Former foreign minister warns Mongolia should not take sides during global polarization

When questioned if Mongolia will join Shanghai Cooperation Organization during its regular summit in China next month, Gombojav Tserenpil, who served as foreign minister between 1988-1996 said there is no need for that.

Former Minister said new type of “Cold war” has began today and world has become polarized and many hot spots has emerged, trade wars expanded its scope and emphasized Mongolia needs to pursue non-alignment and multi-pillar policy based on current key foreign relations documents.

He understands SCO as a coalition that opposes US domination, however, India and Pakistan joining SCO made the SCO more confusing. He said four out of eight members of SCO has nuclear weapons and four are Muslim countries which have common problems of terrorism, extremism, separatism.

He put forward question “ what will Mongolia gain by joining SCO?”.

-We must be able to answer this question. Will our security improve?  Will our international reputation increase?  Will there be new development source?

However, former Minister said he himself can’t give positive answers to this question. Mongolia has political and bilateral cooperation agreement with all members of the SCO. These agreements contain clauses on jointly fighting against human trafficking, terrorism and narcotic transportation. 

Therefore, it is not really necessary for Mongolia to join the SCO as it is possible for Mongolia to cooperate with SCO as observer. Not joining SCO is not about distrusting or isolating from our two immediate neighbors as this is proven by scope of our current cooperation.

In nutshell, Mongolia should not abandon its third neighbor policy and should not take sides in polarized world, according to former foreign Minister.

Source:itoim.mn (Mongolian news portal)

Read More

Mongolian girl singing 1930s Walt Disney classic "Somewhere over the rainbow"

9 year old Bulgantamir Ganbat studies in 4th grade of secondary school in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She likes to sing. This time she she sung "Somewhere over the rainbow" for school graduates. 

Hope you like little Mongolian girl singing "Somewhere over the rainbow".

Read More

What is the status of Mongolian government negotiation with IMF?

We received e-mails from some readers asking latest about ongoing negotiation between Mongolian government and IMF Team started since Jan 31, 2017.

As far as we understand and reported in local news media, Minister of Finance Choijilsuren is heading Mongolian side in the negotiation.

Currently, Mongolia is negotiating the terms of aid package offered by IMF. According to IMF, Mongolia have choice: it can select either Standby Arrangement or Standby Credit Facility. 

Development bank of Mongolia set aside $ 200 million dollars towards repayment of $ 580 million dollars Euro Bond loan due in March 21. Officials of Mongolbank, central bank and PM Erdenebat repeatedly reiterated that Mongolia can and will pay the loan on time, fully, despite the fact it is short of $ 380 mill dollars to pay the loan. 

Deal between IMF and Gov't is expected to be disclosed for public by Feb 15, that's next Wednesday. Previously, Gov't asked for loan from Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, Gulf Countries and Russia refused and Gulf countries diplomatically said they will consider the request. 

Dalai Lama's visit in Nov, last year interrupted normal relationship of Mongolia and China including the loan talk. However, recently, China signaled it can help Mongolia during its times of need. Vice director of Development bank of Mongolia confirmed that loan talk with China resumed. 

Government said it received positive responses from Japan and South Korea regarding loan request. 

Our take is even if deal with IMF is not reached, Government will be able to repay the Euro Bond loan this time and no default or near default situation will emerge.

It seems, all officials at Mongolbank and government unanimously agree that the Euro bond loan default will send most negative signal to international investors about Mongolian economic potential and must be prevented at any cost. 

Given the interest of those readers, we will update about status of IMF and Government negotiation.

Read More

We are on facebook

Dear our readers,

We are finally on the facebook. Check out our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mongolianviews/

We just started our presence on facebook and working on to improve it. Hope you will visit and like it.

MonInfo News service

Read More

Merry Christmas to all our readers from Mongolianviews.blogspot

Dear our readers,

We at Mongolianviews.blogspot.com would like to wish our readers around the world a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Шинэ жилийн мэндийг хүргэе!

Read More

President Elbegdorj heads to Sochi, Russia to participate in the winter olympics

President of Mongolia, Elbegdorj Tsakhia flew to Sochi, Russia today to take part in the opening of the winter olympic game.This is first time winter olympic game is being organized in close proximity to Mongolia.

2 Mongolian athletes, B.Byambadorj, Ch.Otgontsetseg under instruction of coach D.Battulga will participate  in ski and skating competitions of the Sochi Olympic game. 

Russia is eternal neighbor of Mongolia and Mongolia is supportive of Russia hosting the winter olympic game in its soil. 

Participation of President Elbegdorj in the opening of Sochi Olympic game will bring  Mongolia and Russia more closer and contribute to strengthening of the bilateral relations.

Editorial of the MonInfo news service.

Read More

We are back! MonInfo news services......

Dear readers,

It's been sometime since we stopped  updating  our news site/blog site. We failed to develop a proper website. The few staff of the MonInfo news services company were pursuing their own interest and life. 

You know how it is. Paid work and family and kids....

Now, from these people,  Shagai and Ganbat have decided to re-launch our news work and regularly update the news service and eventually turn it into a self-financing independent news, information company. 

So, stay tuned to mongolianviews.com and MonInfo news services....

MonInfo news services 

Read More

Berkh Uul JSC (mse:BEU) Completes 1,700 Meter Drilling Program

ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, Jan 19, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Berkh Uul JSC (mse:BEU) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its 1,700 meter drilling program at the Delgerkhaan fluorspar deposit. The goal of the drilling program was to verify prior drilling data, enabling the registration of reserves with Mongolian authorities at MRAM. The drilling data will also be used to prepare a NI 43-101 compliant resource report.

The drilling has intersected the previous veins established by the historic data, which was based on drilling by Russians in the 1960s. MRAM compliant resource report will be prepared by a local consulting company, while an Australian-based mining consultant, Micromine, has been engaged to prepare the NI 43-101 report. Management anticipates that the report will produce a resource estimate in line with the historical drilling.

Berkh Uul JSC (mse:BEU) is a diversified Mongolian mining and exploration company listed on the Mongolian Stock Exchange and is one of the companies used to calculate the MSE Top 20 Index. Berkh Uul JSC's primary asset is the Delgerkhaan fluorspar deposit. Berkh Uul JSC is controlled by funds managed by affiliates of Firebird Management LLC, a New York-based private equity and hedge fund management company.

Source:marketwatch.com

Read More

From Mongolianviews.com staff: Happy New Year and Update

Dear Readers of Mongolianviews.com

Happy New Year to all of  you and thank you for your continued support for our news and information work.

Lately, we are not regularly updating the mongolianviews.com due to our busy schedule and other works. We want you to know that we are working to set up proper news portal site and continue our news and media services. 

Thank you for sticking with us and we are looking to a great 2012 with our proper website? 

Sincerely

Staff of Mongolianviews.com

Read More

Mongolia and Great Patriotic War of Soviet Union

Today is the eve of the Victory day of Great Patriotic War celebrated on 9 May, every year. Many people today don’t know that Mongolian People’s Republic was the only ally of Soviet Union when Nazi Germany attacked it on June 22, 1941.
Since first day of the war, Mongolian Government announced its intention to support war effort of the Soviets and mobilized all resources for this end. Millions of warm animal skin clothes, horses were sent to the Front. Mongolian herders donated their best horses for the Soviet cavalry. One herder woman of Uvs province was named “Front” Badam as she donated more than half of her meager sized herds for the war. Soviets formed tank brigade “Revolutionary Mongolia” with the fund of Mongolia.
In 1942, Mongolian representatives first time visited Soviet troops on frontlines. Mongolian cadets studying in Soviet military schools joined the Soviet troops and demonstrated bravery and were received honorary medals. Thousands of ethnic Mongolians, residents of Buryat, Tuva, Kalmyk Republics and Siberia fought as snipers in the Red army using their sharpshooting skills. Whole battalions of Red Army comprised of ethnic Mongolian soldiers fought so brave and wildly, Germans feared to confront them in battles.
Mongolian faces can be seen in many war time photos of the Soviet troops. Mongolian assistance to the Soviets continued until the war was over in 1945. After the war, Stalin sent official letter to Mongolian government thanking for its war-time effort.
Mongolia remains one of the few countries of former communist bloc countries where historical monuments for Soviets soldiers remains untouched and respected dearly. It was Red army detachments that helped Mongolian nationalists to liberate the country from Chinese warlords and Russian White Guards in 1921. It was Red Army that beat back Japanese militarists that attempted to invade Mongolia in 1939 in Khalkhin-Gol.

Eternal Glory to the millions of fallen Red Army soldiers which crushed the Nazi Germany. We, Mongolians are proud that Mongolia contributed its share to the fight against the Evil. Congratulations to the Russian people and millions of war veterans on the occasions of the celebration of Great Patriotic War.

By Ganbat, editor of MonInfo News service

Read More

Musings of a Mongolian woman: Personal Space

It is uncommon concept in Mongolia, to have a personal space (both physical and mental) and time. From the childhood, we live very close with our families. We share the rooms, toys, and even clothes. For example, I had to share my room and toys with my younger brother. I had to wear (in deficient times) some clothes descended from my uncles, which was very degrading, but our family had no other choice.


After several years of study abroad, I long for my personal space and quality time. In western culture, you are allowed to have that, but here at home, I am suffocating. I am nauseating from intrusion of my family members, friends, relatives, and even strangers into my life, my space, and my time. Is there any cure? I do not think that currently there is any cure, except to single out oneself from the people. Whenever, I try to single out myself into the symphony of loneliness, people see me as egocentric, inconsiderate of others, bizarre, unfriendly, and even rude. Isn’t it ironic? (Reminds me of a song “Ironic” by Alanis Morrissete) All I seek is little time and space, just to myself.

It is ironic that as a result to my search of “personal space” on Wikipedia, I find this passage “Personal space is highly variable. Those who live in a densely populated environment tend to have smaller personal space requirements. Thus, a resident of India may have a smaller personal space than someone who is home on the Mongolian steppe, both in regard to home and individual.” I guess they are trying to explain about the physical space between individuals and their habitat. However, what I am trying to say is that there is more to personal space than just physical aspects of it. I long for quiet quality time to read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, or just be lazy, without any intrusion. Is it that much to ask?


Like the movie title “Free Willie,” I want to say FREE VICA! Keke

By Tuya, contributor of the Mongolianviews.com

Read More

Musings of a Mongolian woman: Any place in UB to spend my free time?

Tuya is a young Mongolian woman living and working in Ulaanbaatar,capital of Mongolia also known as UB. We asked her to contribute to www.mongolianviews.com and here is her first musing on life in UB.

Any place in UB to spend my free time?

As many young UB residents, from time to time, I seek places to spend my evening time. I prefer places that are not crowded and loud, less smoke and with healthy activities.

Choice 1. Bars, pubs
If you like to chit chat with your friends over beer, it would be perfect place. Depending on the location and status of the premises, prices of meals and drinks differ. However, it does not matter if you are in fancy pub or just small bar, you will drink and smoke and chat, about eternal subjects, love, life, politics, and news. Personally, I get bored with such choice easily, as this does not add any positive attributes to me. Probably, harshly said, just waste of time. But I do go out with my friends and colleagues from time to time to pubs and bars, where we "have fun."

Choice 2. Movie theater
Tengis is only decent cinema, as fas I know. Most of the times, they show Korean movies or "modern" Mongolian movies, both with I do not admire. I wish UB had one or two more theater, where they show something alternative to Tengis. I wish that I could see something worthwhile, and be in "healthy and clean" environment.

Choice 3. Pool & Billiards
Again this place is crowded and filled with smell of beer and cigarettes. If you cannot play pool, you just got to sit there and smile at your friends, while they have fun shooting pool. Most places, which are reasonably priced, do not have adequate health and service standards.

Choice 4. Karaoke
Well, if you can sing, this is perfect place to spend your time. As most Mongolians, when you have a drink or two, the hidden talent shines. The song choices are limited to few Mongolian, Russian and English songs. It is hard to imagine why, but most karaokes have plenty of Chinese, Korean and Indonesian songs!

Choice 5. Disco clubs
Well, if you are able to spend a little bit more and get out at night. This is place to shake your stress away. In recent years, this have become the "dating ground" for young people. As I have observed, most people go there to meet people, not just dance and have fun. In many places you can see that old, "business" men sit on the tables around the dance floor and young pretty girls do their best to get their attention by showing what they can do on the dance floor. Seems very pathetic to me. One more observation is that Mongolians like to "judge" people. If you not dressed good enough, or you're not "standard" size, you are looked upon in the clubs.

Few places have closed down. For example, bowling alleys.

So, I'm left with few choices to spend my time! Any good suggestions?

By Tuya, the Mongolian woman

Read More

About alleged Chinese and Mongolian spy wanting to stay in Canada for fear of persecution

Photo: Gankhuyag Bumuutseren is seen here, highlighted, at a meeting of the Inner Mongolian Peoples Party in the U.S. Mr. Bumuutseren infiltrated the group for the Chinese intelligence agencies in order to monitor its members and their activities.

National Post newspaper of Canada just run a story on a Mongolian man allegedly spied for China. The man disclosed this as he was desperately seeking a way to stay in Canada. According to the story, " hours before
the Canada Border Services Agency was scheduled to deport Gankhuyag Bumuutseren for espionage, he sought sanctuary in St.James Anglican church in Etibicoke."

Bumuutseren said he was spying for China for eight years in Mongolia as well in the USA.Allegedly, he was collecting information about dissident Inner Mongolians staying in Mongolia. It also turns out that he was also collecting information for Mongolian intelligence services on Chinese intelligence and army and Tibetan, Kazakh and Inner Mongolian activists.

While this sounds like a good spy novel, it is very likely fake. Why would Chinese recruit a psychologist and vegetable vendor while there are many other half Chinese and half Mongolian people holding Mongolian passports. Mongolia has visa free regime with China and easy to travel back and forth bewteen China and Mongolia.It would not be hard for both secret services to recruit agents from thousands of Mongolians crossing the border everyday.

Many Mongolians in the West, wanting to get right to stay , make up stories and pretend as they are political or gay rights activists facing persecution back home. Nothing new and surprising about this. This time, economic refugee claims he is a Chinese spy.
It is very likely that there are many Chinese spies in Mongolia.Recently, Mongolian Central Intelligence Agency issued statement saying foreign intelligence activity in Mongolia has intensified and the agency expelled 4 or 5 foreign nationals spying on territory of Mongolia.This guy's story makes Chinese and Mongolian secret services as dumb and stupid.

Why would Mongolian secret service use vegetable vendor as agent? Why he did not face criminal charge of "treason" in Mongolia if he was truly Chinese spy?
Looks like the guy prepared for this show for a long time.He got close with Inner Mongolian People's Party and had his picture taken with them and even knows them personally.

Surely, this is interesting and we'll see where this will lead to?

By research unit of MonInfo News Service

Read More

Editorial: Mongolia celebrates 20th anniversary of Democratic Revolution

Exactly 20 years ago, young Mongolians started to discuss about need of change in Mongolian social and political life. That is how the democratic revolution started and changed political and social landscape in the country.The need was much felt among young generation.During Young Creative Workers National Conference on Dec 10, 1989, several young people including Elbegdorj Takhia, current President questioned social and political path Mongolia has been on last 70 years and authority of powerful MPRP and state leaders.

It was hard to distinguish between MPRP and Government as both merged into one-all powerful machine that run the country efficiently under Soviet instruction. Chairman of the Party was also Chairman of Council of Ministers.

Peaceful gatherings of thousands of people and eventual hunger strike in Sukhbaatar square of Ulaanbaatar by Democratic leaders forced the powerful Political Bureau of Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party to resign.Many supported the Revolution of the White-Horse Year (1990). Demonstrations broke up in Darkhan, Erdenet and Khovsgol and Selenge aimag centers. Unlike the bloody confrontations between street protesters and security forces in Romania, Mongolian security forces did not act against their own people. Mongolian Government and ruling MPRP leaders generally recognized that they can not go against the wind of Perestroika (Restructuring) and social reform. Mongolia must catch up with rest of the Eastern Bloc countries by throwing social reform and change.

Many enthusiastically participated in the revolution despite being ignorant about market economy and democracy. The old, bureacratic leaders of the party and state must go was the rallying cry.

After the constitution was amended allowing multi-party system and organization of first free parliamentary election in 1990, many people felt what society Mongolia is heading to. Soviet aid and subsidy stopped. Grocery shelves became practically empty. Food was rationed through monthly food coupons.Privatization of state assets started. Unemployment soared as state plant and factories closed. Many felt nostalgia for good old times of Communism where everything was provided by state. That will be another topic though.

The democratic revolution of 1990s brought freedom of expression, religious freedom and economic freedom. Mongolians proved once again we are pragmatic people who can adapt and live with changing trends and social condition.

President Elbegdorj awarded many veterans of Democratic Revolution today. Bat-Uul Erdene, Democratic legislator was awarded with title of Labor Hero.I still vividly remember very Russian looking-bearded man who came to my native aimag Selenge in March of 1990. Straight from train station he came to central square of Sukhbaatar city to meet with gathered people who waited for him in the middle of night. He explained to the people about what is happening in Ulaanbaatar and need for change.The man's name was Zorig Sanjaasuren, one of founders of Democratic movement in Mongolia.

Kudos to thousands of ordinary Mongolians who took to the streets in 1990s and pressed for social change and the political leaders who realized needs of times.

By Ganbat, Editor of MonInfo News Service

Read More

Editorial of the Mongolianviews: Will Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto really pay 68% windfall profits tax?

According to the Minister of Finance Bayartsogt Sangajav, the miners agreed to pay all taxation of Mongolia including the controversial windfall profits tax. The minister added that the windfall profits tax law fulfilled its role and now it is time to move on and abolish the tax.
How many taxes are there in Mongolia?
There are Corporate tax, Customs duty (tax percent will depend on type of import), value added tax (ten percent), Excise tax, Mineral Royalty (five percent) and Mining license fee, Real Estate Tax, Water Tax, Land Use fee.Highest tax is Corporate tax which is twenty five percent.
According to Mongolian Corporate tax law passed in 2006, "taxable income of 0-3.0 billion Tugrigs is taxed at the rate of ten percent and any income exceeding 3 billion Tugrigs, it it 300 million Tugrigs plus twenty five percent tax.
Production of the Oyu Tolgoi mine will not start at least five or six years until mining infrastructure building is completed. That will be over Jan 1, 2011 when the Windfall Profits tax law is expected to be abolished.
It is very likely that the miners will not pay the windfal tax as production of the Oyu Tolgoi mine might begin by 2015. It is also questionable if the Khural will agree with this scenario and abolish the tax until the tax is substituted with other taxes or increased Royalty tax rate.
We will wait and see when the Khural starts by next week?

Read More