCE for observing the election activities and said that recommendations and proposals from the OSCE will be reflected in a draft new wording of the law on election and shared views with the guests on this draft.
Mr Shlyk gave some recommendations such as supporting independent candidates at elections, promptly solving complaints and requests from people, controlling the state servants who work at election committees. To this Mr Bakei said the draft new wording will have a clause on setting up an independent commission in charge of considering all complaints and requests, and added that Mongolia wants to learn the best experiences of countries in formation of political parties.
Ms Glover said the OSCE is ready to support in formulating this draft and to give legal advice to Mongolia.

 

Ambassador of Luxemburg Presents Credentials

Ulaanbaatar, June 18 (MONTSAME) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg to Mongolia Mr Paul Steinmetz presented Wednesday his letter of credence to the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj in the State House.
After the ceremony, Mr Elbegdorj held a brief meeting with the newly-appointed Ambassador to wish him a success in his further endeavors.
He also expressed a confidence in great contribution Mr Steinmetz will make to expanding of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized that our countries have maintained fine relations in economic, banking, financial and health sectors, and mentioned good news that an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation has been made effective between the two countries.

Ambassador Attends Presidential Swearing-in Ceremony

Ulaanbaatar, June 18 (MONTSAME) Mongolia's Ambassador D.Zumberellkham attended a swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected President of Slovakia Mr Andrej Kiska on June 15.
During the ceremony, our Ambassador conveyed greetings of the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbedorj, who also wished great development and progress for the people of Slovakia.
Slovakia's President Kiska accepted the greetings of the Mongolian leader and forwarded his greetings to him. He also expressed commitment to make efforts to further stimulate the long-lasting, friendly relationship of the two countries.
Mr Kiska took his oath during a swearing-in ceremony in Bratislava, June 15, replacing Ivan Gasparovic in the Slovakian presidential office.

R.Burmaa MP Meets German Delegation

Ulaanbaatar, June 18 (MONTSAME) Head of the parliamentary Standing committee on petitions and chairwoman of the Mongolia-Germany inter-parliamentary group R.Burmaa Tuesday received a delegation headed by Mr Nils Schmid, the Deputy Premier of Germany’s Baden-Wurttemberg State.
Ms Burmaa thanked the delegation for arriving and highlighted that her Standing committee was set up here on an example of Germany’s Bundestag (parliament). She said the legislative bodies of the two countries have been maintaining good ties and cooperation, and expressed a satisfaction with boosting of the bilateral political relations and economic cooperation.
Mongolia wants to cooperate more with industrially-developed states of Germany in some concrete areas and in running technical and vocational trainings in order to prepare professional work force, she said.
Mr Schmidt thanked her for this audience and noted that the Landtag (legislative body) of each State selects newly elected member as the leader of the Standing committee on petitions, "and our is the largest one". He went on that the delegation is here to exchange views on the Mongolia-Germany economic ties and cooperation, adding that his country is ready to prepare professional workers and to send instructors and teachers to Mongolia.
After this the sides shared views on the election law of Mongolia.
Present at the meeting were L.Tsog, a Vice Speaker of parliament; G.Batkhuu, Su.Batbold, D.Lundeejantsan, Z.Bayanselenge, Yo.Otgonbayar and J.Batzandan MPs. 

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