Mongolia Brief October 22, 2014
Bill
on Ratifying Amendments to Int'l Convention Presented
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) The state Minister and MP Ch.Saikhanbileg presented
Wednesday a draft law on accepting and ratifying the amendments to the
Convention on Establishing the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency to the
Speaker of parliament Z.Enkhbold.
Mongolia signed
this Convention on June 14 of 1991 and declared its membership to the Agency by
parliament’s ratification of the convention on July 23 of 1998.
MIGA is a
member organization of the World Bank and issues non-financial risks guarantees
for investments toward developing countries. The non-financial risks include:
non-sustainability of political and social states, properties alienation,
breach of agreements, risks of foreign exchanges etc.
Proposal
Submitted to Appoint N.Battsereg as Minister
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) A head of the Cabinet Secretariat for Government
Ch.Saikhanbileg Wednesday submitted to the Speaker Z.Enkhbold a proposal on
appointing Mr N.Battsereg MP, a head of the "Justice" coalition's
faction, as the Minister of Road, Transportation, Construction and Urban
Development.
No
Visas Granted for Citizens of Ebola Regions
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) Department for Citizenship and Migration informed on
October 22 that it will not issue any visas and personal invitations to
Mongolia for uncertain period of time for the applicants from the Ebola-struck
regions.
Ebola virus,
the sanguinolent high fever contagious disease, started breaking out in Western
African countries--Sierra Leon, Liberia, Nigeria and Guinea, has now officially
reached the USA, Spain and Senegal.
The department,
in frames of its guidelines to check all passengers and vehicles crossing the
borders, advises not to travel to the countries that have reported Ebola
outbreaks and not to send invitations to those who live in such regions.
President
Elbegdorj Meets Reps of MIT
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) The leader of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj Tuesday received a
delegation headed by a director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT) for external relations affairs.
The MIT
delegation is visiting us at invitation of the Ministry of Education and
Science in order to get acquainted with activities of our higher education
organizations.
At the meeting,
Mr Elbegdorj said that Mongolia gives an importance to the partnership between
the MIT and Mongolian universities, "this partnership will be fully
supported by the President and Government of Mongolia. And I believe that this
will give certain impetus to the development of our country".
The he
expressed a hope that this partnership, based on the education and sciences
field, "will be the basis for bringing into Mongolia the world class
education and that Mongolia will be an education hub in the region by expanding
such partnership". Mongolian education sector will make good progress by
attracting internationally recognized scientists and teachers, he added.
"By
cooperating with the MIT, Mongolian universities will be able to provide the
top education programs of the world. The President’s decree to grant our
Government scholarships for students who have been selected by the world top
100 ranked universities is closely related with the current event,' he said.
Views
Sounded on Int'l Human Rights' Agreements
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) Our Government representative to the 69th session of the
UN GA O.Enkhtsetseg expressed the Government’s views on implementation of
international agreements for human rights at the Third Committee meeting on
October 21 in New York.
She emphasized
an importance of ensuring the performances of international agreements in
universal maintenance and security of the human rights and freedom. She also
expressed appreciation and support for the operations of the UN Human Rights
High Commission, in light of pursuing the above objectives.
The measures
were presented taken in the arena of coordinating the domestic laws to the
international norms and regulations, in frames of the legal renovation that is
taking place in Mongolia. She spoke about Mongolia’s ratification of the
International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance, activities for obtaining memberships to the Convention Against
Torture and the Convention on Children’s Rights, and about the deliveries to
the related commissions of regular reports on Mongolia’s pursuance of
conventions on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, and of
Discrimination against Women.
President
Congratulates Medalists of Asian Games
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) The leader of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj visited Tuesday
Mongolia's national Olympic committee to award those who successfully had
competed in the 17th Asian Games “Incheon 2014” the Presidential prize.
Our athletes
reached noticeable achievement winning 21 medals--5 gold, 4 silver and 12
bronze and ranking the 16th among 45 countries.
Mr Elbegdorj
congratulated them and said:" I am truly pleased to meet with our
sportsmen who successfully participated in the Incheon-2014. Our generations of
state and government have been according special attention to supporting
sports, and we should continue this tradition. Mongolia supported sports not
only during the years of socialism, but in the early years of our history".
"During
the Great Mongol Empire, a sporting competition known as the Naadam Festivity
was organized and widely celebrated by the people of Mongolia. This tradition
has been maintained and widely spread in Mongolia.
"A country that has historical sports tradition remains powerful, even though it has a small population. Through this factor, a country upholds its dignities and reputations".
"A country that has historical sports tradition remains powerful, even though it has a small population. Through this factor, a country upholds its dignities and reputations".
He also said
that paying attention to supporting sports is not only a duty of some
authorities and officials, but also a lifetime commitment for the people who
involved in sports, and reaffirmed his commitment to sport, paying close
attention to sport and being with athletes.
"In 1998,
when I was Prime Minister I issued a resolution to grant monetary rewards to
sportsmen. During that time, the situation in Mongolia was difficult. This is
one of my key decisions, during my short time Premiership. This resolution also
included a decision to award artists who made successful achievement in the
cultural festivals and competitions".
He said he is
glad that this resolution has always been supported and implemented by the
Mongolian Governments of all time up until now.
Children's
musicals days coming
October 22
(news.mn) The Mongolian National Song and Dance Ensemble is hosting children`s
musicals days between October 28-30th.
The “Notorious
White Mare” and “Spoiled White Foal” children's musicals, based on Mongolian
fairy tales about adventure and morality lessons of animals, will be staged at
1:00 p.m. on October 28, 29 and 30th.
The musical
adventure of a stubborn, arrogant, spoiled blue baby goat “Kid Goat is a Pretty
Name" will be performed at 11:00 a.m. on October 28, 29 and 30th.
Over 150
artists of the Mongolian National Song and Dance Ensemble will take part in the
children's musicals geared towards children from the ages of 3 to 13 for this
program.
Road
Traffic Victims Day marked in Mongolia today
October 22
(news.mn) October 22nd is Road Traffic Victims Day in Mongolia, a day to raise
public awareness about road traffic accidents.
There will be a
day-long event for Road Traffic Victims Day today in front of Dragon Center in
Songinokhairkhan district, organized by the Ulaanbaatar Traffic Police,
between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
A parade of
crashed vehicles loaded on trucks will serve as evidence of the terrible
consequences of traffic accidents and will travel from Officers' Palace to
Dragon Center along Peace avenue at 10:00 a.m.
At the
Kharkhorin Market, students and disabled people will hold a parade and join the
march to Dragon Center.
There will also
be a photo exhibition of scenes from road traffic accidents and a display of
vehicles crashed on the road at 1:00 p.m.
The parade of
crashed vehicles will continue from Dragon Center to Baga Toiruu along Peace
Avenue, to remind residents to drive safely and commemorate victims of road
traffic accidents.
Hundreds
of clay sculptures created by Zanabazar discovered
October 22
(news.mn) Researchers discovered hundreds of rare clay sculptures of Buddhist
gods, crafted with the delicacy of Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, during a salvage
excavation at the remains of Saridag Temple in Erdene soum in Tuv Province.
The Institute
of History of Mongolian Academy of Sciences conducted the salvage excavation at
Saridag Temple in collaboration with the Bogd Khan Palace Museum and Ministry
of Culture, Sport and Tourism, from August to September.
Publicly known
as Sairdag Temple, its official name is Ribogejailin Temple, and Mongolia's
first Bogd Zanabazar built it on his own.
Undur Gegeen
Zanabazar was isolated there for 30 years, from his twenties to fifties.
The newly
discovered clay sculptures by Undur Gegeen Zanabazar were debuted to the public
today at 8:00 a.m. at Bogd Khan Palace Museum, in the presence of researchers
of the Institute of History of Mongolian Academy of Sciences and officials from
the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism.
DP,
MPRP make a joint statement on controversial agreement
October 22
(news.mn) Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag and former President N.Enkhbayar made a
joint statement at a press conference on the controversial cooperation
agreement between their political parties at the Government House today.
The cooperation
agreement between the DP and MPRP, signed by DP leader Prime Minister
N.Altankhuyag and MPRP leader and former President N.Enkhbayar on October 18th,
has been hotly debated in political circles and led to numerous speculations
and accusations.
Prime Minister
N.Altankhuyag stated, “There has been much talk over the DP and MPRP
cooperation agreement over the past two or three days. In particular, there is
much misguided thought about articles and the cooperation agreement among DP
members. Some even misunderstand and have misconceived the articles of the
agreement. Therefore, we have decided to make a joint statement about the
agreement to provide unification and internal understanding within the party.
So we, the MPRP leader and I, are to announce three things.
"First of
all, the cooperation agreement should be valid when it is reviewed by the
parties' executive committees.
"Secondly,
we agree to create a task force regarding amendments and corrections to the
agreement, as both of the parties do not have the same ideas about the
agreement.
"Third, we
agree to have the agreement reviewed by the executive committees of the two
parties after a task force works on details of the agreement and the parties
have the same notion about the agreement.
"In
conclusion, rumors are likely to be spread about the agreement, as the
agreement was signed between two individuals, not between two parties. There
was also the release of a fake contract that counterfeited our signatures.
Thus, we will approach legislative officials for verification, as rumors and
lies have crossed the line."
Announcement
of Rights Offering Closure
October 22
(business-mongolia.com) BDSec JSC’s Shareholders approved to issue additional
shares equal to 35.29% of the company’s outstanding shares through its Annual
General Meeting on April 18, 2014. As the company’s existing shareholders were
given preemptive rights to purchase the newly issued shares before a public
issue 32.61% of the total issue or 1,956,625 shares worth of MNT 3,778,242,875
have been subscribed by the existing shareholders.
The majority of
BDSec’s shareholders including “Firebird Management” of USA, institutional and
individual investors from Japan, Germany and Turkey have all exercised their
preemptive rights. It simply proves that foreign investors are still committed
and confident of the future potentials of the Mongolian capital markets.
BDSec would
like to express its sincere gratitude to all of the shareholders who have
participated in the rights offering.
BDSec CEO, Mr.
Dayanbilguun.D said: “The fact that our shareholders have once again proved
their commitment to BDSec gives an opportunity not only to us but also to the
market itself as we will use the raised funds to bring domestic companies to
the capital markets which could be a driving force in today’s market
conditions.”
About Public
Issue
The Company
plans to offer the remaining 4,043,375 shares to public at MNT 2,146 per share
or above, and finish the offering by the last week of November.
Investors are
able to purchase the shares by submitting a sample order form to their broker
before November 24, 2014.
About BDSec
BDSec was
restructured as a public company in 2006 by issuing 10,000,000 shares offered
at MNT 100 per unit. In August 2008, the Company successfully issued 1,000,000
additional shares which were offered at MNT 3,000 a share.
Since the IPO
in 2006, BDSec’s share price has rallied from MNT 100 to trade between MNT 2150
and MNT 4600 in the last 3 years. BDSec is one of the Top 20 listed companies
on the Mongolian Stock Exchange in terms of the market value as well as the
traded volume.
As the company
has a high level of corporate governance 5 out of 9 directors of its board are
independent directors. BDSec is also audited by BDO, one of the leading
auditors in the world. Since becoming a public company, BDSec has consistently
distributed dividends to its shareholders, namely in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010,
2012 and 2013.
About Business
Brokerage:
180,000 clients, 8 branches and 25 to 91% of market share.
Investment
Banking: Helped domestic companies to raise 71 billion MNT through IPOs,
private placements, bonds and convertible loans.
Investment
Advisory: Advises 16 companies. Most notably “Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi” LLC, the
national strategic coking coal deposit holding company.
Research:
Published 22 different types of research materials for investors in English as
well as in Mongolian language.
Use of
Proceeds
Use of proceeds
will be used to further strengthen BDSec’s investment banking activities
by helping domestic companies to raise necessary investments.
For more
information:
Email: info@bdsec.mn, tsog@bdsec.mn
Website: www.bdsec.mn
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/BDSecJSC
Twitter:
@BDSecJSC
Headquarters:
(976) 11-313108, (976) 11-321763
BDSec JSC
Mongolia
to join Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
By S. Az
October 22
(Mongolian Economy) Xi Jinping, President of China, has requested Mongolia’s
cooperation on the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Mongolia has accepted the proposal, according to officials. The bank is to be a
Chinese alternative to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
China’s
initiative is considered a region-centric push toward infrastructure investment
for Asia’s developing countries, as well as a solution for financial sources
and balanced allocation of monetary flow throughout Asia. Chinese and Mongolian
parties will sign the cooperative memorandum on the 24th of October, 2014.
According to its plans, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will begin
operation by the end of 2015.
The
establishment would mean another financial investment source for Mongolia,
which needs financial support for infrastructure and for other important growth
sectors.
3.6
percent growth for Mongolia
By Bayartogtokh
October 22
(Mongolian Economy) According the Central Bank of Mongolia, 2014 is to show a
mere 3.6 percent GDP growth for Mongolia. Foreign Direct Investment dropped by
70 percent, while the coal market has showed little sign of recovery. This has
slowed economic growth for Mongolia. The cost of coal is down to a mere USD 30
per tonne. Meanwhile, financing for the underground mine at Oyu Tolgoi has been
delayed. 2015 may see only 6.1 percent growth, according to predictions found
in Mongolia’s 2015 monetary policy outline.
According to
the Development Bank of Mongolia, growth would reach 7.5 percent this year; the
World Bank estimated the economy to grow by 6.3 percent. Their projections are
twice as optimistic as Mongol Bank’s.
Mongolia must
resume its mega projects in order ensure a return to significant growth. The
Oyu Tolgoi project is one of Mongolia’s great hopes. The other is the Tavan
Tolgoi project. Last year, the country’s economy grew by 11.6 percent. After a
dip this year to single digits, revitalisation of the mega projects may bring
growth back to double digits.
ADB
Team Works on Site to Get Acquainted with Project to Develop Western Regional
Road Corridor of Mongolia
October 22
(infomongolia.com) On October 21, 2014, the Bayan-Ulgii Aimag Governor
Kh.Darmyen welcomed the team of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) headed by
Alternate Director responsible for Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal,
Singapore, and Thailand, Mrs. Khin Khin Lwin, the ADB Country Director Mr.
Robert Schoellhammer and other delegates to introduce the provincial
development strategy.
In June 2014,
Government of Mongolia and the ADB have resolved to finance the second phase of
the "Western Regional Road Corridor Development Investment Program"
and under this agreement, the ADB delegates arrived on the site to get
acquainted with the project to carry out.
Under the
resolved investment of 125 million USD, a total of 189.7 km paved road will be
constructed in routes of Ulgii-Khovd and Tsagaannuur-Ulaanbaishint, of which
103.9 km road from Khovd, the center of Khovd Aimag to Khashaat Davaa, 60 km
road from Khashaat Davaa to Tolbo Sum of Bayan-Ulgii Aimag, 25.8 km road from
Tsagaannuur village of Nogoonnuur Sum (Bayan-Ulgii Aimag) to Ulaanbaishint
border port in Tsagaannuur Sum of Bayan-Ulgii Aimag will be accomplished by
December 2016 with proposed physical completion and the Project is expected to
be finished by December 2018.
Moreover, the
Project comprises of three bridges and 14.9 km of urban roads rehabilitated in
Khovd and Ulgii towns. The project objective is to provide more accessible and
efficient transport infrastructure within the Western region of Mongolia
connecting neighboring countries.
Over
100 National Manufacturers to Join 2014 City Big Sale Day
October 22
(infomongolia.com) The October 29th of 2014 is the 375th anniversary of the
Capital City and in the scope of the Day, the Mayor's Office is organizing
several events such as a parade involving thousands attendees and on this day
the City Big Sale will be organized at Chinggis Square.
On this City
Big Sale Day, over 100 national manufacturers and entities will be presenting
their products and goods at 20-50% discounts. For instances, “Darkhan Nekhii”
(leather & sheepskin) and “Buyan” (wool & cashmere) companies are
pledged to introduce their products under 50% of sale along with other
companies like “Best Shoes” and “Exclusive” (clothes sewing). Moreover,
companies in food industries like “Sayan-Uul”, “Talkh Chikher”, “Uguuj Chikher
Boov”, “Trans Trade”, “Makh Impex”, “Ochir Daginas”, “MCS Coca Cola”, “Teso”,
“Suu” and “Altan Taria” will be also celebrating the Day with civilians.
Also, this big
sale day will be held in each districts of UB:
- In Khan-Uul
District will take place at “Yarmag” trade center, which locates in 5th Khoroo
- Sukhbaatar
District, B.Tserendorj Street, 4th Khoroo
-
Songinokhairkhan District, “Tsambagarav” trade center, 14th Khoroo
- Bayangol
District, B.Enebish Avenue, 15th Khoroo and “Smart” trade center, 19th Khoroo
- Chingeltei District,
Independence Palace, 5th Khoroo
- Bayanzurkh
District, K.Zhukov Square, 4th Khoroo
Moreover,
Tengis and Urgoo cinemas will display all movies at 50% of discounts on this
day and the city museums will be opened with free entrances and the city public
transportation will also serve at half-price ticket.
Mongolia
Becomes 61st Country to Launch Google Street View Project
October 22
(infomongolia.com) As part of the Government implementing the "From Big
Government to Smart Government" Program, the Mayor’s Office is undertaking
the “Smart Ulaanbaatar” project ratified in 2014.
Under this
project, the Capital City Administration in collaboration with the Google
Company has been implementing Google Map, Google Street View, Google Culture
Institute, and Google Art projects, which are being carried out for
experimental of two years to date and the official launching ceremony of Google
Street View project will take place at Chinggis Square today at 02:00 pm on
October 22, 2014.
In the scope of
latter project, it would provide better opportunities to view the streets, find
locations of museums, restaurants and buildings in UB and other destinations
throughout the country from anywhere in the world by using smart phones and
other devices.
In this regard,
Mongolia becomes the 61st country to launch the Google projects to connect
Ulaanbaatar with the billion users worldwide.
At the
launching ceremony, UB Mayor E.Bat-Uul and other officials from both sides will
be attending, after which a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation is
expected to be signed between Ulaanbaatar and Google Company.
Related:
Mongolia
joins Google Street View – Montsame,
October 22
Premier
and MPRP Chairman Explain Cooperate Treaty
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister and head of the Democratic Party (DP)
N.Altankhuyag; and chairman of the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party
(MPRP) N.Enkhbayar Wednesday called a press conference to explain a reason of
establishing the collaboration treaty between the political parties and correct
the misunderstanding among people especially members of the DP regarding the
document’s contents.
In order to
ensure the DP’s domestic unity and strengthen the domestic trust, the Premier
emphasized that he wanted to form a general understanding about the treaty,
adding that this treaty has not come into force yet.
The treaty
shall come into force after discussing it through administrative bodies of the
political parties. So, the two parties have agreed to set up a working group to
alter and revise the treaty because the parties do not have a general
understanding about the document’s clauses. After reaching a unified
understanding on the treaty, the parties will approve it by the parties’
related authorities, the Premier said.
Rumor and
slander have been going around making the treaty a document only between the
two political parties or between individuals, for example, a document with
counterfeit signatures of the PM and MPRP chairman has been published through
the media to get the public believed it was a secret document, the Premier
stressed.
In turn, the
MPRP chairman N.Enkhbayar noted about one of the reasons on the treaty’s
establishment, saying that the DP has accepted a proposal to the MPRP to
collaborate in making their cooperation more organized.
Supporting the
PM’s statement of the Premier, Enkhbayar noted that people cast their votes in
the 2012 parliamentary for forming a cabinet in which no political party will
dominate the state authority alone, and it means that people demanded that the
political parties should collaborate. “This is not a treaty only between the
two parties,” he stressed.
Regarding the
treaty, Enkhbayar pointed out that he has positively accepted some critics from
the DP members. “I understand that they just had implied it should be revised
or altered,” he continued.
Any contract
will be realized well when its feasibility is good, thus the two parties have
backed a principle to set up the working group to enrich and alter the
document, reflecting proposals from the parties’ members, Enkhbayar said.
“There is no purpose to make the current cabinet and the DP failed,” he
emphasized.
The MPRP
chairman said political parties are now more dependent on businessmen or
oligarchs, and they affect the state leaders making various decision in harmony
of their interests, so the treaty reflects a clause to finance political
parties’ from the state budget. This clause and other new clauses will become
big step for combating corruption and making political parties more responsible
and cultural, Enkhbayar said.
Our
Shooters to Compete in Finals of World Cup
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) State Honored sportswoman O.Gundegmaa and an
international master of sports O.Yanjinlkham left Ulaanbaatar October 21 to
compete in the final tournament of the World Shooting Cup.
The events are
to take place in Gabala of Azerbaijan on October 22-27. Previous tournaments
were held in the USA, Germany, Spain, Slovenia, and Kazakhstan.
On October 23,
O.Gundegmaa will participate in the 25meters pistol category, on October 26
O.Yanjinlkham will compete in 50meters rifle.
Gundegmaa
grabbed this year a silver at the World Championship and her second bronze
medal at Asian Games, but Yanjinlkham is entering the finals for the first
time.
Angara
Airlines Conducts Its First International Flight to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
October 22
(infomongolia.com) According to announcement of Angara Airlines, a Russian air
carrier that conducts domestic flights all around Irkutsk region and other
destinations of Siberian Federal District, the company was authorized to
perform its first international flight to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
The first
Irkutsk-Ulaanbaatar-Irkutsk flight was made on October 20, 2014 with its newly
obtained AN-148-100 aircraft and the Angara Airlines intends to be a competent
air carrier between the two cities and stabilize its flights from November of
this year.
Nevertheless,
the new route is opened timely in the scope of effectiveness of the
Intergovernmental Agreement on reciprocal visa-free travel between citizens of
Russia and Mongolia, which enters into force from November 14, 2014.
Mongolia
and New Zealand to mark 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) The Concurrent Non-Resident Ambassador of Mongolia to New
Zealand Mr Bold has given a lecture themed “Foreign Policy of Mongolia:
Opportunities and Challenges” at the New Zealand Institute of International
Affairs Wellington branch as well as in Hamilton branch at the University of
Waikato. Presentation was attended with great interests from Kiwis, as this was
the first-ever presentation by the Mongolian Ambassador to the New Zealand
audience about Mongolia’s foreign policy.
Ambassador Mr
Bold congratulated the Foreign Minister Murray McCully on the New Zealand’s
election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2015-2016 term.
Mongolia has supported New Zealand’s candidacy for the election from the
beginning.
Mr Bold also
extended the letter of congratulations by the Mongolia’s Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister to their New Zealand counterparts on the re-appointment after
the general election. His Excellency also met Ms Helene Quilter,Secretary
of the Ministry of Defence, Ms Annelies McClure, Chief Executive of the
Overseas Investment Committee, Ms Andrea Smith, Deputy Secretary, Ms Clare
Fearnley, Director-General of the North Asia Division from the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade respectively and Mr Adrian Orr, CEO of the New
Zealand Super Fund during his recent stay in New Zealand. Ambassador had
fruitful discussions with the official representatives how to enhance the
bilateral relations. 2015 will see the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations
establishment between Mongolia and New Zealand. Around 500 kiwis visit Mongolia
every year. Mongolia imported 16 million USD valued milk powder from New
Zealand-based Fonterra in 2013.
Standing
committee head meets WB Permanent Representative
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) Head of the parliamentary Standing committee on budget
Ts.Davaasuren MP Wednesday received Mr James Anderson, the Permanent
Representative of the World Bank (WB) to Mongolia.
Beginning the
meeting, Mr Anderson thanked the Standing committee head for an audience, and
introduced himself to Mr Davaasuren. Mr Anderson said he was appointed as the
WB Permanent Representative to Mongolia two months ago, and then asked the
Standing committee head to head some information about the economic situation
and budget of Mongolia.
Mr Davaasaren
expressed his satisfaction with the WB decision on appointing Mr Anderson who
has big working experience in Mongolia. He emphasized that the national economy
of Mongolia has experienced many changed since 1990s, for example, the present
national economy has increased by 16-18 times, and the investment of state
budget rose by 40% against 2000.
They also
touched upon issues of processing and exporting of mining products, the
agricultural and educational sectors.
Present at the
meeting were Taehun Lee, a chief economist of the WB; Sh.Altantsetseg, an
economist; G.Narantuya, an expert at the Standing committee on budget; and
other officials.
Harvesting
finished nationwide
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) Harvesting works finished nationwide on Tuesday, and it
was attended by 1,250 servicemen and some 800 students.
By a
preliminary result of the harvesting, the country has harvested 419.7 thousand
tons of grain from 310.2 thousand hectares areas, of which 465 thousand tons of
wheat; 161.0 thousand tons of potatoes from 13.3 thousand hectares; and 102.5
thousand tons of vegetables from 8.3 thousand hectares.
42.3 thousand
tons of grain has been reserved for the next year’s planting. Moreover, 28.5
thousand tons of grain has been given to the fund for supporting land farming,
and some 250 thousand tons--to flour factories.
For the time
being, the wheat sale is continuing.
Stock
exchange news for October 22
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Wednesday, a total of 18
thousand and 289 shares of nine JSCs were traded costing MNT 20 million 377
thousand and 404.00.
"E-trans
logistics” /15 thousand units/, “Tavantolgoi” /2,353 units/, “Mongol shiltgeen”
/520 units/, “Talkh chikher” /113 units/ and "Gobi” /110 units/ were the
most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were
"Tavantolgoi” (MNT 11 million and 765 thousand), "Bayangol hotel”
(MNT two million and 460 thousand), “Talkh chikher” (MNT two million and 260
thousand), "E-trans logistics” (MNT one million 350 thousand and 024) and
"Gobi” (MNT 880 thousand).
The total
market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 568 billion 008 million 534
thousand and 361. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 15,627.40, decreasing 23.63
units or 0.15% against the previous day.
Being
LGBT in Asia: Mongolia Country Report
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) This report reviews the legal and social environment
faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Mongolia.
It is a product
of the Mongolia National LGBT Community Dialogue held on 20–21 March 2014 in
Ulaanbaatar as well as a desk review and interviews conducted by the report
writers. The National Dialogue brought together a total of 140 participants
including LGBT community members and activists, representatives of civil
society organizations, human rights experts, UN agencies, the Government of
Mongolia and development partners.
The Mongolia
National Dialogue upon which the report is based was organized by the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID). The work is a product of a
broader initiative entitled ‘Being LGBT in Asia: A Participatory Review and
Analysis of the Legal and Social Environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender (LGBT) Persons and Civil Society.’ Launched on Human Rights Day, 10
December 2012, ‘Being LGBT in Asia’ is a first-of-its-kind Asia-wide learning
effort undertaken with Asian grassroots LGBT organizations and community
leaders alongside UNDP and USAID. With a focus on eight priority countries –
Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet
Nam – the effort examines LGBT lived experiences from a development and rights
perspective.
‘Being LGBT in
Asia’ has a number of objectives. It encourages networking between LGBT people
across the region, building a knowledge baseline and developing an understanding
of the capacity of LGBT organizations to engage in policy dialogue and
community mobilization. Through this work, ‘Being LGBT in Asia’ promotes
understanding of the inherent human rights of LGBT people and a regional
understanding of the stigma and discrimination they face. It also outlines
steps toward LGBT-inclusive development work for UNDP and the UN system; USAID
and the US Government; and other development partners through research like
this report and other social and multimedia products. Finally, the initiative
highlights the views generated by LGBT participants at community dialogues,
linking stakeholders who are working to enhance LGBT human rights across Asia.
G.Tsogtgerel
wins bronze medal in Asian Para Games
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) A Mongolian athlete G.Tsogtgerel has won bronze medal in
the 2014 Asian Para Games running in Incheon, South Korea.
She competed in
women’s shot put F57 category event of athletics on Tuesday. In the shot put
contest, she shot the ball to 7.10 meters. Gold and silver medals went to
Iranian athletes.
For the time
being, the national team of Mongolia has grabbed one silver and four bronze
medals in judo, shooting and athletics. The teams of China, South Korea and
Japan are leading the games by the medal count.
Judoka
N.Altantsetseg wins first gold medal in Asian Para Games
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
October 22 (MONTSAME) A judoka of the national selected team N.Altantsetseg has
won first medal in the Incheon Asian Para Games taking place in South Korea.
This is the
very first gold medal to be grabbed by Mongolian athlete in the Asian Para
Games, and the judoka won the medal by defeating a Thai rival at the finals in
the women’s -78 kg contest on Wednesday.
The same day,
another Mongolian B.Khashtsetseg captured a bronze medal in the women’s 70 kg
bout for judo.
As of present,
Mongolia has won one gold, one silver and six bronze medals in the Asian Para
Games of Incheon.
Ulaanbaatar
DP objects to cooperation agreement signed by DP and MPRP
By Ch. Khaliun
October 22 (UB
Post) Chairman of the City Democratic Party and Mayor E.Bat-Uul, Chairman of
the City Council D.Battulga and DP Secretary P.Nurzed have voiced their
objection to the new cooperation treaty signed between PM N.Altankhuyag and
Chairman of the MPRP N.Enkhbayar.
E.Bat-Uul said,
“This agreement is illegal. The DP’s Executive Board of the National Coordinating
Committee (NCC) did not hold a meeting. The City’s DP Committee doesn’t agree
with the decision. We will hold a meeting regarding this issue and submit the
illegal treaty to the court. The main danger is that it states that the
agreement becomes valid upon its signing. I’m concerned about that. In order to
establish that kind of treaty they have to discuss it with the Chairman of the
City’s DP. No one talked to me.
“To keep his
power, the Chairman of DP, N.Altankhuyag, is doing many shameless things… In
order to keep his position, N.Altankhuyag has sacrificed seven ministers. Now
he makes the DP a political victim. N.Altankhuyag, without any discussion with
members of the DP, has established the agreement; he doesn’t have such a right.
Provisions 3, 9, and 14 of the agreement will cause serious damage to our
party.
“In their
statement, they noted that they can conclude the agreement as a political
negotiation with the MPRP. The agreement violates the party’s rules and signing
the treaty secretly isn’t an ethical decision, it is a conspiratorial act.
“According to
the basic regulations of the DP, to establish any agreement with other
political parties or coalitions, the chairman is tasked with discussing things
with the NCC. The right to make a decision lies only with the NCC, not
N.Altankhuyag.
“Establishing a
cooperation agreement with strict provisions, valid until 2024, with a person
known as ‘the grandfather of corruption’ is purposely violating the party’s
rules, prejudicing the trust of its members and supporters, ignoring the
party’s value, and an absolutely irresponsible decision according to the City’s
DP.
“The agreement
states that in the parliament’s regular elections in 2016 and 2020, the DP will
partner with the MPRP. Moreover, it contains provisions with hidden meanings,
such as the sides ‘negotiating’ candidates, which has maximized party members’
frustration and eroding public confidence in our party.
“It also says
that the two parties will support nominated candidates for personnel in the city
and rural areas. The City’s DP strictly reminds its leader that this provision
won’t work in the city.
“Therefore, we
demand that the NCC cancel the violent agreement, which is contrary to the
party’s internal unity and to the interests of its members, and call to
accountability the person who has established the agreement.”
President
attends business forum in Hungary
By Ch. Khaliun
October 22 (UB
Post) On the sidelines of a working visit to Hungary, President Ts.Elbegdorj
attended the Mongolia-Hungary Business Forum.
The organizers
of the forum in Hungary introduced partnerships between the two countries and
Mongolian representatives presented Mongolian investment opportunities. A total
of 26 Mongolian companies and over 80 representatives from Hungarian companies
participated in the forum.
The business
forum was jointly organized by Invest Mongolia Agency of the Government of
Mongolia, the Mongolian Embassy in Hungary, Hungarian National Trade Center and
the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce.
The following
day, President Elbegdorj met with philanthropist George Soros, who founded
Central European University, where the president delivered a lecture.
The Mongolian
President also attended the opening ceremony of the Research Center for
Mongolian Studies at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest.
Mongolia has
been widely studied by the university’s Department of Mongolian and Inner-Asian
Studies. During his visit to Eotvos Lorand University, President Elbegdorj
presented the Order of the Polar Star of Mongolia to the scientists and
teachers of the university for their contributions and efforts to develop
Mongolian studies.
Two students
from Eotvos Lorand University were awarded the Government Scholarship of
Mongolia, and 15,000 EUR was given to the university by the Government of
Mongolia to support the Research Center for Mongolian Studies.
Eotvos Lorand
is one of the oldest universities in Hungary and was founded by Archbishop
Peter Pazmany in 1635, in the city of Nagyszombat. Eotvos Lorand has a total of
26,000 students and over 7,000 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.
Bayankhoshuu
road capacity doubles
By M. Zoljargal
October 22 (UB
Post) The 4.6 km road spanning between Khuvisgalchdiin Gudamj (Revolutionists’
Street) and Bayankhoshuu Intersection has reopened with doubled traffic lanes
at the cost of 7.5 billion MNT.
The road
previously had a seven meter wide traffic lanes, while sidewalks were 1.5 meter
on both sides. The upgrade expanded the traffic lane to 14 meters and sidewalks
to 3.5 meters which doubles the previous width.
New
streetlights, water drainage system with twin pipes, as well as a road surface
drainage pump have been set up at the road.
The Ulaanbaatar
City Auto Road Fund issued the required budget and the construction launched on
May 9 this year. The road opened ten days ahead of its schedule on Monday.
The project
coordinators expect that the upgraded road’s traffic flow will speed up by up
to 50 percent. They also hope that the road will improve the area’s facade and
the convenience of the neighborhood residents.
Ulaanbaatar
Governor E.Bat-Uul said during the opening, “We have set to launch the
construction of the new building for the city administrations in Bayankhoshuu
area next spring with the help of the Asian Development Bank.”
He added that
the city administrations hope to make this suburban area would become one of
the city centers with the upgraded road and centralized administrations
offices.
New
high-speed railway connecting Beijing and Moscow to pass through Mongolia
By B. Mendbayar
October 22 (UB
Post) China and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) early last
week on building a 7,000 kilometer high-speed railway from Moscow to Beijing,
according to Chinese media.
The MoU was
signed during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Moscow. The railway would
be over 7,000 kilometers long and cost more than 230 billion USD, reported the
Beijing Times. An 803 kilometer railway between the Russian capital and Kazan
in the Tatarstan region would be the first stage of the route to Beijing,
reported CCTV.
Cutting train
travel time between the capital cities of the two nations from six days at
present to two days, the new railway would be the world’s longest high-speed
railway, three-times longer than the world’s current longest high-speed railway
from Beijing to China’s southern city of Guangzhou.
According to
plans revealed, the new railway would pass through Mongolia.
A tunnel and
railway expert at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Wang Mengshu, commented,
“If the funds are raised smoothly, the line can be completed in five years at
the latest.”
Auto
markets scuffle due to failed city plan
October 22 (UB
Post) Nine big auto markets and 34 selling points occupy 27 hectares of land in
Ulaanbaatar. The auto market center was first established on the outskirts of
the city, but when the city expanded, the area became a central area of the
city and started negatively impacting the residents’ health and the
environment.
To manage this
issue, the Ulaanbaatar City Administrations decided to move auto markets to the
suburbs and construct a new auto market center. City authorities hoped that
this work will reduce traffic congestion and decline air pollution and soil
contamination, but it faced protests from Da Khuree auto market renters.
At the
beginning of this month, the renters at Da Khuree went on a strike in relation
to the State Specialized Inspection Authority’s resolution to shut down the
auto market’s operation in relation to the relocation plan.
The auto market
complex will be built past the 22nd Auto checkpoint in the 32th khoroo of
Songinokhairkhan District, on a 130 hectare land. The complex will be built in
five years and in its first stage, 14 thousand car park will be rented to
vendors and entities, and the income from the rent will be used for the
complex’s further development.
The City
Council decided to prohibit the auto market’s operation in the open area of the
city on October 1 and delivered a notice to automobile dealers.
But the new
auto market complex wasn’t launched on the scheduled and it caused
misunderstandings among automobile dealers.
The owners of
Da Khuree auto market allegedly told it’s renters that the market will not move
if the new auto complex isn’t ready by 2015.
Land ownership
rights of Da Khuree Trade extended
When Mongolia
transferred to the free market economy, Da Khuree was established as the first
auto market in Mongolia. In accordance with the government’s resolution in
1998, the market was privatized. Da Khuree extended its land ownership several
times and at the regulation of the City Governor, 3.6 hectares of land was
issued to Da Khuree.
After several
extensions, Da Khuree owned 6.5 hectares land for commercial purposes.
The company
owners informed its ownership extension to renters and established one year
contracts with renters.
The new auto
complex’s construction is currently at 60 to 80 percent completion. The first
two fields are planned to launch on November 1. The parking areas were sold to
over 200 buyers so far.
The City
Council banned open sales operations of auto markets in the city which was met
with protests from renters.
Most of the
renters at Da Khuree are not sure about moving to the new complex as the small
car sales areas cost four million MNT and the larger ones cost nine million
MNT. For the renters who sell few cars or spare parts, it will be hard to rent
the area with the current tariff.
The renters
feel that the new auto market location is not suitable as the area is cold, and
said that moving auto markets will not decrease city traffic congestion, which
is the original goal of the whole project. Currently, over 5,000 people conduct
permanent operations at Da Khuree.
To clarify some issues regarding auto market
management, we spoke to the Chairman of the Trade Union B.Enkhbaatar who is
protecting renters’ interest.
The resolution to build a new auto market
complex was issued and auto markets have to be moved. What is the position of
the renters of Da Khuree market on this issue?
Our dealers
will become victims if the auto market moves. Over 80 percent of the renters
live in Bayanzurkh District, where Da Khuree auto market is located. It will be
tough for them to go to their jobs every morning. They might have troubles such
as getting their children from kindergartens and schools. Over 5,000 people
rent car trade fields and have built their lives here, and 2,000 of them are members
of our union. We are working to let them stay.
What do you think of the resolution to ban
open area operations?
Where will they
work if auto markets are moved? It is still unclear how this new auto complex
will be built. As a result, many people might lose their jobs.
What do you think Da Khuree owners want?
Of course, the
company wants to stay here. I think that we can still stay here and people who
live in the east side of the city can visit our auto market, even when the new
complex is operational.
Source:
http://news.gogo.mn/r/148617
D.Bayarsaikhan:
Though I was forced into military school, I’m pleased with my fate
October 22 (UB Post) A Mongolian
commander was recently selected to command the northern region of South Sudan
for the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for the first time.
Head of the Strategy Policy and Planning
Department of the Ministry of Defense of Mongolia, Brigadier General
D.Bayarsaikhan will be leading a battalion with over 5,000 soldiers and
military officers of five countries.
Before departing to the warzone in South
Sudan, Brigadier General D.Bayarsaikhan gave an interview.
Congratulation on being selected as a
regional commander for the UNMISS. What sorts of hurdled did you overcome to
get to this position?
Thank you. I’m
glad that I reached every general’s dream. I was proud of myself for passing
the test. I participated in the interview for choosing regional commanders last
August. The main criterion was English language skills. It was important to be
able to communicate well with high English language proficiency with
international soldiers. The examiners must have considered my previous
experience in peacekeeping missions. The UN Department for Peacekeeping
Operations notified that I met the requirement for the position of regional
commander on September 26.
You will be departing to a warzone from a
peaceful country. Mentally, how prepared are you?
A military
officer must be prepared for any situation. I participated in international
military training courses several times. There probably will not be any issues
as war and peacekeeping operations are planned the same way. The main issue I’m
worried about is that the infrastructure in South Sudan is problematic and
challenging. Infrastructure issues cause problems for rear and food supply.
Rear supply is brought with helicopters. Two helicopters were destroyed because
some good-for-nothings shot them.
As a regional commander, will you be
working to give more opportunities to Mongolian soldiers?
Apart from
Mongolian military officers, I will be commanding over 5,000 officers from
India, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Rwanda. In a headquarter with ten members, there
can’t be five Mongolians together. Soldiers from other countries must
also be given opportunities. Nevertheless, I do want to grant more working
places to Mongolian officers.
In peacekeeping operations, how do
Mongolian soldiers differ from others? Is there any specific characteristics?
Mongolian
soldiers are enduring and obedient but very timid. They don’t express their
thoughts and are reserved. After operations, soldiers from India and other
countries take photographs and spread it on the internet but Mongolian soldiers
don’t make any fuss or take photos. Commanders who’ve led the mission
compliment and give good assessments to us. Despite working in difficult
conditions, our soldiers do not get discouraged.
Where were you born and how did your
military career start?
In my opinion,
I think I am from every part of Mongolia. My parents are from Bayanchandmani
soum in Tuv Province and I’m from Ulaan Khuaran (a military barracks) in
Ulaanbaatar. When I was young, my family and I moved to the capital city after
living in Dornod Province for a year. We moved again because my parents got a
job at a military base in Zuunbayan soum, Dornogovi Province. I’ve moved a lot
so I consider every soum and province of Mongolia as my birth place.
I finished high
school in central Dornogovi Province. At the time children graduating with
excellent grades were sent to Russian military schools. Colonel wanted to send
me to a military school but I rejected the offer because I wasn’t interested in
becoming a military person. When I phoned my parents in Zuunbayan soum and informed
them of this news, my mother came and almost forcefully sent me to study at the
Penza Artillery Engineering Institute in Russia. I’m content with my destiny
despite being forcefully sent. My parents guided me to the correct path. Since
I was interested in football, I rebelled so much to enter the sports class of
the Mongolian University of Education and Teacher Training Institute to become
a P.E. teacher. Sometimes I wonder what I would’ve been doing if I had become a
P.E. teacher.
Since both of your parents were working in
the military, you must’ve spent your childhood in a military environment?
My father
didn’t receive higher education but worked as the head of an autotechnics
department. At the time, only people who graduated an officer’s course were
able to get promoted to this position. My mother was a senior military doctor.
My childhood revolved around military barracks and I frequently followed my
parents on their appointments.
Can you tell us about your family? Will you
urge your children to follow a military career?
I live with my
wife, son and daughter. My wife is a geochemist. We have one granddaughter.
I’ve never thought of making my son a soldier.
Military officers are said to often neglect
their family. How caring are you as a father?
I’m probably
not so much of a good father. My children had grown up in the blink of an eye.
Military people have to work all day. We leave early in the morning while our
children are sleeping and come home when they’ve gone to bed.
You’ve studied and worked in 14 countries.
It must be difficult to be away from your family?
Since I can’t
take them with me, I miss them very much. When people become older, more than
family, they begin to miss their homeland. I only wish to return to Mongolia
even if it’s dusty and full of smoke. After six months, I will return to
Mongolia. No matter how wonderful foreign countries are, how could it possibly
be better than my homeland? Not all foreign countries are great. Some
countries’ development is as poor as Mongolia’s development in 1921. When I get
off of planes in Mongolia, I breathe much better with the taste of my home
country’s air.
As the supervisor of peacekeepers G.Azzaya
and Sh.Sambuu-Yondon, who successfully stopped a suicide attack at Charlie base
in February 18, 2004, can you tell us about the situation at the time?
A truck
containing a bomb infiltrated our base. There was an explosion outside the
fence and the truck with the bomb was planning to enter through a gap between
collapsed fences. However, it was miscalculated. They must have thought
G.Azzaya would’ve been shocked and unable to shoot when the tower collapsed
during the first explosion. Although she was able to eliminate the suicide
bomber in the truck as soon as it entered into the base, an explosion occurred.
No one from our base died but a building next to our fence was destroyed and 11
people lost their lives. Polish peacekeepers were assigned to fix the
building and we headed to our next mission. At the time, there wasn’t a more
difficult or happier day. Our soldiers were able to fulfill their duties and
save many lives. It would’ve been a disaster if the large amount of explosives
had exploded. Some soldiers faced mental changes because of explosions.
How does one get promoted to a Brigadier
General?
I was granted
the title in 2010. Since graduating Penza Artillery Engineering Institute in
Russia, I returned to Mongolia and have been working in the armed force. I
furthered my education by studying at the United States Army Command and
General Staff College in 1995 and Netherlands’ training course for peacekeepers
and election observers in 1997. I worked as a military university instructor as
well as a defense attache for the Mongolian Embassy to the USA.
As a diligent worker in the armed force
sector, is there anything you wish to change?
I wish for
Mongolia’s armed forces to expand and develop. If more people fulfill their
military duties, the number of spoilt and undisciplined children will drop.
People who’ve served their military duties learn the weight of words, to
respect and to love. There’s an understanding that serving in the military for
a year is a waste of time in the society. By carrying out military duties,
young men develop their body and heal their mentality. Getting pushed around in
the military is a matter that depends on the individual. If they’re capable and
skilled, they will not be pushed around.
Higher military officers give off a very
intimidating impression but you don’t seem to give that impression?
People said
that they thought I was a very stern and angry person. I don’t see why I
have to be angry. Obviously, since I work with military personnel, I have to be
principled and direct.
What is your main principle in life?
To be a man of
integrity. When words like integrity and justice are said too often, it becomes
hollow as if it’s evaporating into thin air. Talking about integrity and
actually treating things with integrity are two different things. For instance,
a soldier must absolutely obey their commander’s orders. If a person is dying
while they carry out the order, they’ll have to help that person. Issues
related to people’s lives are more important. It’s pointless to absolutely obey
laws and regulations that are nothing compared to a person’s life.
Also, when a
car in front suddenly hits the breaks and another car behind it collides into
it, the driver of the car behind is put at fault. Is this just? I only try to
be fair and just to the society.
Source:
http://mongolnews.mn/1c2t
Mongolian
sumo wrestler stars in One Direction music video
By B. Tungalag
October 22 (UB
Post) Mongolian sumo wrestler U.Byambajav stared in a music video named “Steal
My Girl” of the UK band One Direction.
In the music
video, U.Byambajav wrestles Zayn Malik, member of One Direction, in a desert in
Los Angeles.
U.Byambajav
played in over 100 commercial and was previously cast in Hollywood movies such
as “Ocean’s 13”.
The sumo is a
citizen of Carson City, California.
Mongolia
takes four medals at Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games
By B. Baatar
October 22 (UB
Post) On the first day of the Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games, Mongolian shooter
Z.Ganbaatar won a bronze medal in the men’s 50m-pistol event, scoring 162.9
points.
Iranian and
Chinese athletes captured gold and silver medals in the men’s 50 m-pistol.
Mongolian
judoka B.Uugankhuu scraped a silver medal in the men’s 60 kg contest on October
20, Day 2 to of the Incheon Para Games. He defeated opponents from Tajikistan,
Kazakhstan, and Iran in the preliminary and semi-final.
At the final
match, he lost to Uzbekistan judoka and defeated South Korean and Chinese
athletes.
On the same
day, A.Munkhbat won bronze in the men’s 66 kg judo event and B.Bolortungalag
took bronze in the women’s 48 kg contest.
Mongolia has
sent a team of 61 athletes to the Asian Para Games who are competing in nine
categories.
The Incheon
Asia Para Games will end on October 24.
‘Ungoverned
Governance’ political art solo exhibition
By B. Narantuya
October 22 (UB
Post) The opening of the “Ungoverned Governance”, U.Narbayasgalan’s first solo
exhibition, took place at Red Ger Art Gallery on October 20, showcasing work
with a political theme.
He graduated
from the Mongolian University of Arts and Culture in 2004, majoring in fine
arts. He has been working as a professional artist since 2009, and in 2012 he
collaborated with the artist Naidandorj on a joint exhibition called “4×1”.
Their joint exhibition of political art was presented during that year’s
elections.
“Ungoverned
Governance” features about 15 works, including paintings, installations, mixed
media pieces and some photo installations. All of the paintings are oil on
canvas.
During the
exhibition, U.Narbayasgalan spoke with the UB Post about his show, saying, “I
generally paint under the theme of politics and my solo exhibition is related
to that… Through my work I wanted to express my feelings on how unfair,
neglected and poorly united governance is.”
He also spoke
about one work in particular that stands out among his paintings: “As any
exhibition has its beginning and concluding work, my piece called ‘UN-JOINING’
is the beginning. Through this work, animals are depicted as unhealthy,
poisoned by nuclear waste. When a society makes a big change, it is very hard
and complicated to go through, and it takes many years. As a result, it affects
its citizens and they suffer. This is the meaning of that work.”
Other work in
the exhibition looks at environmental pollution that has taken place in
Mongolia, and the negative effects of water and air pollution.
U.Narbayasgalan’s
art challenges its viewers, but has deep meaning where some truth lies. He
expressed his opinion and his view of governance in a very strong and
interesting way. The exhibition is on view through October 31 at Red Ger Art
Gallery.
Where
are the men?
October 22 (UB
Post) They can be found nowhere on the campuses, service shops, and in the
education and healthcare fields, or press and media organizations. A few of
them can be seen at Narantuul Market. Where are they?
The population
of Mongolia is 2.9 million, of which 1.4 million are men. According to this
ratio, there is no big difference between gender relations. Unfortunately, in
high school, with the exception of physical education, almost all other
subjects are taught by female teachers. In the field of healthcare, men are
very rarely found. According to the latest statistics, in healthcare
organizations 36,000 of 45,000 workers are women.
Last year,
174,000 students graduated from local universities, and over 100,000 graduates
were women. A total of 21,000 people earned master’s and doctoral degrees, one
third of whom were men. It is an increased number of men who sought higher
education compared to previous years. In high school, the ratio between female
and male students has almost no gap. But what is the problem behind men
becoming less likely to earn degrees in the future: Mongolians say that for men
it is not that necessary to pursue education because they can handle life, no
matter what. This may be one reason. On the other hand, the reason may be the
laziness and the lack of hardworking character among men.
Nowadays, about
100,000 Mongolians work and live in foreign countries, more than half of them
are men. Most of them live and work in South Korea, where 30,000 Mongolians
work and live. In the USA there are about 20,000, and in the Czech Republic
there are about 5,000 Mongols. Among the people who go to foreign countries,
only one or two out of 20 Mongols are women. Dedicating their youth, labor and
their education to foreigners, there are still people who come back home with
nothing.
So, some men go
to foreign countries, but where are the others? Hard to say, but many are in
prison. There are 22,000 people who committed crimes, and 19,000 were men,
mostly between the ages of 18 to 29. At the moment, there are 25 prisons. Since
crime is rising instead of decreasing, we may need more prisons.
There are
81,000 moms who raise their children by themselves. Where did these fathers go?
It is very sad that many of them left their wives and children. A girl from
Bayankhongor aimag wrote, “I don’t want to be with my father. I study in fifth
grade. I would like to tell my dad, please do not drink alcohol. If you stop,
mom and I would feel good. To drink without working will not lead to good
things. My mom does everything by herself.” How many other kids want their
fathers to come back home?
Family expert
and Dr. T.Namjil said that by conducting research on family issues it has been
shown that men tend to be discriminated against in the family because of the idea
that fathers are the only ones who earn money. Fathers who work in foreign
countries and are not able to be with their children can become distant from
their families. In a survey of 200 general education school students, 69
percent answered “a father must have time to play with his kids”, and 84.5
percent said, “a father must take care of his children and play his role in
raising kids”.
At this point,
what kids really want from their father looks really simple. Walking on the
streets of Ulaanbaatar, we become familiar with people who look “bad” and
“poor”. These men must begin to live differently.
There are 1.2
million people who are between the ages of 20 to 44, and 625,000 of them are
men. Last year, a survey showed that 42.7 thousand men were unemployed. Some of
them are drunk in the streets and some of them have nothing to do. Where are
the real Mongol men?
Of course,
there are numbers of men who have made the country famous, such as athletes,
peacekeepers, soldiers, scientists, doctors and politicians, of whom we will
always be proud. A Mongolian saying suggests, “For the woman is the husband;
for the family is the father; for the country, the men are the most important
people of the nation.” Where are the men who will lead the country, as well as their
lives?
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