Mongolia Brief October 20, 2014
Ts.Elbegdorj
Meets with President of France
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 19 (MONTSAME) In frames of a participation in the 10th Summit of
the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Milan, the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj
Friday met with his French counterpart Mr Francois Hollande.
The dignitaries
emphasized that the bilateral economic cooperation in renewable energy, food
and agriculture sector has been boosting, and expressed appreciated a
contribution made by the two countries' private entities and companies.
The same day,
Mr Elbegdorj received Mr Stefan Lofven, the Prime Minister of Sweden. The
President noted that the 50th anniversary is marked of the establishment
of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Sweden and then said Mongolia is
always ready to share with other countries its experiences in the democratic
transition.
Mongolia
to Host 11th ASEM Summit in 2016
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 19 (MONTSAME) Mongolia will host the next summit of European and Asian
leaders in July 2016, announced the European Council President Mr Herman
Van Rompuy, who chaired the summit, at its closing ceremony on Friday in Milan.
Mr Elbegdorj
said he would preside over "a special anniversary summit," since it
will mark 20 years since ASEM was launched. "During that time, in my
country we will have very cool, very nice weather," he added.
The ASEM Summit
is an informal process of dialogue and cooperation bringing together the 27
European Union member states, 2 other European countries / Norway, Switzerland
/, and the European Union with 10 South East Asian and 10 North East Asian
countries including Australia, China, Mongolia, Myanmar, Russia, Pakistan,
Republic of Korea, New Zealand, India, Japan and the ASEAN Secretariat. This
latest round of enlargement brings total ASEM membership to 53 partners
including the two new members Croatia and Kazakhstan.
The two-day
Milan summit, which was overshadowed by parallel talks on the Ukraine crisis,
saw leaders pledge to boost cooperation on free trade, climate change,
terrorism and other global challenges, such as the Ebola crisis in West Africa.
"Europe
needs Asia‘s growth to jump-start its economy. Asia needs European markets,
investment, technology," European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, who
chaired the meetings, said in the final press conference.
Mr Elbegdorj
said Eurasian transport links were going to be strengthened. "There
will be more ships between our two continents, there will be more flights
between our two continents, there will be more roads, more infrastructure, more
railways. I think that is great news for you, for the people of Europe and
Asia," he said.
President
Elbegdorj: This is Manifestation of Trust and Confidence in Mongolia
October 18
(president.mn) The 10th ASEM Summit concluded in Milan, Italy. Mongolia has won
the right to host the next, 11th ASEM Summit. President Elbegdorj answered the
questions of media reporters and journalists accompanying the Mongolian
delegation to ASEM Summit in Italy.
- It has just been announced that Mongolia
is to host the 11th ASEM Summit. Please share your feelings and impression at
this moment.
- This is
indeed a splendid moment. To be chosen a host country of ASEM Summit testifies
how highly Mongolia is regarded internationally. This is a great news, great
joy for the Mongolian people, we must congratulate and thank our people. Every
Mongolian citizen has contributed to the good name and high reputation of
Mongolia. The success of the people of Mongolia is acknowledged, and Asia and
Europe accord trust and confidence in Mongolia.
Fifty three
countries have joined the ASEM. This 10th ASEM Summit is being attended by
heads of state or government of 43 of 53 of its members. The scope of the
Asia-Europe Meeting encompasses over 60% of the world’s trade. It is a great
responsibility for us to host and organize ASEM summit in 2016. The 11th ASEM
Summit is special because it marks the 20th anniversary of establishment of
this organization.
- What are the dates of the 11th ASEM
Summit?
- We discussed
the dates with the leaders of European and Asian countries. UN and other major
international meetings usually take place in autumn. For Mongolia the most
suitable time falls at the end of July. So we agreed to organize the ASEM
Summit in the last week of July of 2016.
-People are interested in many
organizational matters?
- ASEM Summit
is not only a meeting of the heads of state and governments. A series of other
meetings including Parliamentarians’ meeting, business engagements and forums,
public and NGO meetings take place prior to the Summit, and a number of
documents are adopted and decisions are made. Starting from tomorrow, we shall
form working groups at the government, line ministries and relevant
organizations to ensure effective preparation. People are indeed very happy. I receive
numerous phone calls from Mongolia – Prime Minister, Speaker and many others
call. The news of Mongolia’s hosting the ASEM Summit is being received as the
news as if we were to host Olympics or World Soccer Championship. I am
sincerely happy for the fact that all heads of state of all 53 members have
unanimously supported Mongolia’s hosting.
Mongolians all
together shall mobilize all efforts to successfully host this important
meeting, bringing together Asia and Europe. We Mongolians did connect these two
continents in the past. Eight centuries ago, Mongols established our great
empire and established new order in the two continents. Now, eight hundred
years ago, we have another such opportunity. It is not an issue of one or two
presidents or prime ministers coming to Mongolia. It is a matter of couple of
dozens, 53 heads of state and governments coming to Mongolia and discussing
global affairs in Mongolia.
- Not an easy task, isn’t it?
- It is not
easy to organize such a meeting of such a scale. We all know of the loads of
work to do to ensure preparations for a visit of just one President or Prime
Minister. Because this is not easy, we shall cooperate with the European Union
and other countries to study experiences. We shall also work with regional groups.
We can do it, we will. We did make a very courageous step when submitting our
candidature. Frankly speaking, I didn’t expect such a great support. We must
repay this trust and confidence in us b hard work. We will act all together –
the government, the businesses, the public, and we will and can do it.
-Why, do you think, Mongolia was given the
right to host ASEM Summit? How will Mongolia benefit from it?
- Of course,
other Asian countries did want to win this right. And, importantly, the
discussion, the decision to give Mongolia this right was not sudden. This is a
result of many years of hard work in our international relations, this is a
result of a hard work of our working groups. It also sets a performance
criterion for Mongolia. Since Mongolia is capable to host such a large
international summit, we will be able to host major international sports and
cultural events too, and such opportunities will open up too. This, in its
turn, will strengthen international trust and confidence in our businesses,
NGOs, general public. Therefore, the value, the significance of such important
international summits are truly enormous for Mongolia.
President
of Mongolia Pays Working Visit to Hungary
October 20
(infomongolia.com) Following the attendance in the 10th ASEM Summit took place
in Italy, the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj and accompanying delegates
paid a working visit to Budapest, Hungary on October 17-18, 2014.
President of
Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj was welcomed by Prime Minister of Hungary Mr. Viktor
Orban at the Parliament Palace, after which parties held a broad range
bilateral meeting.
At the meeting,
Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban noted that the two countries should
enhance mutual cooperation in wide range of fields such as in agriculture,
engineering and technological sectors. In addition he pledged, the Government
of Hungary is ready to offer scholarships for Mongolian students, if Mongolian
side requests proposal and currently 72 Mongolian students are studying in
Hungary. In the scope of the anniversary of establishment of diplomatic
relationship, Hungary intends to re-open its Embassy in Ulaanbaatar in 2015.
President
Ts.Elbegdorj expressed gratitude for warm reception and emphasized as of modern
history of relations, Mongolia’s state-owned Bio Combinat is a clear evidence
that the both countries have a wide range partnership and the two states have
ample opportunities for cooperation in livestock husbandry and animal health
sphere. Also, to collaborate in food production, water plant, education,
geology and tourism sectors as well as issues of bilateral cooperation in other
spheres were also considered.
Then, President
Ts.Elbegdorj held a one-to-one meeting with his counterpart of Hungary,
President Janos Ader.
On following
day, October 18, President Ts.Elbegdorj delivered a lecture themed “Mongolian
Transition to Democracy and Lessons” at the Central European University in
Budapest. On the same day, President Ts.Elbegdorj met with the philanthropist
George Soros, who founded the Central European University.
Later on,
President addressed the Mongolia-Hungary Business Forum, which was jointly
organized by Invest Mongolia Agency, Mongolian Embassy in Budapest, Hungarian
National Trade Center and Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Forum was
focused on the partnership between the two countries, where Mongolian
representatives made introduction on the Mongolian investment opportunities and
a total of 26 Mongolian entities and over 80 representatives from Hungarian
side have participated in the Forum.
Moreover,
President Ts.Elbegdorj attended in the opening ceremony of the Center for
Mongolian Studies at the Faculty of Central Asian Studies of the Eotvos Lorand
University and meet with Mongolians residing and studying in Hungary.
Related:
President
Elbegdorj Starts Visit to Hungary – Montsame,
October 19
Ambassador
Ts.Sukhbaatar to Represent Government of
Mongolia
Signing MOU between Founders of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
October 20
(infomongolia.com) At the Cabinet meeting held on October 18, 2014, the
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the People’s
Republic of China Ts.Sukhbaatar was authorized to sign a Memorandum of
Understanding between founders of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
(AIIB).
The idea to
establish the AIIB was first proposed by President of the PR of China Xi
Jinping in 2013 that aims to regulate and distribute funding source for
regional developing countries and is considered to give significant impetus to
the development of the region in infrastructural sector.
The Government
of China proposed Mongolia to be one of the founders of the Bank in 2013 and at
the Cabinet meeting of the Government of Mongolia held in March 2014,
authorities accepted the proposal and later in April, the Finance Ministries of
China and Mongolia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to consider
the cooperation.
The MoU between
founders of the AIIB will be signed in Beijing on October 24, 2014, where
parties under developed project will be starting to commence the Bank and it is
expected to start operations in the late of 2015.
By
co-establishing the AIIB, it anticipates new source of funding and investments
in Mongolia’s infrastructure and other beneficial sectors.
Related:
Mongolia
to Participate in AIIB as Founder – Montsame,
October 19
Resolution
Issued to Prevent Ebola Infection and to Ensure Preparedness
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 19 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on Saturday resolved that Ch.Saikhanbileg,
a head of the Cabinet Secretariat for Government, and N.Udval, the Minister of
Health must ensure preparedness for preventing Ebola virus infection in
Mongolia by setting up special chambers in several concrete spots such as
border checkpoints.
Other related
obligations were given to the Deputy Premier and the Minister of Health to
provide these spots with all necessary uniforms, medicines and facilities, to
found a treatment and diagnosis reserve in case of possible case of the virus. The
Minister of Foreign Relations and Economic Cooperation must limit visa requests
from those countries with the virus alert. The Minister of Road,
Transportation, Construction and Urban Development and the Minister of Health
were also told to obtain from airline companies information about the people
who traveled or transited to the risky countries and to deliver it to the
border special inspection sections, and to provide the media with necessary
information.
Cabinet
Appoints New Consul General of Mongolia to San
Francisco,
CA
October 20
(infomongolia.com) At the Cabinet meeting held on October 18, 2014, it was
resolved to recall the incumbent Consul General of Mongolia to San Francisco,
USA, Mr. Nyamdorj ANKHBAYAR due to end of term of service.
The new Consul
General of Mongolia to San Francisco, CA to succeed was appointed as Mr.
Otgonbayar MASHBAT.
O.Mashbat
graduated from the School of Law, National University of Mongolia (NUM) in
1992-1996, obtained Master Degree at NUM in 1996-1998 and Master Degree at
Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey City, CA, USA in 2005-2007. His job
career started as an Assistant to the Chairman of Security and Foreign Policy
Standing Committee at the Parliament of Mongolia in 1996-1998. An Expert,
Senior Researcher, Vice Director and Secretary at the Institute for Strategic
Studies, Mongolia in 1998-2013. Since 2013, he worked as Advisor to the Foreign
Ministry of Mongolia.
Related:
O.Mashbat
Appointed as General Consul – Montsame,
October 20
Cabinet
Meeting in Brief
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 19 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on Saturday backed in principle a
draft law, initiated by the President on babysitting, after having discussed
the governmental proposals.
- The cabinet
backed a concept of a bill on prevention of crimes and conflicts, and obliged the
Minister of Justice to work out the related draft law based on this concept.
- The cabinet
also backed in principle a draft concept of the law on rights of the disabled.
It was considered as necessity to have the Minister of Justice and the Minister
of Population Development and Social Welfare approved this draft.
President
Addresses Mongolia-Hungary Business Forum
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) On the sidelines of the working visit to Hungary, the
President Ts.Elbegdorj addressed the Mongolia-Hungary Business Forum on Sunday.
This forum was
jointly organized by Invest Mongolia Agency of the Government of Mongolia,
Mongolian Embassy to Hungary, Hungarian National Trade Center and Hungarian
Chamber of Commerce.
The Hungarian
side spoke about a partnership between the two countries,
the Mongolian--about investment opportunities. A total of 26 Mongolian and
80 Hungarian companies participated in the forum.
The same day,
the President Elbegdorj met with a philanthropist George Soros, who founded the
Central European University. Then, the President delivered a lecture at the
Central European University, reports the Public relations and communications
division of the Office of the President.
President
Inaugurates Research Center for Mongolian Studies at Eotvos Lorand University
October 19
(president.mn) On the sidelines of a working visit to Hungary, President
Elbegdorj solemnly inaugurates the Research Center for Mongolian studies at the
Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest.
Eotvos Lorand
is one of the oldest universities in the country and was founded by the
archbishop Peter Pazmany in 1635 in the city of Nagyszombat. The university has
eight faculties including Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, Faculty of
Special Education, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Informatics, Faculty of
Education and Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Faculty of Elementary and
Nursery School Teachers' Training and Faculty of Science.
Eotvos Lorand
has a total of 26 thousand students and over 7000 students graduate from the
university in 130 different programs annually. The Department of Mongolian and
Inner-Asian Studies at the Eotvos Lorand University is 70 years old.
Mongolia has
been widely studied and discussed in the Department of Mongolian and Inner-Asian
Studies. During his visit to Eotvos Lorand University, President Elbegdorj
awarded with the Order of Polar Star of Mongolia to the scientists and teachers
of the University for their contribution and effort to Mongolian studies.
Moreover, two students of the University were awarded the Government
Scholarship of Mongolia and a total of 15 thousand euros were given to the
University from the Government of Mongolia to support activity of the Research
Center for Mongolian studies.
Related:
President
Visits Research Center for Mongol Studies in Hungarian University – Montsame, October 20
Mongol Studies Center opens
in Hungary – news.mn, October 20
Mongolia
to Host 2015 Asian Youth Conference in Ulaanbaatar
October 20 (infomongolia.com)
At the regular Cabinet meeting of the Government held On October 18, 2014, one
of the issues resolved was ratification of hosting the 2015 Asian Youth
Conference entitled "Youth and Unity: Youth Participation to Provide Equal
Rights".
The event will
be organized under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Mongolia and will be
taking place in Ulaanbaatar on May 18-21, 2015.
The aim of the
Asian Youth Conference is to foster the relationship of the youth participants
that comes from different backgrounds and also to get inputs and ideas from the
youths through discussions and activities that will be planned by the
organizing committee, participants are also expected to forward a youth
resolution to the Asian Youth Council.
The Asian Youth
Council (AYC) is a non-governmental, youth-serving, regional organization in
consultative status with the United Nations' Economic and Social Commission was
formed on August 14, 1972. Memberships of the AYC comprised of national youth
organizations in Asia. Member countries include Malaysia, Cambodia, China,
Brunei Darussalam, South Korea and Mongolia. The AYC Secretariat is located in
Malaysia. The Executive Secretary who reports directly to the AYC President and
Secretary General serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Secretariat.
Related:
Asian
Youth Summit 2015 to Be Held Here – Montsame,
October 20
National
Programme on POPs Amended
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on Saturday approved the amendments
to the National programme on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), in
accordance with the duties of Mongolia before the Stockholm Convention on POPs
(2001).
Persistent
organic pollutants are a group of persistent substances that significantly harm
human health and the environment, cause cancers, affect genes, and survive in
nature decades without decomposition. Mongolia ratified in 2004 the Stockholm
Convention on POPs that was enacted in 2001 in order to protect people’s health
and environment from the threats. The first national programme on POPs was
adopted in 2006, in observance of duties before the Convention. The POPs Review
Committee has obligated the member- countries to renew the national programmes
and to take required measures, due to the addition of ten substances to the
POPs list.
In a scope of
the obligation, a new national programme has been developed. It aims to
improve the legal environment regulating the matters related to POPs, such as
collecting and recycling of industrial chemical wastes, to establish an
eco-friendly management of disposal, and to reduce harm to human health. As a
result of the two-stage programme, the legal environment for disposal and
recycling of wastes containing POPs will improve and the consumption of POPs
containing products will reduce. Management for collecting, transportation,
recycling, processing and preserving of toxic waste, electric and auto vehicle
scraps will be improved.
Stock
Exchange Weekly
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 19 (MONTSAME) Five stock trades were held at Mongolia's Stock Exchange
on October 13-17 of 2014. In overall, 171 thousand 470 shares were sold of 36
joint-stock companies totaling MNT 91 million 654 thousand and 999.00.
"Khokh
gan” /50 thousand and 856 units/, "Genco tour bureau” /46 thousand and 594
units/, "Hai Bi Oil” /25 thousand and 727 units/, "Ulaansan” /14
thousand and 814 units/ and "Olloo” /10 thousand and 362 units/ were the
most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value--"APU”
(MNT 16 million 899 thousand and 330), "Ulaansan” (MNT 14 million and 814
thousand), "Hai Bi Oil” /MNT 10 million 060 thousand and 720/, "Gobi”
/MNT six million 509 thousand and 490/ and "Khokh gan” (MNT five million
891 thousand and 809).
Nagoya
University President Receives Polar Star Order
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Education and Science L.Gantomor on October
16 handed the state order “Polar Star” to the president of Nagoya University of
Japan Michinari Hamaguchi.
Nagoya
University has been contributing to Mongolia’s education and science sector
through cooperating with our distinguished universities such as Mongolian State
University, University of Science and Technology, University of Education and
the National University of Medical Sciences for some 20 years by realizing
joint research projects and programmes. The university has become one in Japan
by its number of Nobel Prizes received in the last ten years, for example, its
two professors were awarded as such for the works in physics in 2014.
Nagoya
University is also to open its representative school in Mongolia. The Asian
Satellite Campus is to run doctorate programme to train state servants of Asian
countries through its campus in Mongolia.
Mongolia
Leads Tashkent Grand Prix
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 19 (MONTSAME) The Tashkent Judo Grand Prix tournament ran on October
16-18 in Uzbekistan where our national team has grabbed three gold, three
silver and four bronze medals.
On the first
day of the events, D.Amartuvhsin IMS won gold medal in the men 60 kg contest,
beating at the final Diyorbek Urozboev of Uzbekistan, the same day, A.Tsolmon
(women 52 kg) and D.Altansukh (men 66 kg) won silver medals, and
G.Otgontsetseg--a bronze in the women 48 kg.
On mid of the
tournament, the State Honored Sportsman S.Nyam-Ochir grabbed the
"gold" at the finals in the men 73 bout. Other Mongolians
Ts.Monkhzaya (women 63 kg) and O.Uuganbaatar (men 81 kg) captured bronze
medals.
On the last
day, a heavyweight B.Temuulen won a gold medal in the men +100 kg contest. He
defeated an Austrian Daniel Allerstorfer at the finals.
At least one
medal has been won by 42 from 24 countries. By its team results Mongolia led
the tournament with ten medals. Mongolia was followed by Romania (two gold) and
Uzbekistan (one gold, two silver and three bronze medals).
New
exhibits displayed at National Museum of Mongolia
October 20
(news.mn) A closing ceremony for the “Heritage of Steppe Warriors” exhibition,
which was on display for six months at the National Museum of Mongolia, was
held last week.
At the closing
ceremony of the exhibition, individuals who contributed their efforts to
opening “Heritage of Steppe Warriors” in Ulaanbaatar were awarded by the
Government of Mongolia.
Over the past
six months, 55,196 visitors attended the exhibition. One of the main
exhibits was an Altai zither, a traditional instrument that was presented to
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their
state visits to Mongolia.
During the
ceremony, members of the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the
National University of Mongolia and Institute of Archaeology of Mongolia brought
samples of new exhibits to the National Museum of Mongolia.
These new
exhibits include remains from a rock burial that discovered by an expedition
lead by a researcher from the Institute of Archaeology at the Mongolian Academy
of Sciences, Ts.Turbat, along with the Institute for Mongol Altai Studies,
between 2008-2010. The artifacts were restored in Germany later.
The remains are
part of Mongolia's ancient tangible cultural heritage, including warriors'
braids (believed to be ancient warrior attire), a men's hat, a women's deel,
and a felt rug.
The exhibition,
on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between
Mongolia and Germany, opened on April 8th.
Mongolia
commemorates the winning of its first Olympic medal
October 20
(news.mn) Today Mongolia's Olympic Team Athletes Union is celebrating the
day that a Mongolian athlete won the nation's first Olympic medal on October
20, 1968.
The Central
Sports Palace in Ulaanbaatar is holding a press conference along with Mongolian
athletes who took part in Mongolia's first Olympic Games in 1964 and other
Olympic medalists today.
On October 20th
in 1968, Mongolian athletes earned the nation's first bronze medal in freestyle
wrestling at the XIX Summer Olympic Games in Mexico.
Chimedbazar
Damdinsharav sealed his name in Mongolian sports history as Mongolia's first
Olympic bronze medalist.
Following his
success, Mongolian athletes had Mongolia's national flag raised in the Olympic
village. Freestyle wrestlers Danzandarjaa Sereeter and Tumur Artag won bronze
medals, and Jigjid Munkhbat won a silver medal at the same Olympic Games.
Z.Ganbaatar
wins the first medal at the Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games
October 20
(news.mn) 2014 Asian Para Games are taking place in Incheon, South Korea.
On the first
day of the 2014 Asian Para Games, Mongolian athlete International Master
Zandraa Ganbaatar won bronze in the men's 50 m rifle prone.
Zandraa
Ganbaatar also qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The Mongolian
team of 90 is comprised of 61 athletes, 15 coaches, staff and medical
specialists. Mongolian athletes are competing in judo, archery, shooting,
athletics, sitting volleyball, powerlifting, boccia, table tennis, and
swimming.
Around 4,500
athletes from 42 countries are competing in 23 sports at the Incheon 2014 Asian
Para Games.
Related:
Shooter
wins bronze at Asian Para games – Montsame,
October 20
Reserve-meat
levels reach 12,000 tonnes
By S. Az
October 20
(Mongolian Economy) In spring, Mongolians particularly those in Ulaanbaatar,
see the highest rise in meat price as supply shrinks and herders stop selling
meats whilst young animals are born. Government will aid shortages by reserving
meat when there is plenty in the market and selling it back to the people when
there is a supply shortage.
To meet the
needs of a growing Ulaanbaatar, reserve-meat preparation has been planned
regularly for several years. The meat the Government buys from herders between
late November and early December is saved over winter and rereleased in early
spring at an affordable price.
For the past
years, Darkhan-Uul and Orkhon provinces, both having larger cities, also
started reserving meat and selling it in spring. This year, Darkhan Meat Foods,
and Erd Meat, companies will supply reserved meat to these provinces. Each one
of them will prepare, 1000 tonnes of meat supply.
In the cities,
companies have not been chosen for reserved meat preparation. A reserved meat
manager tender has opened but the Makh Market made complaints claiming the
unfairness of the tender request. The tender will now be released again for the
second time from the 14th of this month. Companies chosen will have to prepare
12, 000 tonnes of meat.
With
no profit, coal companies operate just to keep customers
By Az
October 20
(Mongolian Economy) T. Naran, Director of
the Mongolian Coal Association, talked about the current situation and future
estimates in the sector.
Q; The price drop in mining products on the
global market has hit Mongolia’s economy. How does it look for Mongolia’s coal
sector? Will exports increase?
A; Nationwide,
coal export did not decrease, because Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi is exporting.
Companies such as Energy Resources LLC and rural owned Tavan Tolgoi have
experienced some decrease, compared to last year—because the price of coal has
fallen in the Chinese market. In addition, the cost for transportation expenses
is quite high for Mongolian companies. Even so, some companies are still
exporting even though they’re not profiting.
Q; You mean they are operating just to keep
their customers?
A; The
companies have a deficit because mining product prices have dropped.
Nevertheless, the amount of supply is increasing. Companies are operating just
to keep their customers and waiting for the situation to get better. Currently,
about 10 million tonnes of coal is exported. A tonne costs about USD 30. Apart
from Energy Resources, companies agreed to sell direct from the mines. In other
words, the companies are not able to bring their product across the border.
This is because transporting by trucks is too expensive. Buyers come from
Gantsmod and Sekhee border points to buy coal.
Q; Will prices increase in near future? How
is the price decrease related to the Chinese market?
A; China’s coal
usage has not decreased. However, its supply has increased. In other words, in
addition to domestic supply, the amount of coal from foreign companies has
risen. Prices have fallen due to high competitiveness.
Q; Is Mongolia’s debt to China’s Chalco
nearing its end? And how has this affected business for Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi?
A: The debt to
Chalco is a difficult situation. Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi has partially stopped its
export. The company is selling its exploited coal directly from mine. To
transport a tonne of coal from Tavan Tolgoi to the border costs about USD 20.
The expense is high, because there is no railway. If customers come to the mine
to buy coal it costs USD 35. Coal costs around USD 10-30 at the eastern
seaports in China. But for Mongolia, it costs USD 20 just to transport from
Tavan Tolgoi to China’s Gantsmod border point, a distance of about 270
kilometers. That’s a big distance. Although the price has fallen, other
companies are competing to deliver their products to China. Other countries, in
order to support their coal sector, are trying to decrease their transportation
expenditures.
Q; Presidents from China and Russia paid
official visits to Mongolia recently. They both said Mongolia needs to hurry up
the construction work of railways. What gauge could be beneficial to Mongolia,
according to the coal sector associates?
The
international standard is the narrow gauge, with commercial and trade
intentions. If Mongolia wants to sell its mining products, it should go for the
narrow gauge. It is our goal to deliver our products to a third market.
Consumers are the king. China’s market means the world market. It is the second
biggest economy after the US. Xi Jinping’s visit gave Mongolia a great
opportunity. Mongolia cannot lose this chance. We have no other option than
suiting and delivering what customers want. We can’t afford to say “Buy or
leave.” Secondly, Mongolia is a tiny supplier, compared to others supplying China.
Thus, it has no choice than following the characteristics of the big market.
Q; According to various experts, 2016-2017
is considered the revival cycle of the mining sector. Do think the assumption
is realistic?
A; There are
quite a few studies on that. Some studies on coal prices are there as well. One
study suggested that 2014 would be the lowest fall for mining. This means, next
year the coal price won’t dip lower than this year’s. If this is the case, then
good for us. But it won’t be as good as 2011 or 2012. If you want to make money
from the coal market, you better have good fundamentals and research. Good
management is crucial.
Mongolia’s
First Ambassador to Principality of Andorra Accredited
October 20
(infomongolia.com) The first and non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Principality of Andorra Mr. Mundagbaatar
BATSAIKHAN has presented a Letter of Credence to the Archbishop of Urgell and
Co-Prince of Andorra, Joan Enric Vives i Sicilia in the Episcopal Palace on
October 16, 2014.
At the
ceremony, Ambassador M.Batsaikhan conveyed greetings from the state head of
Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj to the Co-Prince of Andorra and expressed Mongolia’s interest
to develop bilateral relations in all appropriate sectors with recently
established a diplomatic relation - Andorra.
Following the
ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Principality of Andorra Gilbert
Saboya Sunye received the newly accredited Ambassador M.Batsaikhan and parties
exchanged views on\ opportunities to broaden bilateral cooperation and to
support each other to promote the two states. Also, new envoy handed a
congratulatory letter to the Head of Government Mr. Antoni Marti Petit on the
occasion of National Day celebration.
Mongolia has
established the diplomatic relations with Principality of Andorra in New York
City on November 21, 2011.
The
Principality of Andorra also called the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra,
with population of 85,000, is a monarchy headed by two Co-Princes - the
Spanish/Roman Catholic Bishop of Urgell and the President of France.
Newly
accredited Ambassador of Mongolia to the Principality of Andorra, M.Batsaikhan
is the resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the
French Republic and concurrently as the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to
the UNESCO.
Related:
Ambassador
to Andorra presents diplomatic credentials – Montsame, October 20, 2014
Mongolian
Embassy to USA Holds Advertising Event
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) In a scope of "Introducing Mongolia" campaign,
the Mongolian Embassy to the USA together with travelers Karen Hallweg and John
McComb organized an advertizing event on October 15.
The Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia B.Altangerel introduced the
travelers to the gathered. The travelers John and Karen presented their
travel notes and photo presentation about their 5,000-km journey through
Mongolia and appealed the guests to travel to Mongolia. The participants highly
spoke the presentations' attractiveness.
Present at the
action were 60 representatives including Mongolia-associated officials from the
US state organizations, National Geography Magazine and Peace corps.
Mongolian
Practice on Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Discussed
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) Mongolia's practices and policies on nuclear weapons were
discussed during an international seminar in Geneva on October 17, on which the
best practices in disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons were
presented.
The seminar ran
in a scope of the 131st session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union General
Assembly. Parliamentarians of the union along with scholars and the experts
participated in the seminar and discussed the best policies of 2013 on
disarmament operations. Among the policies were Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free
policy, and the achievements and practices of the law enacted in 2000.
The
participants noted that Mongolia’s “free of nuclear weapons” status suits the
country’s characters, and is a result of the state’s creative and mindful
policies on the matter. The policy assists to strengthen the country’s security
and to establish trust and sustainability in the region, they stressed.
Representing
the country, the Ambassador-at-large J.Enkhsaikhan from the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs has taken part in the event to present the commitments of Mongolia on
securing its nuclear-weapon-free status.
Chinese
Young Diplomats Visit
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) A Chinese delegation headed by Hou Yang Zi visited
Mongolia on October 14-17, in accordance with a protocol on cooperation between
the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the People’s Republic of
China.
During the
visit, the state secretary of our Ministry B.Boldbaatar and the head of the
department for neighboring countries T.Togsbilguun received the guests, and the
introductory meeting was also held with our young diplomats.
The guests also
visited Zaisan Hill complex, Gandan Tegchinlen monastery and Bogdkhaan’s
Palace-Museum, and travelled to the countryside as well.
Premier
about Economic Situation
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Mongolia increased by
5.3% in the first nine months of this year against the previous year. The GDP
growth was affected by almost 40% increase of the industrial sector which
reached MNT 4.8 trillion.
The Prime
Minister N.Altankhuyag said it in a report on the national economic situation
by first nine months at a plenary meeting of the parliamentary session last
Friday.
The mining
industry rose by 45%, the processing industry--by 27%, energy and water supply
sectors--by 21% each, a number of livestock--by 13%, and a size of
harvesting--by 6.6%, he continued.
By first nine
months of this year, the external trade turnover reached USD 8 billion,
increasing 1.8% against the same period of 2013. The export increased 30%,
whereas the import decreased by 16%, so there was almost no deficit in the
external trade, the Premier said.
The price of
coal, which makes 90% of the export products of Mongolia, declined at the world
market by 31%, causing a problem to the national economy and the state budget,
he said. "Although the coal export rose this year by 2.5 million tons
against the previous year, the expected revenue from it cut by almost MNT 300
billion, so a number of budgetary and financial regulations are required,” he
added.
The Premier
said the inflation rate is slackening, the currency rates against Togrog are
stabilizing thanks to a sustainable policy. For instance, the inflation rate
has gone down from 14.9 to 13% in the last three months. In addition, a number
of the unemployed decreased 10% this year against the previous year.
It is expected
that the real economic growth will increase by 6.9% by end of this year due to
possible investments from the “Chingis” bonds and the Development Bank of
Mongolia, and joint programmes of the government and the Bank of Mongolia, the
Premier emphasized.
Bicycle
Parade Gathers 1,000 People
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) Last weekend on October 18 a "Sporty
Ulaanbaatar" event gathered all generations of people at the central
square of the city. Some 1,000 of them organized a bicycle parade.
The action ran
in frames of the campaign “Alcohol or Sport?" initiated by the Mongolian
Union of Youth in 2012. Before beginning the parade, the Union representatives
presented their project of building 21km bicycle road, jointly with the
“Street” project. They also said it will now become possible to ride bicycle on
ice of the Tuul river.
In support of
this action, Orkhon aimag held the same parade a day after commissioning its
new bicycle road.
Other matches
such as football and basketball, tug-of-war, volleyball, traditional games,
chess tournament and marathon ran on the “Sporty Ulaanbaatar” event.
Russia
and China high speed rail line across Mongolia project MoU signed
October 20 (news.mn)
An MoU for a high speed rail line project linking the capitals of Russia and
China was signed by the two nations during a visit to Moscow by the Premier of
the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Li Keqiang.
The new
passenger train project would make a journey along the length of the
Trans-Siberian railway possible in two days. It currently takes six days to
travel from Beijing to Moscow by rail.
It is estimated
that the 7,000 km high speed rail line would cost 230 billion USD to complete.
It would be three times longer than the world's longest high speed railway line
from Beijing to Guangzhou (2,298km).
Chinese media
reports that the high speed rail line will be laid through Mongolia.
The large
construction project is expected to be a symbol of the two countries bilateral
cooperation.
Beijing Times
reported that if the project's funding is resolved without any restrictions,
the high speed rail line linking China and Russia will be completed in five
years.
Chinese CCTV
said that China also submitted a bid to Russia to build an 803 km rail line
from Moscow to the Tatar Republic of Russia.
Mongolia
Immigration Office Announces to Stop Allocating
Visas
to Nationals of Certain West African Countries
October 20
(infomongolia.com) On October 20, 2014, Mongolia Immigration Office announced
not to issue any type of visas for uncertain period and confirmation of
personal letters of invitation to those nationals, where the epidemic of Ebola
virus disease is ongoing and also warns its citizens not to travel these
territories and invite foreign citizens.
An epidemic of
Ebola virus disease (EVD) is ongoing in certain West African countries
including Liberia, where 4,262 cases occurred and 2,484 deaths are registered
as of October 13, 2014, Sierra Leone (3,410/1,200 as of October 14, 2014),
Guinea (1,519/862 as of October 14, 2014), Nigeria (19/7 as of October 14,
2014).
Moreover, the
disease is occurred in the United States (3/1 as of October 14, 2014) and
Senegal (1 case registered but an outbreak ended on October 17, 2014 declared
by the WHO) and in Spain (1/0 as of October 14, 2014). If no new cases are
detected, the WHO will declare the end of the outbreak of Ebola virus disease
in Nigeria on October 20, 2014.
As of today,
about 20 foreign nationals from above countries have applied to enter the
territory of Mongolia and following a narrow inspection, two citizens of
Nigeria were returned from the border port, says the Immigration Office
spokesman.
Mongolia-China
bilateral documents compilation published
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) A compilation of archived documents has been published on
the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the
People’s Republic of China, in accordance with the decision made by the PRC’s
Minister of foreign affairs Yang Jiechi during his visit to Mongolia in 2011.
The decision
was on developing a compilation of bilateral documents archived. The
cooperation to develop this booklet started when the Central Archives of the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and China held in 2010 a first
consultative meeting in Beijing and signed a joint protocol after discussing
mutual visits, cooperation and exchange of archived documents.
The Mongolian
version of the compilation has been made with assistance from Minister
counselor at the Mongolian Embassy to China T.Battsetseg, advisor to the Department
for Policy-Planning and Strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr.
G.Tomorchuluun, advisor to the Department for Neighboring Countries and state
honored figure of culture Ya.Ganbaatar and the head of Central archive of the
ministry B.Sarantuya along with the archives specialists O.Gaadarmaa and
J.Khaliun, and was published at Admon Print LLC.
The Chinese
version will come out within this year, conducted by the Central Archives of
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC.
World
champion S.Tseremchimed tops FILA ranking
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) The International Federation of Associated Wrestling
Styles (FILA) released last week the latest rankings of world’s top male and
female wrestlers.
The rankings
were updated based on results of the FILA Wrestling World Championships held in
Uzbekistan and the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. Mongolian wrestlers were ranked
high.
An
international master of sports and World champion S.Tserenchimed led the
ranking of women’s 60 kg division, being followed by Yulia Ratkevich of
Azerbaijan; and Taybe Yusen of Bulgaria.
A State Honored
Sportsman G.Mandakhnaran (men’s 65 kg) and an international master of sports
E.Nyam-Ochir were ranked 3rd places. An international master of sports
E.Bekhbayar was listed 5th, and D.Khuerbulga--in eight place, in the men’s 57
kg and 97 kg categories, respectively.
Distinguished
Visitor Public Lecture by Hon. Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia
“Mongolian Transition to Democracy and Lessons”
October 19
(president.mn) Central European University
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary
October 18,
2014
Excellencies,
Excellencies,
Ladies and
Gentleman,
It is an honor
to be with you here tonight at the Central European University. This renowned
institution stands witness to the region’s transition to democracy since its
founding in 1991. This campus is a rich source where the values of the open
society continue to stem from.
In this regard,
I would like to congratulate our good friend George Soros for spearheading this
effort worldwide, for his unwavering commitment to education and lasting
prosperity for all.
These lectures
aim at promoting open debate, discussion and exchange of fresh and innovative
ideas about the very nature of democracy. Indeed, the definition and evolution
of democracy is an extremely timely subject on global agenda. Therefore, I
commend the University – and its President John Shattuck – for launching this
initiative.
I would like to
begin my lecture with a brief introduction of my country and history.
Mongolia is a country
of rich and ancient heritage, unique culture and astounding natural beauty. It
is a land of free and brave, peace-loving and hard-working people. We inherited
from our forefathers great lessons and lasting traditions of statehood while
enriching the history of our nation and building for a better future for the
generations to come.
The roots of
our statehood go back more than two millennia and two centuries to the origins
of the Hun Empire. Building upon the legacies and power of the Huns, Mongols had
built the largest land empire in the history of the mankind.
In the Great
Mongol Empire, Mongols governed by a written law called the “Ih Zasag,” which
is translated as “the Great Order.” Then, as now, Mongols promoted free trade
and conducted an open foreign policy. The Empire actively engaged with nations
near and far in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It was an era when the
Mongols strove to establish a new world order, thus, justice, peace and
cooperation in their relations with other states and peoples.
Through periods
of prosperity and decadence, ruling and being ruled, Mongolia entered the world
of the twentieth century. Modern Mongolia restored its freedom and true
independence at the dawn of the 20th century. These were turbulent times around
the world, and in early 1920s Mongolia took on communism which reigned the
country for 7 decades.
Dear friends,
Twenty-five
years ago, Mongolia stood at the crossroad to either gain our freedom or remain
locked behind the stone wall. Mongolians thus joined the universal struggle for
freedom, justice, human rights and individual liberties. And we prevailed. We
had a peaceful revolution. It was a miracle, although we had a disadvantaged
location in terms of its proximity to the free world, and while the Soviet
Union was still intact. Our revolution did not break a single window, and not a
single drop of blood was shed.
The second
point I like would to make is that, as you know, many still believe that
conducting political and economic reforms at the same time is not an Asian way.
But this is a fairy-tale. We broke that old stereotype by reforming our
political, economic and social systems concurrently since 1990.
On another
note, we did not import democracy from elsewhere. We did this revolution
united, all as one, people of all ages and trades, with no fear of cold of
winter and winds of spring, with no fear of the humiliation and persecution of
power-holders. And once people sense their own power, no authoritarian
government can stand against the people who are determined to be free.
Freedom was the
desire of our people throughout centuries. Freedom enabled our people to be
owners of their destiny. Mongols say, ‘it is better to live by own choice how
ever “bitter” it is, than to live by others’ rule however “sweeter” it is’. You
see, people are genius. In order to govern we have to know our people, their
aspirations, and our history and culture. If those in power think that they can
forever disregard those they govern, they usually make a grave mistake. Peoples
made it clear in 1990 throughout the world. This was true in Mongolia too.
Democracy
literally means the power of people. Democracy is not about politics, it is
about the people. In June 1990 for the first time, the Mongols conducted free,
democratic, full election in our region.
As a matter of
fact, most of the countries in the third wave of democratization were changing
only some number of deputies. We established a multiparty, plural political
system. Putting it shorter, Mongolia has become the most vibrant democracy in
our part of the world.
No central
planning, no autocratic rule and no military regime can produce what free man
can do. We have seen this in Mongolia too. Mongolia has become a dynamic market
economy.
The private
sector which barely produced even less than 5% of GDP twenty years ago, today
has become the driving force of the economy yielding more than 80% of our gross
domestic product. Moreover, Mongolia has become one the fastest growing
economies in the world. In terms of governance, Mongolia has made major
breakthroughs and created open and most liberal governance in our region.
Dear friends,
I do believe in
the power of freedom. The power of freedom is the mightiest force of history.
Once that power unleashes, it ultimately leads to peace and prosperity.
Creative ideas come with liberty. Once you are free, your actions tend to be
more thoughtful.
Most regimes have failed because they didn’t respect their people’s creativity, their genius and their rights.
Most regimes have failed because they didn’t respect their people’s creativity, their genius and their rights.
There are
nations, where people live in captivity, fear and silence. I believe, one day
from prison camps and torture cells and from exile the leaders of freedom will
emerge. The world should stand with those oppressed people until the day their
freedom finally arrives.
The strategy of
repression and diversion will not work anymore. The pressure from the people to
change the society through democracy will never relax. Greater technological
connectivity makes the world wider, and the walls of isolation – thinner. I
know, the God has planted in every heart the desire to live free. Even if that
desire is crushed by tyranny, it rises again.
Usually tyrants
justify their murders and cruelty as if they serve their great vision. But they
end up distancing from fair and honest people around the world. They claim that
free women and men are weak until the day when these men and women defeat them.
We all
understand that democracy is not perfect. It is not the course to utopia. But
it is the only way to common success and human dignity. Democracy as a
representative form of government will reflect, in any nation, their cultures
and traditions.
They will not
and should not look the same. But in every decent society there is a common
trend. They limit the power of the state, they tend to be responsive and ruled
by the institutions of the people. They protect the freedom with consistent and
impartial rule of law.
They support
healthy civic institutions, independent media and judiciary. They fight
corruption, invest in human capital, and recognize gender equality. They appeal
to the hopes of their own people.
I am confident
that if we stand for the hope and freedom of others we will make our own
freedom more secure. To this end, we are committing funds and time to share our
experiences and lessons with other countries. To name but a few cases, with
Kyrgyzstan we are sharing our lessons learned in building effective
parliamentary democracy and doing legal reform; with Afghanistan, we are
conducting training for diplomats and public servants; with Myanmar, we are
hosting media workers, journalists and civil society members; and with North
Korea, we are engaging in economic and security dialogue.
We Mongolians
forced to build the biggest and longest wall on the face of earth. But we
recently have torn down the darkest wall that blocked us from the rest of the
world. Nowadays we are eager to help to tear down the remaining walls, barring
the way of our freedom-loving sisters and brothers. The size of our population
and economy of my country may be modest. But as the democratic anchor in the
east, our experiences shed much greater light to the world. I sensed this when
I was reading my lecture “No Dictatorship Lasts Forever” in a sombre audience
at Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang.
Why we, Mongolians, chose democracy? It is because a democracy is based on the faith in the dignity and worth of every single individual as a human being.
Why we, Mongolians, chose democracy? It is because a democracy is based on the faith in the dignity and worth of every single individual as a human being.
It is because a
democratic society aims at the highest development of every one of its members.
It is because everyone is provided with full scope and opportunities for
self-development and self-realization. Everyone is respected in the society
without any consideration of his vocation or calling, and his contribution,
however humble, is appreciated. That’s why we chose democracy.
Why we,
Mongolians, love freedom? It is because we earned it in a hard way. It is
because we knew that freedom is our property, our right from the birth. It is
because freedom gives the ruling power to the people, and not to the hands of
particular persons or group of persons. People know that the government in a
democratic country cannot be a property of any specific man or family.
Democracy is
not simply a question of structures, it is a state of mind, it is a state of
activity. You cannot be democratic one day, and undemocratic on another. It is
a state of mind, it is a way of living, and it is an essence of action. Never
people have been so educated, so independent, so agile, so enthusiastic, and so
creative. We need to tap that.
People know
that God did not make rich or poor, powerful or weak. He made only female and
male. And he gave them their right as well as their government for their own
possession. And because of that, we, the civil servants, regardless of our
positions and duties must serve to the interests of all who hired us and pay
our salaries.
My Hungarian
friends,
We should never
take democracy for granted. Democracy can emerge and develop, but it can also
decay. We have to defend democratic principles and manifest our tolerance to
the opposition, minorities and respect for the rule of law.
The
constitution is a sacred document in a democracy. Any party or leader who holds
a temporary majority should exercise caution about using that majority. If they
impose changes single handedly in the constitutional rules, that could be
perceived as trying to gain partisan advantage.
In Mongolia we
made that mistake once some years ago, which has a notorious name “the
worsening change”. Until today we are wrestling to reinstate the original
principles of our constitution. The lesson is, we all should commit to a fair,
level playing field of democratic competition. All governments must maintain
power through consent, not coercion.
From my
quarter-a-century experience as a fighter for democracy, there is never a final
victory for democracy. It is always a struggle in every generation, and you
have to take up the course of time and time again. This reminds us that we must
do our homework, carry our burden, and do what we have to do in our time. But
look, make no mistake, we should hold firmly on to our values and not retreat
from our common success.
We have to keep
moving up, from bad to good, and from good to better. We know every power has
its limits, but our legacy should contribute to the collective good of
humanity. We should leave behind us fair laws, strong institutions, good
culture.
Our common
experience show us that if any democracy is not carefully legislated to avoid
an uneven distribution of political power with balances, then one of branches
of rule could accumulate power, therefore, becoming harmful to democracy
itself. To avoid this situation, at the level of state we are trying to
introduce effective institutions to constrain the nearly unlimited discretion
of rulers. That means we are putting our effort to build institutions of
vertical and horizontal accountability.
Let me cite a
few examples.
First, the
genuinely democratic election is the premier institution of vertical
accountability. We passed the time when elections in Mongolia were a mine of
fraud. There were incidences when not the one who collected, but the one who
counted emerged as winner. Computers and machines don’t cheat, but humans do.
So we
introduced a biometric registration system and electronic ballot-counting
machines, becoming the second country in our region to do so. Even in the runs
with the closest margin, the election victory is acknowledged by the opponents,
without protests, without panic. In our last three elections we used this
system. People now come to the polling stations with full confidence that their
vote will count, their participation will make a difference.
Second, there
were times in Mongolia when we had jails, but no citizen halls. In 2009, upon
assuming Presidency, I started my first working day by making my office room
into a Citizen Hall in our Government House. Since then, all administrative
units, all cities, towns and settlements have established such chambers. Every
draft decision would be consulted with citizens here. This has become an
established tradition in our decision-making system at all levels. But we will
not stop here.
Even if a
citizen is given a right, without fiscal incentives, this right is hollow.
Therefore, we established Local Development Fund, and based on a certain
formula, mainly on the number of population, people receive funds for their
disposal. People discuss their pressing issues according to a rule they
collectively adopt, distribute the funds and place control over its
performance. Even the most far-sighted leader cannot fully see the problems
which community confronts every day, it is the people, as one family, who know
their day-to-day challenges and solutions. This our experience is identical to
the direct democracy in Switzerland in ideas, substance and form.
Even here we
will not stop. In most democracies, people are sick and tired of sweet tongue
of politicians. People are not really interested in what politicians talk
about, but what they are really interested in is how their hard-earned tax
money is spent. Therefore, we introduced a “glass account system” - the Budget
Transparency Law. We demand our public officials to publicize what they spend.
By Law, they should update their expenditure decisions, the amount of money
they spend within 72 hours on internet or in paper in public places, no matter
where they work. If they fail to do so, punishment will follow – they will be
dismissed from whatever official positions they hold.
It is a great
joy to serve your nation with the free consent of fellow citizens. In Mongolia
we never hide our shadow. If there is honest, open, free media, there is no
place to hide, there is no place to do dirty things. If you are honest, you can
be honest even in the darkness. Mr. Soros, who stood at the root of this learning
institution, said: ”Once we realize that imperfect understanding is the human
condition, there is no shame in being wrong; only in failing to correct our
mistakes”.
I think, the beauty of freedom is that it is a learning process. We can make mistakes, but it will not cost our life as in dictatorship. In Mongolia we have no censorship at all on any media entities. Our law bans government ownership and any form of government control of any media entity. By the number of public and free media and the number of social media users per capita Mongolia is among the top countries in the world.
I think, the beauty of freedom is that it is a learning process. We can make mistakes, but it will not cost our life as in dictatorship. In Mongolia we have no censorship at all on any media entities. Our law bans government ownership and any form of government control of any media entity. By the number of public and free media and the number of social media users per capita Mongolia is among the top countries in the world.
I like
criticism, even if it’s unfounded. People have a right for suspicion about the
deeds of their representatives and state officials. In my political life I have
always been bombarded by my opponents and free media. But I have never written
a single complaint to the police or courts against their insult, attacks and
grievances.
I will keep
this principle for the future as well. For we can never intimidate and
discourage the people who voice their words with courage. The essence of
freedom rests precisely here - in the freedom of expression of the people. And
we must protect it.
Before heading
to Budapest, I had last touches on drafts of Law about Public Hearing, Law on
Public Participation, Law on Responsibilities of Elected and Appointed
Officials, Law on Procurement and License Permit, Law on Limiting State
Commercial Activities, Criminal Law, Law on Administrative Violations and Law
on Legal Procedures, as well as the National Program Against Corruption. The
drafts of all of these laws were discussed by interested parties, experts and
citizens.
These are only
a small portion of laws which we introduced to improve the quality of
democratic institutions in my country. It will in turn help us exercise
horizontal accountability between state agencies, branches and officials for
their performance. I think, the real test for any public official is not
defined by how politicians deliver their social and economic promises, but by
how they fight with the misuse of power.
Friends,
Democracy is a
difficult system to maintain. According to a survey conducted by Larry Diamond,
a leading contemporary scholar in the field of democracy studies, “one-third of
all democracies in the world have broken down since 1974, and among the
developing countries the figure is closer to 40%”. The study shows that the
most common cause of democratic failure is bad governance. In Mongolia people
criticize that ‘my country is poor not because we don’t have money, it is poor,
because we don’t have justice’. Every morning when I go to work, I think about
this ordeal.
To fight the
misdeeds of public officials, the role of nation’s leaders is instrumental.
Thanks to our national mobilization, the corruption perception index of
Mongolia by Transparency International decreased by two-digit numbers in each
of the last three years. Corruption is a serious crime, connected with power
and wealth. Those who commit that crime using their power, money and connections,
try to create the court of public opinion to escape the court of law.
The challenge
of corruption must be addressed. Corruption is a true enemy to development. It
devours the fruits of hard work of people. It destroys the fundamentals of
fair, just and secure society. It makes government less efficient, less
effective and less accessible. Corruption is a brutal force capable to destroy
institutions, values, culture, nations. To exterminate this evil the whole
society must fight. At the end of the day, people painfully pay all the prices
of bad governance and corrupted behaviours. The hope is our people, intolerant
to corruption and abuse of power.
I am grateful
to my countrymen for tirelessly demanding reforms in the judiciary. Aligned
with our society, we started a comprehensive judicial reform to replace the
“Vyshinsky” judiciary system by the people’s judiciary. We had more than 20
laws to adopt to accomplish this task, half of which we approved and are
enforcing. So we are passing the hardest hurdles on this mission. People’s
confidence in fair court of law is being restored.
Decisions of
courts of all instances are now published and updated on internet daily.
Judges’ salary on average is three-fold higher than the average wage in
Mongolia. Judges have been separated from administrative burden and now
exclusively engage in their professional duties. Similar reforms are being
conducted in other branches of our legal system.
We know that a
high-quality democracy requires politically neutral state. Over the past years,
one of the hardest challenges we faced was changing the mind-set of the people.
It was hard to change the way of thinking than the system. In our case, our
civil service is still called “a state service”. They are highly partisan,
rent-seeking, extremely dependent on election results, and often they work as
clients of those in power. The brightest and most talented are not attracted.
As fresh air, a merit-based, ethical and highly professional civil service is
needed. For this to happen, we are working to change the existing bad cultures
in relation to state service, political party, political financing and so on.
In order to
sustain a healthy society, we must keep it tidy every day. It is true that
power corrupts. The hope at the polling stations and the actions of the elected
representatives, unfortunately, often turn to be opposite. The power of ballot
turns into the power of wallet. Some law-makers become law-breakers. This fact
seriously endangers the genuine trust of the people in democracy.
We have to
remember our gratefulness to the citizens on the election night in all our days
when we are in office.
In my country,
politics itself has become a serious problem. The government is expanding.
Look, here I have two phone sets. This one we used when mobile phone was first
introduced. This one is a typical one we use today. You see the difference? As
functions increase, phones tend to become smaller, smarter and more user-
friendly. However, as government functions increase, it becomes bigger,
sluggish and distant.
So, as a
strategy to tackle this menace, I put forward a Smart Government initiative.
Today we need to use technological advances in order to meet our people’s needs
and serve our society better. We have to design our public administration
smartly, simply and securely, similar to a dashboard and services in an
airplane. But in our reality, our airplane’s dashboard and services are not
properly functioning. Imagine you are on-board there.
In this
conjunction, we are taking drastic measures. We put moratorium on establishing
new state enterprises and limiting government’s commercial activities. We are
ending with government equity shares. Besides, one-third of our existing
permits and licenses are eliminated, one-third we shifted to private
institutions and professional organizations, and the remaining one-third of
essential ones will be offered through internet. I also suggested that budget
allocations be stopped to unnecessary administrative bureaucracies.
What do you
think, what people want from their governments? Simple. A better life for
themselves and for their children. Government that is fair, just and
responsible.
Ladies and
gentlemen,
We know that
dismantling old oppressive regimes is a great deal faster and easier than building
new flourishing democracies. Chinggis Khaan once said: ”It was easier to
conquer the world on horseback than to dismount and govern.” What I spoke about
today proves the truth of this wisdom. True validation of democracy lies less
in what we tear down, and more in what we build.
I think it can
be done because this generation understands better than any of the previous
generations what’s going on. Real progress comes from people. In other words,
if democracy is to be rebuilt, if it to come again vigorous and vibrant, we
have to believe in our people, who know their rights, who tame the advances of
technology, better than us, the politicians.
Today people
become more connected, so more knowledgeable, they become more organized, so
more demanding. Instead of begging people’s trust, we politicians have to learn
to trust our public.
The first step
into justice begins with the politicians. You have to demand from yourself what
you demand from people. It is not a question of what citizens do; it is a question
of what politicians do.
Not only new
technologies emerged, but also a new generation has emerged. A new world has
emerged. Then, the legitimacy of governments will ultimately depend on active
and informed citizens. So if governments don’t work for the people… People, I
have a single message for you – organize!
We cannot rest
here. There will be another tide of change, another tide of challenge, from
physical disarray to failed states, from weapons of mass destruction to global
warming, from uncertain supply of energy, food, water to new challenges to
freedom and security. We are the first ones in whole human history that has
technology and money to resolve the global problems. Only fraction of money and
technology we spend on wars could solve today’s troubling issues.
We Mongolians
seek to make our own contribution for solving some of these pressing
challenges. In particular, we actively work to ensure peace and security in
North-East Asia. Our nuclear weapon-free-zone status was supported by permanent
members of the UN Security Council. My country became one of the 20 largest
peacekeeping contributors in the world. Recently Mongolia chaired the world’s
most reputable democracy movement – Community of Democracies. We established in
the Community its Governing Council, Executive Committee and full-time
Secretary General. We commenced permanent operation of the Community at the UN
in New York and Geneva. By our initiative was launched the new Network of
Democratic Leaders, and was adopted the historic UN resolution on Education for
Democracy. Mongolia chairs the Freedom Online Coalition, an intergovernmental
coalition for promoting internet freedom. In 2016 Mongolia will host the 11th
ASEM Summit.
The leaders of
53 countries of Asia and Europe will meet in Mongolia on the 20th historical
jubilee of this renowned organization. I thank the ASEM Member States for
supporting Mongolia’s initiative to host ASEM Summit in acknowledgement of the
success, achievements and hard-work of the Mongolian people.
These shared
successes give us hope, but they should not give us rest.
Thank you for
your attention.
President’s
advisor meets ADB delegation
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) Human Development and Social Policy Advisor to the
President of R.Bold held a meeting on October 20 with Asako Maruyama,
educational expert of the Asian Development Bank’s / ADB / East Asia
Department, Stefan Rau, Urban Development Specialist and project officers of
the ADB.
Ms. Asako
Maruyama introduced the “Skills for Employment Project” and "Darkhan Waste
water Management Project" and said these projects by the ADB under soft
loan terms that should be included in this year’s budget of the ADB. “Skills
for Employment Project” was implemented by Ms. Asako Maruyama and "Darkhan
Waste water Management Project" was implemented by Mr. Stefan Rau
respectively. “Skills for Employment Project” aims at three targeted spheres such
as agriculture, construction and road-transportation. "Darkhan Waste water
Management Project" is focused to make the city of Darkhan competitive
with Ulaanbaatar city, decreasing population density and reducing poverty in
Mongolia.
Parties
exchanged views on the implementation of the two projects and discussed some
detailed issues. President’s Advisor R.Bold appreciated for the ADB’s strong
support for Mongolia since 1990 and said that he was pleased to hear that the
ADB approved a 30 million USD loan to promote micro-, small- and medium-sized
enterprises of Mongolia. He also underlined that President of Mongolia focuses
his attention to improving employment skills.
Ms. Asako
Maruyama said that in order to finance these projects, the ADB is seeking
approvals from the Government and the Parliament of Mongolia to attach
financing in the ADB budget for 2014. Advisor R.Bold noted that the 2015 State
Budget of Mongolia will be approved on November 15, 2014 and the above
mentioned projects will be reviewed by the Government within this date, reports
Public relations and communications division of the Office of the President.
Stock
exchange news for October 20
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Monday, a total of 53
thousand and 222 shares of 15 JSCs were traded costing MNT 163 million 714
thousand and 256.00.
"Mongolian
Development National Corp” /44 thousand and 886 units/, “E-trans logistcs”
/3,930 units/, “Khokh gan” /1,566 units/, “Genco tour bureau” /1,500 units/ and
"APU” /396 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading
volume, in terms of trading value were "Mongolian Development National Corp”
(MNT 157 million and 101 thousand), "Sharyn gol” (MNT two million 346
thousand and 500), “APU” (MNT one million 474 thousand and 150),
"Tavantolgoi” (MNT 875 thousand) and "Makh impex” (MNT 616 thousand
and 400).
The total
market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 564 billion 105 million 793
thousand and 692. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 15,622.24, increasing 8.06 units
or 0.05% against the previous day.
Communication
services in figures
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) By the first nine months of this year, the revenue from
communication services amounted to MNT 533.1 billion, showing an increase of
MNT 78.5 billion or 17.3 per cent. The income collected from the population
covered 72.9 percent of the total income of the sector, showing 2.5 unit
decrease compared to the same period of the previous year.
The number of
immovable telephone spots reached 214.1 thousand, increasing by 50.7 thousand
or by 31.0% against 2013. This was an effect of increase in the number of
organizations that provide triple services. Nominal amount of telephone users
in 2014 is 3587.7 thousand by the end of September.
The numbers
showed increase of 97.9 thousand or 2.8 percent in telephone users and of 70.7
thousand or 26.9 per cent in cable television users. The post services
delivered a total of 495.5 thousand writings and letters, 124.7 thousand
packages and 7472.8 thousand regular publications to their customers. Number of
delivered letters has increased by 2.0 thousand or 0.4 percent, and of packages
– by 34.2 thousand or 37.8 percent, and number of publications decreased by
1102.1 thousand or 12.9 percent, compared to the same period of 2013.
Rankings
of Mongolian judokas
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 20 (MONTSAME) The International Judo Federation (IJF) last Friday
released the latest rankings of judokas of the world.
According to
the updated rankings, a State Honored Sportswoman and World champion
M.Urantsetseg topped the women’s 48 kg division, and World champion
G.Boldbaatar IMS led the men’s 60 kg division with 2,676 points. The ranking of
a silver medalist of World Championships D.Amartuvshin (1,520 points) went up
to 6th place in the men’s 60 kg category.
An
international master of sports D.Tomorkhuleg kept his 3rd place in the men’s 66
kg, where a Brazilian judoka Charles Chibana is still (1,978 points) leading
the category. State Honored Sportsmen and Olympic bronze medalists
Kh.Tsagaanbaatar and S.Nyam-Ochir were ranked in the sixth and seventh places
in the men’s 73 kg, respectively.
A State Honored
Sportsman and Olympic gold, silver medalist N.Tuvshinbayar kept the ninth place
with 1,176 points in the men’s -100 kg category. D.Sumya (1,514 points) IMS
held her ninth place in the women’s 57 kg division.
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