Mongolia Brief October 3, 2014

Ulaanbaatar Mayor meets with Mayor of Moscow

October 3 (news.mn) The Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar E.Bat-Uul met Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin.

The city mayors agreed to strengthen the two cities friendly ties that go back half a century, and build a cooperation agreement between the Ulaanbaatar Governor's Office and the Moscow City Government for 2015-2017.

The mayors also specified the main objectives for cooperate and shared their experiences with urban development, housing, health, education, and culture.

Key supply chain companies in Moscow are to build agreements with Mongolian enterprises, as Mayor Sobyanin encouraged Mongolian agriculture producers to move into the Moscow market.

At the end of the meeting, Mayor E.Bat-Uul expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and invited Sobyanin to visit to Ulaanbaatar in 2015. 

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Related:

Mayor E.Bat-Uul in Moscow – Montsame, October 3

Art Gallery in London Presents Mongolian Traditional Arts

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, October 3 (MONTSAME) During the official visit of the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar to London of UK, the Mongolian Embassy to this country organized on September 26 a Mongolian traditional arts concert in Asia House gallery, which advertises Asian culture, business and policies.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the UK Mr N.Tulga opened this event that advertised Mongolian arts and culture. After the mayor E.Bat-Uul addressed the gathered, a “Nomadic Melody” band--London -based Mongolian artists--gave a small performance. 

The audience also viewed an exhibition themed “Steppe is coming”, co-organized by “Mongolian arts and culture in London” NGO and the gallery. The exhibition displayed artworks by Mongolian painters such as T.Nurmaajav, D.Sukhbaatar, T.Otgonbayar, D.Ganbaatar, Ts.Otgonbayar, B.Tuvshin, B.Batsukh, D.Batbileg, and the Dutch Renee Polak.

Present were at the event representatives of Asia House, ordinary citizens, officials from diplomatic missions in London and from Asia Department of Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 

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Mongolia, Japan eye the 40th anniversary of cultural ties

October 3 (news.mn) On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of cultural ties between Mongolia and Japan, the opening ceremony of the Japanese Arts Festival was held at the National Theatre of Japan, on October 1st.

A group of artists, dancers and musicians from Mongolia, including Bilguun Undarga center performers, and folk-ethnic band Legend (Domog) members, led by State Honored Merit Artist of Mongolia, D.Sosorbaram, and other invited singers and contortionists performed Mongolian folk dances, songs, shaman dances and tsam dance.

The concert also featured Japanese religious mantra songs in various voices and tsam dance.

More than 1,500 visitors, including Crown Prince Naruhito and Princess Masako of Japan, Chairman of the Japanese-Mongolian Friendship Group of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party M.Hayashi; S.Eda; mother of Japan's Prime Minister, Yo.Abe, Japan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sh.Sugiyama; Japanese culture agency officials; political, cultural and public figures; and foreign diplomatic representatives enjoyed the concert.

Following the concert, Crown Prince of Japan Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako received the Mongolian artists and were reminded of visiting Mongolia and playing violin along with the Horse Head Fiddle Ensemble of Mongolia. During the brief meeting, State Honored Merit Artist of Mongolia, D.Sosorbaram explained Mongolian national musical instruments and folk art and presented a gift of Mongolian calligraphy to Crown Prince Naruhito

The Mongolian folk artists will perform in Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Fukuoka, Oita, and Tokishima prefectures and the cities of Osaka and Izumi Sanno between October 2-17th.

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Second Ulaanbaatar International Film Festival to Bring Best Movies from International Scene

October 3 (infomongolia.com) The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in association with Capital City Department of Arts and Culture, Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in UB, Arts Council of Mongolia and Mongolian Film Council are organizing the Ulaanbaatar International Film Festival - 2014 for the consecutive second year.

The event will be organized at Tengis Cinema in UB on October 08-12, 2014, and the Festival will feature an exclusive program of the best from the international scene, including award-winning and critical acclaimed films from 12 countries such as Austria, Ethiopia, France, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Palestine, Russia, Thailand and Turkey.

In this Second UB International Festival, Turkey has been chosen as the festival’s focus country to commemorate and celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Mongolian-Turkish diplomatic relations.

In the frameworks, the Embassy will organize Turkish Movie Day on October 09th to screen three films, including this year’s winner of the Palme d’Or in Cannes “Winter Sleep” by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, historical drama “The Butterfly’s Dream” by Yilmaz Erdogan and “Lamb” by Kutlag Ataman to showcase the scope of contemporary Turkish filmmaking.

Apart from the film screenings the UB Film Festival will also give the local audience the chance to meet some of the stars presented on the big screen, including actors, filmmakers and producers. At the same time the Film Forum will present locale filmmakers with networking opportunities and professional sharing through meetings with the international film industry professionals such as Sonja Heinen from the World Cinema Fond.

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Global AgeWatch Index 2014: Mongolia

October 3 (infomongolia.com) The October 01st is designated the International Day of Older Persons, which was ratified during the United Nations General Assembly meeting held on December 14, 1990 and commemorating the Day, the HelpAge International NGO has released the Global AgeWatch Index 2014 that ranks countries by how well their older populations are faring.

The Global AgeWatch Index features reports for 96 countries, where Norway led the 2014 Index followed by Sweden, Switzerland, Canada and Germany as top 5 states how well they are supporting their older populations.

As of Mongolia, the country with 2.8 million people of population is ranked at the 72nd place out of 96, of which 0.2 million people are over 60, according to report. But Mongolia ranks highest in the income security domain (36), with 100% pension income coverage - one of only two countries in this region with full coverage. It also has a low old age poverty rate (7.7%) and high relative welfare rate for its region.

It ranks moderately in the enabling environment domain (62), a significant increase from its 2013 ranking (85). This is due to a rise in the social connectedness indicator to 92% (the highest in its region) as well as revision of public transport data.

It ranks lower in the capability domain (65), a decrease from 2013 due to low values for employment (38.6%) and educational attainment (55.2%) among older people. It ranks lowest in the health domain (93), with below regional average values for life expectancy indicators.

Moreover, Mongolia’s population of 60 or over is 6.1% in 2014 and it is estimated to grow 11.5% by 2030 and 19.8% by 2050.

As of global population, there 868 million are aged 60 or over in 2014, and 2.02 billion people will be aged 60 or over by 2050.

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Starting from 2014, Mongolian Teachers to Celebrate Their Day Annually on October 5th

October 3 (infomongolia.com) In December 2013, the Government of Mongolia issued a Resolution No.412 to amend in the regulation on celebrating the "Historical event anniversaries, commemorative days, bestowing outstanding figures and memorizing".

In this amendment, the date of Mongolian Teacher’s Day was moved from the first Sunday in February to October 05th, which was marked since 1967 and in the Academic Year of 2014-2015, Mongolian Teachers for the first time to celebrate their Day on October 05, 2014.

This year’s Teacher’s Day is also coincided with the 375th anniversary of founding the Capital City and therefore is distinct and will be celebrated quite widely.

In the scope of the event, ceremonial meeting is to take place at 02:00 pm today at Wrestling Palace, besides closing ceremony of Sports Festival 2014 organized among teachers will be also held, moreover, winners of “Regulation to Evaluate School and Pre-School Teachers’ Training Quality by Index” will be announced and rewarded as well as “Let’s Raise Teacher’s Talent” cultural performance is taking place at the Central Cultural Palace of Mongolian Trade Union at 12:00 pm on October 03, 2014.

UNESCO announced to commemorate the World Teachers' Day annually on October 05th in 1996 and over 100 countries observe this World Teachers' Day including Mongolia.

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SATOB 2014 October Program

October 3 (infomongolia.com) Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet (SATOB) has released the 2014 October Program, which is the Theatre’s 52nd Season and starting with “Three Dramatic Characters” opera by B.Damdinsuren and B.Smirnov on October 04 and 05, 2014.

The “Three Dramatic Characters” opera has been celebrating its 80th anniversary on stage, and to date, 37 different actors have played in a main role of “Yunden”, in “Nansalmaa” 44 actresses, “Khorolmaa” 39 actresses, and 32 performers acted in “Balgan” respectively.

SATOB 2014 October Program

Saturday, October 04, 05:00 pm, “Three Dramatic Characters” Opera by B.Damdinsuren and B.Smirnov

Sunday, October 05, 05:00 pm, “Three Dramatic Characters” Opera by B.Damdinsuren and B.Smirnov

Saturday, October 11, 05:00 pm, “Swan Lake” Ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Sunday, October 12, 05:00 pm, “Swan Lake” Ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Thursday, October 16, 07:00 pm, “Kh.Bilegjargal-60” Jubilee Concert named after famed music composer Kh.Bilegjargal

Saturday, October 18, 05:00 pm, “Lama’s Tears” Opera by Kh.Bilegjargal

Sunday, October 19, 05:00 pm, “Spartak” Ballet by A.Khachaturian

Saturday, October 25, 05:00 pm, “Spartak” Ballet by A.Khachaturian

Sunday, October 26, 05:00 pm, “Lama’s Tears” Opera by Kh.Bilegjargal

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Related:

Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet to open its 52nd season – news.mn, October 3

Drama Theatre 2014 October Program

October 3 (infomongolia.com) The State Academic Drama Theatre has released the 2014 October Program and in the frameworks of the "Playlet" project which has being continued since April 2014, the Theatre announces the October as the Playlet Month.

Drama Theatre 2014 October Program

October 04, 05, 25 at 11:00 am & October 25 at 02:00 pm

- "Biography of Norov" children play by D.Sodnomdorj

October 11, 12, 18, 19 at 11:00 am & October 11, 12, 18 at 02:00 pm

- “A-Graders Are Prohibited To Enter” children play by B.Khishigzaya

October 03 at 06:00 pm & October 04, 05 at 05:00 pm

- "Lullaby" three-act drama play by N.Gankhuyag

October 10 at 06:00 pm & October 11, 12 at 05:00 pm

- “The Open Couple” drama play by Dario Fo, produced by Ch.Naidandorj

October 17 at 06:00 pm

- “The Son of the Sky" historical play by B.Tsognemekh

October 18 at 05:00 pm & 07:00 pm

- “Yesterday” psychological drama play by G.Pinter, produced by N.Naranbaatar

October 19 at 05:00 pm & 07:00 pm

- "Model" by Nikolai Kolyada, produced by Ts.Batnairamdal

October 23 at 06:00 pm

- "Sorry, Wrong Number" tragedy drama play by Violet Lucille Fletcher produced by Ch.Tuvshin

October 24 at 06:00 pm & October 25, 26 at 05:00 pm & 07:00 pm

- "Innocent Guilt" drama play by A.Ochirbat, produced by E.Yondonsharav

October 30, 31 at 06:00 pm

- "Crow Grove" by Alexander Vampilov produced by B.Munkhdorj

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Mongolian marathoner places 5th at Asian Games

October 3 (news.mn) The Asian Games men's marathon finished on Friday. Ali Hasan Mahboob crossed the finish line in two hours, 12 minutes and 38 seconds, and won the Asian Games gold for Bahrain, one second ahead of Mastumara, and four seconds ahead of another Japanese runner, Yuki Kawauchi, in third.

Mongolian runner B.Ser-Od crossed the finish line in two hours, six minutes and 13 seconds and earned 5th place. B.Ser-Od led the marathon from the 30 km nark, but competition caught up in the last two km.

Another Mongolian runner, B.Gantulga, place 9th, crossing the line in two hours, twenty minutes and fifty four seconds.

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Related:

B.Ser-Od Finishes 4th in Asian Games – Montsame, October 3

Our Wrestlers Partake in Korkin’s Grand Prix

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, October 3 (MONTSAME) Our national team is taking part in the seventh Grand Prix of free-style wrestling named dedicated to memory of the former Soviet Union’s state honored trainer D.P.Korkin.

The events are running October 3-5 in Russian Yakustk. The Mongolians have participated in all previous Grand Prix, for example, in 2013 gold medals were grabbed by E.Bekhbayar and B.Ankhbayar, and bronze--by D.Gombodorj and P.Unurbat. Tjis time, our team has been coached by J.Dandar and international referee Kh.Ganbold. The wrestlers are: Z.Zanabazar in men’s 57kg, international sports master B.Nemekhbayar and B.Usukhbayar in men’s 61kg, B.Nyamdorj in men’s 65kg, international masters B.Ankhbayar and B.Batzorig in men’s 70kg, international master P.Unurbat in men’s 74kg, and international master N.Zolboo in men’s 125kg weight categories. 

The participants are also Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, S.Korea, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkey, Finland, Estonia, and Japan, and several Russian subjects. Among them are the Olympic bronze medalist Japanese Shinichi Yumoto, a bronze medalist of the world championship Ishtwan Vereb from Hungary, the world youth champion Yunes Sarmasti from Iran, African champion Chedley Maslusy from Tunisia, world teenage champion Mekhmet Asan from Turkey, and Russian champion A.Bogomoev and others.  

The tournament has a prize fund of USD 63 thousand. The gold medalists will be awarded three thousand, silver medalists--two thousand, bronze medalists--one thousand dollars, the trainer of the champions in every category will be awarded two thousand dollars.

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Darkhan Metallurgical Plant to launch its wet processing plant

October 5 (UB Post) Darkhan Metallurgical Plant JSC is working toward the launch of its iron ore wet magnetic processing plant this year.

The wet processing plant is being constructed within the framework of a plan to develop Darkhan Metallurgical Plantinto a mining and metallurgical industrial complex. Construction of the wet processing plant is completed. Currently, electricial extensions and tailings dam are underway.

Concentrate processed through the wet magnetic method will be the main raw material for Direct ReductionIron Plant, which Darkhan Metallurgical Plant plans to construct.

The world’s leading company in metallurgy, Hatch Ltd of Canada, is selected to carry out construction of the Direct ReductionIron Plant and has started preparing a Pre-Feasibility study. An advanced Feasibility study will be conducted following the completion of the Pre-Feasibility study.

Darkhan Metallurgical Plant expects to complete construction of the Direct ReductionIron Plant in four years and, upon launching the plant, lay additional pipelines in the rolling mills. The existing pipelines have been operating for 20 years but have not undergone overhaul. 

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Related:

Darkhan to Open Wet-Concentrate Plant – Montsame, October 3

Aero Mongolia launches direct flights to Khanbogd

October 3 (news.mn) Aero Mongolia LLC launched permanent flights to Khanbogd Umnugovi. By launching the Ulaanbaatar-Khanbogd direct flight, new services will be available to passengers from the neighboring soums of Manlai, Bayan-Ovoo, and Tsogttsetsii, and company staffs of Oyu Tolgoi LLC.

Local authorities appreciate that the direct Ulaanbaatar-Khanbogd flight will help to bring more tourists to the Gobi Desert and benefit local community development too. This is the first direct permanent flight for local soum passengers in Mongolian civil aviation history. 

Aero Mongolia schedules Ulaanbaatar-Khanbogd-Ulaanbaatar flights twice a week, every Wednesday and Saturday.

Established in 2003, Aero Mongolia is a national airline based at Chinggis Khaan International Airport. The airline operates flights to 10 local and two regional destinations (China and Russia) with over 130 staff and service personnel.

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Mongolia looks to define new railway policy

October 3 (Mongolian Economy) In 2010, the Mongolian parliament approved 1,800 km of horizontal railway construction work when it passed the ‘State Policy on the Railway Sector’ law. Since then, only 267 km along the Tavan Tolgoi--Gashuun Sukhait line has seen preliminary work. Railway construction has barely touched the approved area, as a years-long government debate has deadlocked progress.

Over the past few years, policy makers have argued about which railway gauge—China’s or Russia’s—is better to choose for the Mongolian railway system. Even the leaders of Mongolia’s neighboring countries who visited this past August and September reminded Mongolia to hurry along with the railway issue decision making.

As such, the railway sector was one of the top expected subjects of debate when the fall session of parliament opened this Wednesday. On Thursday, parliament discussed the issue and gave approval to continue the discussion after the majority of parliament members voted for further progress. Now the matter has moved on to the Economic Standing Committee for more intensive review.

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State budget to include Chinggis bond’s first payment 

October 3 (Mongolian Economy) Fall session of the Great Khural will discuss matters relating to the State budget, social welfare insurance funds, and monetary policy. The country’s total budget income fell short of projected goals in the first eight months of the year by MNT 605.8 billion, or by 13.6 percent.  

According to the National Statistical Office of Mongolia, the national budget balance income and subsidies reached MNT 3.798.0 billion, while expenditures and loan repayment reached MNT 3.951.0 billion. This resulted in an insufficient national balance of MNT 153 billion.  

The Speaker of the Parliament, Z. Enkhbold, said the 2015 State budget and monetary policy should be considered carefully, since repayment is due of the Chinggis and Samurai bonds, as well as the bond repayment of the Development Bank on the horizon. He added that it was important to legalise the Debt Management Law as soon as possible. 

The autumn session of parliament will discuss important law proposals, such as additional changes and revisions to the Taxation Law and the Trade Law. Remaining discussion from the spring sessions will also resume. These will include regulations on Road and Transport policy implementation as well as the renewal of the government’s policy on education and medicine. 

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Chinese New Equipment and Technology to Be Introduced in Ulaanbaatar

October 3 (infomongolia.com) “The China New Equipment, Technology and Products 2014” Exhibition and Fair Trade is announced to be held at Misheel Expo Center in Ulaanbaatar on October 10-12, 2014.

The event will be organized by Beijing Zhongqi Expo International Co., Ltd is association with Mongolian Employers' Federation, “Ikh Ayan Urguu” LLC, and Mongolia-Inner Mongolia Business and Investors Association to bring over 100 entities from the People’s Republic of China, where over 200 representatives from mining, agriculture, farming, construction, building materials, road maintenance, machinery, energy, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries are going to attend the Exhibition.

In the frameworks, Mongolia-China Business Cooperation Meeting is also scheduled to take place to promote bilateral collaboration and introduce projects and programs that are able to develop under beneficial cooperation.

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Opposition Party - MPP Agrees to Reshuffle Cabinet, but Not to Join

October 3 (infomongolia.com) Following the Opening of the 2014 Autumn Session of the State Great Khural (Parliament), the first issue in the center of attention is restructuring the Prime Minister’s Cabinet, where Premier N.Altankhuyag had already delivered his proposals to the Speaker Z.Enkhbold and Party Groups at the Parliament have held its meetings last two days.

Regarding the raising issue, the opposition political force of Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) expressed its position regarding the draft bill submitted by the Prime Minister yesterday and hosted a press conference today on October 03, 2014.

In their statement, MPP leaders represented by MP S.Byambatsogt, Head of MPP Group at the Parliament, MP N.Nomtoibayar, MP D.Oyunkhorol and MPP Secretary General J.Munkhbat noted, “The MPP Group held its meeting yesterday and at today’s meeting we invited the Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag and have exchanged questions and answers regarding the new bill. Principally, we agree to decrease the number of current Ministries, but we stand on position not to promote again those Ministers, who dropped the sector’s activity and reputation working poorly. In the meantime, President Ts.Elbegdorj has also reminded again if nominate new Ministers to consider not to hold another post simultaneously or the “double coat” principle”.

In addition, the Secretary General J.Munkhbat said, “If the question raises to nominate new Minister, MPP will not join this Cabinet. This Government started its work without MPP and should come to the finishing line without MPP”.

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Minister of Health receives reps of US embassy

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, October 3 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Health N.Udval has received Mr Kirk McBride, the US embassy in Ulaanbaatar Deputy Chief of Mission and Mr Nathan Johnson, Environment, Science and Health Officer, at their request.

At the meeting, Mr. McBride thanked the Minister for her reception, and informed her about an appeal of the US President Barack Obama for joining other countries to combat the Ebola virus spread. 2200 people died from the virus, and some 5000 people are still suffering from it. Mr McBride informed that the virus spread can be contained within 6-9 months if the countries unite their powers in the combat against the virus, and presented an official note on combating the virus together with Mongolia.

The Health Minister expressed her willingness to support Barack Obama's leadership in fighting against the virus, and informed about the Ministry’s ongoing actions such as presenting a report on Ebola outbreak to the National Security Council and a recommendation about for people avoiding traveling to the virus spread countries. She also sounded the guests with establishment of Emergency Management Center at the ministry with support of the World Health Organization, and with the information exchange by the center with physicians from hospitals in West Coastline of Asia and Pacific. The Minister promised reply on the possible involvement and aid from Mongolia to this spotlight issue, the combat against the Ebola spread.

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Stock exchange news for October 3

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, October 3 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Friday, a total of 39 thousand and 867 shares of 14 JSCs were traded costing MNT 17 million 945 thousand and 383.00.

"E-trans logistics” /10 thousand and 334 units/, “Hermes center” /10 thousand units/, “Mongolia Telecom” /8,977 units/, “Remikon” /7,579 units/ and "Genco tour bureau” /2,200 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "Mongolia Telecom” (MNT 11 million 410 thousand and 790), "Tavantolgoi” (MNT two million 187 thousand and 450), “Hermes center” (MNT one million and 600 thousand), "E-trans logistics” (MNT one million 033 thousand and 500) and "Remikon” (MNT 889 thousand and 559).

The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 558 billion 677 million 485 thousand and 305. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 15,537.83, decreasing 131.47 units or 0.84% against the previous day.

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Stock exchange weekly

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, October 3 (MONTSAME) Five stock trades were held at Mongolia's Stock Exchange from September 29 to October 3 of 2014. In overall, 251 thousand and 255 shares were sold of 35 joint-stock companies totalling MNT 126 million 205 thousand and 352.00.

"Hai Bi Oil” /107 thousand and 944 units/, "Remikon” /21 thousand and 021 units/, "Mongol shiltgeen” /17 thousand and 975 units/, "E-trans logistics” /17 thousand and 559 units/ and "Hermes center” /15 thousand and 521 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value--"Hai Bi Oil” (MNT 42 million 206 thousand and 329), "APU” (MNT 19 million 677 thousand and 493), "Mongolia Telecom” /MNT 11 million and 440 thousand/, "Mongol shiltgeen” /MNT 11 million 092 thousand and 720/ and "Gobi” (MNT five million 462 thousand and 700).

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Our boxer captures gold medal

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, October 3 (MONTSAME) International master of sports Mongolian D.Otgondalai has won a gold medal in the men 60 kg bout of boxing events at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon.

In the final bout, Otgondalai defeated Suarez Charly from the Philippines on Friday.

This is the fifth gold medal captured by our national team and the very first "gold" of our boxers since the first participation in these Games.

Having a bye in the first bout, he defeated rivals from Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan in the rounds of 16 and quarterfinals. In the semi-final, he beat an Olympic bronze medalist Japanese Satoshi Shimizu.

In the boxing event of the Games, a Mongolia woman boxer secured a bronze medal in the flyweight contest. 

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M.Tumenbayar wins very first medal of taekwondo in Asian Games

By B. Khuder

Ulaanbaatar, October 3 (MONTSAME) A Mongolian fighter of the national selected team for taekwondo M.Tumenbayar won a bronze medal in the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.

Competed in the men’s 54 kg contest, Tumenbayar beat his opponents of Kuwait and Palestine in the preliminary rounds. In the semi-finals, he was defeated by a South Korean fighter Kim Taehun with scores 4:19.

On the 14th day of the Games, Mongolia is being placed 16th, earning five gold, four silver and 11 bronze medals.

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Oyu Tolgoi feasibility study to be discussed next week

By B. Amarsaikhan

Ulaanbaatar, October 3 (MONTSAME) The board of directors of "Oyu Tolgoi” company decided October 2 to defer consideration of the updated version of the feasibility study of the mine to the next meeting on October 7.

This decision is due to the necessity to obtain additional information on financing.

According to the related officials, the updated feasibility study funding has increased by USD 300 million, and now stands at USD 4.9 billion.  “If we consider the spent USD 500 million, the total amount of financing reaches USD 5.4 billion.” said the officials.  

In case of approval, the report of the updated feasibility study presented to the board on September 22 by "Turquoise Hill Resources" must be taken over by the Professional Minerals Council of Mongolia.

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Ts.Elbegdorj: Politics is wrecking the economy and the nation

October 5 (UB Post) The following is an interview with President Ts.ELbegdorj about timely issues on Mongolia’s economy, legislations, and government related issues.

You declared that the UN should be reformed at the General Assembly of the UN. Can you comment on this?

Well, the UN reform has been discussed for many years. Mongolia didn’t initiate this topic but have only agreed with and joined this position.

Some experts predict your next move to be towards the UN. As a politician, do you have policies towards the UN? Do you have any personal interests?

Every international organization, including the UN, has its own internal regulation. It’s almost impossible for people aspiring to join international organizations to be able to work for them. There are plenty of people hoping to work for them and do something they can do internationally. For me, daydreaming about these things is a waste of time.

As a president, you’ve accomplished many things and contributed greatly in promoting Mongolia internationally.

I’m just a man doing his job. The people entrusted me to complete works for the nation and I’m carrying them out. If everyone does their work, Mongolia will develop. My main foreign policy is to increase the weight of Mongolia whether it’s internationally, regionally, or at the level of discussing with our neighbors. I only hope for Mongolia’s weight and value to increase. I sincerely hope to do this.

Mongolia is working exceptionally on foreign policy. The main issue lies in domestic policy. Foreigners view that Mongolia’s main problems are internal. How will domestic issues be resolved? What will happen to Mongolia’s economy?

We need to be more optimistic. This economic difficulty isn’t a decline. There will be a turnover. Politics is sabotaging the economy and the nation. We’re wrecking the nation by turning endevours to flourish the country into politics. I always say that the force to restrict rather than to liberate and the force to halt development rather than to develop is higher in Mongolia. I assess the approach to criticize and disapprove this sort of adversity as a good thing since we’re an open society.

The few businessmen producing goods in Mongolia are pressured by taxes and are regionally restricted. Many of them are put to detention facilities. Shouldn’t Mongolia enforce economic amnesty? You made a huge advancement by abolishing the death penalty. Where will you head next with this issue?

This question consists of so many things within itself. The government initiated and submitted the law of economic amnesty. This draft will probably consist of things that are possible and impossible to do. I think we should see what happens after it’s legally and publicly discussed. The government should bravely grasp the most urgent and fundamental economic issues and determine it.

For example, what sort of urgent issues?

For example, there’s a huge social sector including the education, health and culture. Not a single renovation or personal initiation has been put forward into this field. If it is put forward, the Mongolian economy can stimulate and flourish to the same level as when apartments were privatized and livestock were distributed to herders. Additionally, financial operations are executed through banks. This is how assets are being built. There is a secondary market, which builds funds. This operation must be intensified quickly and adjusted to international standards. At the moment, it’s at halt.

Mongolia has a total debt of some trillion MNT. Mongolia has resources to transform it into an opportunity and profit. We have to grab that opportunity.

There are significant infrastructure issues. When we were negotiating with our two neighbors about transit railways, the government settled the issue immediately. Property related issues should be resolved. National entities should be supported effectively and efficiently.

The economy isn’t the only domestic distress. What will happen to legislations?

Reform for legal bodies will continue. I’m thinking of working steadily on this. Legal reform is only starting. Laws on regulations and enforcement of lawyers and judges haven’t been established. As long as these issues haven’t been covered, legal reform isn’t completed. I view that legal bodies are most supportive on this issue internally; especially judges are very active.

The court is getting criticized for not settling cases and prolonging them. Will the legal reform be readjusted?

Adjustments will definitely be made. We have to fix everything that’s obstructing the reform. Works that are complementary to the reform needs to be executed, or the process will slow down. Due to these reasons, reforms are in danger of becoming defamed and receive a bad reputation. Legal reform isn’t something that can be completed in a day. It’s an all-time worry and work that requires constant adjustment because life is inconsistent.

You established the Independent Agency Against Corruption (IAAC). The IAAC is receiving harsh criticisms of having more authority than the person who established the agency and conducting every bad activity except murder. Your comments on this?

Combating corruption isn’t an easy job. Anti-corruption is Mongolia’s national interest. Combating corruption can be interpreted as a fight for the safety of the people and national security. Firstly, people obliged to this responsibility should properly understand their duty and take special note on rumors that are being discussed and written. Furthermore, works of legal bodies must be conducted in accordance with the law. In general, legal work must be executed legally. Not a single official can infiltrate or put their hands on this principle.

Do you mean to say that we should entrust freedom to the people?

People have to be trusted and given liberty. They have to be held accountable too. I do notice that Mongolia is weakening on accountability matters and we’re focusing on it. Legal bodies have to astray from confining and exhausting people, under the pretense of exposing crimes. To eliminate this sort of operation, a completely changed draft law on operations and law-adherence of legal bodies was submitted to Parliament.

Confinement limits of Mongolians in foreign countries have been extended by four months to a year. Can’t these people get restrictions from crossing the border instead? Lately, the Prosecutor’s Office is also facing some issues.

Laws, which we discussed for many years and awaiting approval, will give Mongolia a major change after it’s passed and executed. Mongolian legal bodies have opportunities to correct their tendency to use crude methods of confinement and interrogation for exposing possible illegal activities and violations. I’d like to underline that it’s a criminal act to make people admit their crime by using the law to threaten and exhaust suspects. Everything will be corrected if we find faults from the law and system.

The public opposes the current government for mixing the press into the dirty work, keeping it quiet with money and pressuring people. People want the government to respect tax-payers and not issue the money used for silencing the media into the state budget. Can you disclose your position on this?

I can’t understand this working method with the press as it isn’t my way of doing things. It’s not in my lifestyle. I try my best to be as transparent as possible and be informed of the topics concerning the public. Closing topics residents are concerned about, silencing and bribing them are inconsistent with the democratic social principles. I absolutely can’t understand or support this sort of activity.

Lately, Mongolia has had a lot of dispute over state budget issues. Can you comment on this?

It’s a fact that expenditure of the government structure has been very high. We have to reduce it. I’m hoping that at least two works are accomplished during budget discussion. We need to stop providing funds to government bodies that are unnecessary, unprogressive and has nothing more than bureaucracy. The organization will cease operation if funds aren’t issued. Some countries use this practice to realize this change.

I hope public service expenses aren’t cut if I say it like this. I’m only talking about government administration. I’m hoping that the budget discussion will take this measure.

Secondly, budget becomes orderly before the third discussion session. I think MPs and the private sector should organize the third discussion together. Private sectors are the ones providing that money. Mongolia’s budget will become the most correct budget if the private sector participate in the third session for the state budget.

The second stage of Oyu Tolgoi project has launched. Many related issues are being covered. Since it’s an important topic for Mongolia, it can’t be ignored.

Oyu Tolgoi is a company that invested in Mongolia. I assess that their work is progressing according to plan. There are many easy and difficult issues to discuss in regards to Oyu Tolgoi. The government and specific representatives are working on them. I’m confident that they’ll be able to resolve related issues.

Source: http://politics.news.mn/content/191066.shtml

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Incheon 2014 closes with 21 medals for Mongolia

By M. Zoljargal

October 5 (UB Post) The Incheon Asian Games 2014 (ASIAD) has concluded on Saturday where athletes from 45 countries marched down the stadium in the parade of national teams to celebrate their achievements.

Mongolia finished the games ranking 16th and brought home 21 medals – five gold, four silver and 12 bronze.

Mongolian athletes continued the relay of medals in freestyle wrestling, shooting and boxing, while Incheon 2014 has brought Mongolia’s first medal in taekwondo. Both men’s and women’s basketball teams have advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time at the event.

D.Otgondalai brings home fifth gold medal from ASIAD

International Master of Sport D.Otgondalai was the only Mongolian to vie for a gold medal in the boxing tournament of the Incheon 2014.

After beating his opponent in the semi-final, he commented that he “can’t afford to lose now [the final match].” Much to his word, he claimed victory in the men’s 60 kg final match against Filipino boxer Charly Suarez and secured the fifth gold medal of Mongolia on Friday.

Jakarta city was announced as the host of the next Asian Games to challenge athletes in 2018.

66 athletes to compete for Mongolia at Incheon Asian Para Games

Ministry to finance athletes at Asian Para Games

The Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games is set to kick off on October 18, where 118 Mongolian national athletes and staff are set to take part.

The Mongolian team in the Asian Para Games consists of 66 athletes and 22 coaches, while 30 media representatives will report the results from the games.

Mongolia is taking part for the first time in sitting volleyball, table tennis and swimming sports in this year’s Asian Para Games.

The Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism will cover expenses of the para games team. Minister of Culture Ts.Oyungerel and Minister of Finance Ch.Ulaan have been appointed to work in charge of the budget allocation.

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Yu.Baljidmaa wins Miss Mongolia 2014

By B. Tungalag

October 5 (UB Post) The 11th Miss Mongolia beauty pageant has concluded at the Independence Palace on October 4 and Yu.Baljidmaa became the beauty pageant of Mongolia.

Over 70 beautiful women from Ulaanbaatar and provinces competed in six categories: miss photo, miss sport, talented miss, miss model, miss bikini and miss goodwill.

M.Khaliunaa won second place and A.Bayartsetseg won third place.

E.Azbileg became talented miss, B.Gunzaya earned the miss sport title, Ts.Delgerjargal won the miss photo title, M.Khaliunaa become miss bikini and A.Bayartsetseg won miss goodwill.

Winner of the Miss Mongolia 2014 will represent her country at the Miss International.

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Prime Minister’s plan to ‘pull the wool over our eyes’

By D. Jargalsaikhan

October 5 (UB Post) The proposal to restructure the Cabinet in order to promote “work that is faster, more dynamic, more accurate, and has a higher level of responsibility” that was publically announced by the Prime Minister on September 9 will be brought up for discussion during the Fall Session of Parliament.

On one hand, there are certain Parliament members who are interested in changing the current structure as soon as the Prime Minister brought up the proposal. There also seem to be many members of the opposition that secretly dream of a MPP-DP joint government and another chance at becoming aminister. President Ts. Elbegdorj gave directions to assign ministerial positions on a merit-based system, with less regard to political party affiliations. The authority of our Prime Minister has fallen below that of some of his Ministers. The opposition is calling for the resignation of N. Batbayar, the Minister of Economic Development. Many members of Parliament were against increasing the size of the Cabinet from the beginning.

On the other hand, there are also many members of Parliament that are against calling for the resignation of the entire Cabinet halfway throughtheir terms. Some members see this as a way for N. Altankhuyag to duck responsibility and try to putall the blame onto the Cabinet structure and its members. There is yet another group of members that feel restructuring the 16 ministries into 11 will not have a significant impact and there is no need to expend the costs to change the ministry names, seals, and addresses as well as cause trouble for a considerable number of people. Some members say that this Cabinet restructuring proposal is a cunning plan to draw the public’s attention away from the economic hardships and is a way for the Prime Minister to win time by debating at length in Parliament.

Even with the multiple reasons mentioned above, it is not too difficult to infer the real reason behind the Prime Minister working to restructure and replace the Cabinet that he himself established two years ago. This would be the restructuring of an entire Cabinet in order to replace Minister N. Batbayar, who has amassed more authority than him. A mediocre method employed by poor management.

Generally, governance should be established so that the Cabinet structure is established through legislature, not by the Government itself, and the Prime Minister appoints the members. In 2000, seven amendments were made to the constitution, of which Article 29 stating, “Members of Parliament cannot serve in any other positions… except as Prime Minister and Cabinet Member” is the root of the governance crisis. The MPP (then MPRP) seems to have forgotten that they themselves approved all this while they call for the removal of “dual roles”.

We have gone through 15 years of national instability due to political instability. The Mongolian Government is unable to find its feet because of the peculiar model of restructuring of the Cabinet on an annual basis that has been established. The two previous Cabinets for “Alliance” and “Reform” especially relied on the delicate balance between the political interests of the political parties. Attempting to balance political interests by establishing, in name only, positions such as Deputy Minister, which has by “Parkinson’s Law” led to a weak Minister with two weak Deputies and an increase in the size of the Government.

N. Altankhuyag established agreements with smaller parties to establish a joint Cabinet and established the status quo between the parties through the bartering of Minister and Deputy Minister Positions. The status quo between the factions of the Democratic Party, which are divided not by ideology but by funds raised for the party and elections, was established internally. It would be very easy to upset these two delicate balances, and if said balances are lost it would become nearly impossible to establish a new Cabinet or appoint a new Prime Minister, and would likely lead to a time consuming governance crisis.

The current economic situation would only worsen during restructuring and reappointment and the delays in decision making that would undoubtedly follow. Will there be a political power willing to accept all responsibility for and lead a government with lost public budget revenues, depleted foreign currency reserves, and a fallen tugrug exchange rate? We will have torepay 500 million dollars of government bonds in three years and there doesn’t seem to be a single party that is considering from where and how these payments will be made.

In actuality, there needs to be few conditions met before the Mongolian Government can function well and become stable. First of all, with the exception of the Prime Minster, we cannot have members of Parliament fulfilling other roles. The reason for this is that we Mongolians have plainly seen that with only 76 members of Parliament, having 20 percent as members of the Cabinet leads to a breakdown in accountability. The next condition is the need to see the agendas of political parties and choose accordingly. Also, public funding for parties with seats in Parliament will end up being cheaper for Mongolians and will also provide an opportunity to control corruption. In order to conduct fair elections and obtain accurate income and expenditure statements from political parties the Election Commission needs to be dissolved and the Voters Commission needs to be established in its place. Finally, the roles of Ministries need to be clearly established. Otherwise some Ministries have become similar to businesses. By controlling the prices of common consumer products, the government has given false information to the market and insured the monopoly rights of certain companies and as such is likely to disrupt supply.

While these conditions are not met there is little chance for the Mongolian government to function stably and effectively. Until then, it is necessary for us to stop restructuring the Cabinet and instead focus on strengthening the Government.

The reappointment of one or two Ministers is within the authority of Prime Minister N. Altankhuyag, and does not require approval from Parliament. There is no need to restructure the entire Cabinet. Why try to pull the wool over our eyes?

Trans. by B.AMAR

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Beijing Street opens today with complete paving

By M. Zoljargal

October 5 (UB Post) Beijing Street has been reopened today with new paved roads since it closed September 20th.

The project officials met its deadline, assuring the street will open today unless unexpected problems occurred due to cold weather.

A 74 meters long bridge is also under repair. Renovation began in April and is expected to reopen for traffic on November 30, according to a contract.

The Chinese government is funding the project’s total budget of 59.8 million CNY through grants.

The road stretches 0.9 kilometer from the Northwest intersection of the Mongolian University of Science and Technology to the 11th micro-district.

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PM reports results from EZEN-100

By Ch. Khaliun

October 5 (UB Post) Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag has introduced results from the economic intensifying program EZEN-100 at the Parliamentary plenary session.

Within the guidelines of the intensification program, government has submitted 28 bills and drafts. Of which 12 were approved and 14 drafts are still under discussion. Considering the advice and suggestions from the Economic Council, N.Altankhuyag introduced certain documents to help solve difficulties facing entrepreneurs.

Compared to the previous year, the amount of exported copper concentrate has doubled, oil has increased by 35 percent and coal by 2.6 million ton but in contrast to the world market prices the revenue has decreased causing problems to the economy.

Small to medium sized business entrepreneurs who want to renew their equipment are exempt from the value-added tax. Major national factories that contribute to building infrastructure are able to partly pay the equipment tax within two years.

Customs inspections were decreased by eight times, duration of custom clearance decreased by three times and the number of directors has been reduced to 106. Freight drivers are allowed to enter the border by scanning their fingerprint and ports are running 24 hours a day. This will triple the output capacities of Gashuun sukhait.

Mongolia will then have eight ports open toward the sea. By freely using ships from all countries, international businesses will be able to cheaply enter several outputs of many countries. Altanbulag’s free zones will open its doors and Mongolian Russian entrepreneurs will have more opportunities, says Prime Minister. As a result of those regulations, export tends to increase.

In 12 years, Mongolia has built 2,300 km of paved roads but the “New Government for Changes” campaign has launched 2,500 km of road within two years. III, IV Thermal Stations are expanded and the Amgalan Thermal Station was built. These are erected buildings not made in 25 years in the energy sector.

Mongolia has re-negotiated agreements on Mongolian-Chinese railway not renewed since 1955.

By renewing air navigation facilities the number of aircrafts flying through Mongolia has reached 90,000. We are fixing road and streets in the capital city as well as in the rural areas, building thermal stations and upgrading centers of soums. We have expanded apartment programs and started issuing loans with seven percent interest in the rural areas.

Two heads of neighboring countries have paid an official visit to Mongolia and we had reached many strategic agreements. Moreover, we have reached a long-term agreement on distributing our products without limits and tariffs to the Japanese market.

Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag concluded that the aim of EZEN-100 wasn’t to solve all problems facing the country’s economy and the “New Government for Changes” campaign has fulfilled the purpose to end the barriers and setbacks to entrepreneurship. In addition, N.Altankhuyag gave detailed answers to the questions of the members of parliament.

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