MPs close doors to media

Journalists protest closed standing committee meetings

On December 30, 2010, the Law on Procedure of Parliamentary Session was amended to exclude the attendance of journalists at Parliamentary standing committee and sub-standing committee meetings. The amendment in the law says that: “...only the composition of the working group, staff members of party and factions groups, staff members of the Office of Parliament and advisors and assistants to MPs who took part in working out an issue in discussion, can attend all open meetings, except for plenary meetings of Parliament.” It made parliamentary journalists unable to attend meetings of standing committees beginning January, 2011.

MPs who initiated this amendment called a press conference at which MP J. Sukhbaatar said, “A new clause was inserted in the law, saying “reports on meetings of Standing committees, sub-committees, factions and working groups may be given in a special room by a representative of the meeting”.

This clause does not violate the right  Federation expressed its support for the journalists protest. Acting President of MJF and director of MONTSAME News Agency T. Baasansuren said, “Our country forms a democratic society. A democratic society is an open society. Journalists’ organizations and journalists of the fourth governance have an important role to establish in this open society. MJF which comprises of over 3000 journalists is pleased for establishment of APJ last year. It is believed that establishment of journalism groups through sectors and professions will be helpful to strengthen the fourth governance and develop free press.

In connection with the clause included in the Law on Procedure of Parliamentary Session about restricting journalists to access information, APJ expressed its protest and addressed the President. MJF supports it. The fundamental profession that the President majored in is journalism; therefore, he may identify more with

problems of journalists. We believe he will veto the clause. MJF requests MPs reconsider this clause.”

source: 'The Mongol Messenger' newspaper

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Cosmo Mongolia — Why not? Louis Vuitton just opened a store in Ulan Bator

Above, the inaugural (December 2010) issue.

From Jeremy W. Peters' item in yesterday's New York Times:

.........................

Coming to a newsstand most likely not near you: Cosmo Mongolia.

Cosmopolitan, which has been helping women all over the world unlock the secrets to better sex, tighter tushes and the enigmatic male psyche for four decades, will begin to sell a Mongolia edition this week.

Copies will cost 7,000 Mongolian tugriks an issue, or about $6.50.

The first issue includes a history of the magazine and its advocacy for women’s rights, an introduction to its modern founder, Helen Gurley Brown, and a cover featuring Nicole Scherzinger, a member of the pop group Pussycat Dolls.

The magazine, with a print run of 7,000 copies, will be edited and published in the capital, Ulan Bator.

Duncan Edwards, chief executive of Hearst Magazines International, said... the said the idea to start a Mongolian edition came to him over dinner one night when an executive from Louis Vuitton told him the company had just opened a store in Ulan Bator [below].

“It is relatively small in terms of population, but a country that has the potential to grow dramatically in terms of its wealth over the next few years,” Mr. Edwards said.

Cosmopolitan is a powerhouse of an international brand. The Mongolian edition will be its 61st edited and sold in a foreign country. In Asia, the magazine is already sold in China and Vietnam.

International editions are not without potential complications. Cosmopolitan editors have to be careful in many countries to tone down some of the more explicit sexual content that is common in Western editions. And because Cosmopolitan is published in many languages, editors at Hearst can never be certain what exactly is appearing in their magazines. But they monitor what they can.

“We don’t have the ability to read every edition in every language,” Mr. Edwards said. “We select editions from time to time and have sections translated.”

After Mongolia, could Cosmo Turkmenistan be far off? Possibly. “We are looking at countries in Central Asia,” Mr. Edwards said. But not every country is a good fit, he acknowledged. “Pakistan is probably difficult. But we do publish in countries that are predominantly Muslim. There’s Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey. And we do fine.”
source: http://www.bookofjoe.com

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Mongolia closer to anti land-mine Convention membership

Jordan’s Prince Mired Bin Raad
Al-Hussein

Jordan’s Royal Highness Prince Mired Bin Raad Al-Hussein of Jordan is encouraging Mongolia to accelerate its progress toward membership in the international treaty banning antipersonnel mines, and to destroy its existing inventory of these weapons.

As the Special Envoy on the Universalization of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention, he promotes acceptance of the 1997 Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, stockpiling Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines – the so-called “Ottawa Convention”. He served as President of the Eighth Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention in November 2007. Since 2004, he has Chaired Jordan’s National Committee for De-mining and Rehabilitation. From 2000 he served as President of the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers and Vice President of the Higher Council for Persons with Disabilities. He has extensive military experience completing the Graduate Officers Course in Military Studies and Officer Training at the British Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in 1990, preceded by two years of military conscription to the Jordanian Armed Forces (1987 – 1989). He followed this with further service to the Jordanian Armed Forces as Special Forces Officer (1990-1991) and as a Military Intelligence Officer (1991- 1994). From 1995 to 1997 he served as Security and Intelligence Officer with Jordanian Security (1995–1997).

Prince Mired Bin Raad Al-Hussein meeting Prime Minister S.Batbold

Prince Mired holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and History and a Master of Arts in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Tufts University in the USA. He also holds a Masters of Philosophy Degree in Historical Studies from the University of Cambridge, England. Prince Mired Bin Raad Al-Hussein visited Ulaanbaatar from October 2 to 6 in his capacity as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention’s President’s Special Envoy on the Universalization of the Convention. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassy of Canada hosted the visit.
During his visit, his Highness met Prime Minister S. Batbold; Deputy Foreign Minister B. Bolor; Member of Parliament Z. Enkhbold; Chairperson of the Standing committee on Foreign Policy and Security, Major General Ts. Byambajav; Chief of General staff, D. Baatarjav and the President of the Mongolian Disabled Citizen’s Association and visited the military unit to see Mongolia’s stockpiles of anti-personnel mines.
On October 4, Deputy Foreign Minister B. Bolor met His Highness and told him Mongolia supports the Ottawa Convention’s goals and principles and expressed his hope that Mongolia could join the convention. He said that the Convention’s sympathetic goals and main principles meet Mongolia’s foreign policy ideology declared to ensure its national security with political and diplomatic means so the country supported the treaty. Mr Bolor also identified the problems faced by Mongolia in joining the Convention.
On October 5, Prime Minister S. Batbold met the Prince and stressed Mongolia reaffirmed its willingness to join the Ottawa Treaty during the 65th Session of the UN General Assembly during his official visit to Canada. He said, “Friendly bilateral cooperation between our countries has been developing successfully since 1981, when diplomatic ties were established.
Additionally, the two countries have been cooperating and supporting each within the frame of the UN and international organizations.” Mr Batbold thanked the Government of Jordan for supporting Mongolia by nominating it in the election of United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) 2010-2011.
Before his departure, the Prince was interviewed by The Mongol Messenger Editor -in-Chief, Borkhondoin Indra :
MM: This your first visit to Mongolia? What is the priority issue for you?
PM: Yes. It’s the first time .The reason that I have come to Mongolia is in regard to the Anti Personnel Mine Ban Convention, also called the Ottawa Convention. Three years ago I was president of the convention for one year.(it is rotating presidency). This year the President of the Convention, a Norwegian diplomat, Susan Eckey, asked me to be the special envoyambassador for the Convention to promote Universalization of the Convention and that’s why I‘m here in Mongolia. Mongolia has not yet been accepted to the Convention so my goal was to meet Mongolian officials to try to see if there was a possibility for Mongolia to accede to the Convention. I am very hopeful and we look forward to that day.
MM: What results you did you hope for from this visit?
PM: I think the meetings went very well. I was pleased to see that Mongolia’s commitment to accede to the Convention is real and I am hopeful that Mongolia will be able to join the Convention soon. Mongolia does not have land mine problem in the ground – it has a stockpile problem and will have to deal with it. For Mongolia, it’s a challenge that is much easier to address than in other land mine-affected countries.
MM: You say it’s easier to address compared to another countries–is this because we only have a stockpile problem?
PM: Easier, I mean compared with counties that have land mines underground because those countries have to take the mines out of the ground. It is much more difficult to de-mine large areas and very difficult, very costly. You need much more money, more expertise. To destroy a stockpile is easier, more simple – so a much simpler problem.
MM: What part does Mongolia play with Anti-Personnel mines and how can it contribute to their classification for national security?
PM: You know, this is common view now globally, internationally that land mines have no use and are not important any more. Long time ago, land mines had some value, some strategic value–they could be seen as important weapons–but not now–land mines no longer have the same importance.
Landmines are now insignificant in that any modern army that can very easily cross any mine field. There is no reason for land mines. They stay in the ground for many years after the conflict has finished and it is usually poor women, men, girls and boys who become victims of land mines. Who has to bear the responsibility? We are all responsible in that we can all play a role in ending this scourge.
MM: Where do we stand on having their locations excluded from State Secrets?
PM: The Mongolian government has been very transparent and very accommodating. Yesterday we went out to see big anti-personnel stockpile, we took photos, it was very transparent which is fantastic. I congratulate Mongolian military and government for being open, for transparency on this issue. It not a secret and not an effective weapon anyway.
MM: What do you hope to achieve from your visit?
PM: I think I already achieved a lot. We gained more information and engaged with the Mongolian Government. I was very happy to meet the Prime Minister, the Chief of Staff, Deputy Foreign Minister and Member of Parliament. I think my visit has been very successful. When I listened to them, I also conveyed my concerns and my views on this matter. I look forward very much to the day when Mongolia will accede to the Convention and I hope that will be soon.
MM: When the Ottawa Convention Treaty came into force, 156 counties joined. Will Mongolia be the 157th?
PM: If Mongolia accedes, it will be the 157th. We hope the US will also join in the near future. This will also fantastic, Mongolia and the US join at the same time.
MM: Our country, during international conferences and visits has confirmed its stance in joining the convention. How many steps will it take?
PM:As I understand it, the remaining questions concern the destruction of Mongolia’s existing stockpile of landmines. I know that this need not be complicated or expensive. If Mongolia requires financial or technical assistance, it has a right to request this in accordance with the terms of the Convention.
I hope that my visit has made it clear that if Mongolia is prepared to join the international community in eliminating anti-personnel mines, the international community stands ready to assist Mongolia in doing so. This leads us to the final step: the political decision to complete the accession process and formally agreeing to be bound by the Convention. To costs to Mongolia in taking this final step are negligible but the benefits that would flow would be great in terms of Mongolia taking centre stage in this important global issue. Landmines in our modern day and age have no use anymore and are not important weapons any more. Many countries are destroying stockpiles and clearing large areas that once were minefields. We want Mongolia to participate in the campaign against this terrible weapon.
MM: Which Asian counties joined to Ottawa convention? What is the situation at the Asian region?
PM: From the Asian region Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Japan have joined the Convention, but China, North Korea and South Korea, Burma and Singapore have not yet joined.
The last countries to join the Convention where Kuwait and Iraq and Palau–two years ago–these three countries joined together roughly at the same time. This was fantastic to see membership from two important countries like Kuwait and Iraq. I hope more countries join the convention because this adds strength and importance and sheds light on the Convention to continue working on this issue. We need donor countries, we need counties to stay engaged and focused, to continue to believe, and this one reason we need to work to Universalize the issue, it brings light to this issue.
We still have a long long way to go until we clear this big problem in countries like. Afghanistan, Cambodia, Angola, Mozambique, which still have huge problems. We need to continue to seek support and attention from the world community on this issue.
MM: As the Special Envoy which counties have you are visited?
PM: In the beginning of the year, I went to the US and held meetings in Washington DC about the same issue. I asked the US about their position and if it planned to join the Convention. This was my first visit in 2010. I also went to Laos, to Vientiane to discuss the issue and maybe will go later this year I will have one more trip and some next year as well.
MM: What do you think about Mongolia?
PM:You have a very beautiful country. I had a chance to go outside of UB twice. You have a fantastic big country with lots of resources. You should be very proud of you beautiful country.
source: Mongol Messenger newspaper

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Batbold Sukhbaatar, Prime Minister of Mongolia pays official visits to USA and Canada

From September 20 through October 3, Prime Minister S.Batbold pays official visits to the USA and Canada. Firstly, the Prime Minister is working in New York on September 20-27, where gave a speech at the summit meeting of the UN General
Assembly about implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to express his position at a round table meeting ‘Ensuring special needs for extremely vulnerable countries’. In addition, Mr. Batbold will deliver a speech at the general
debate of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly, take part in a summit meeting ‘Innovative global management’ to be co-organized by the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP) and the Louise Blouin Foundation to deliver a report themed ‘Future tendency of raw materials’. Mr. Batbold met with Mr. Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary-General,
with chairman of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly, leaders of the United Nations Development
Program (UNDP), State Heads of some countries, and got au fait with activities of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Prime Minister S. Batbold took part in the summit meeting of the UN General Assembly at which implementations of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were considered. The MDGs, determined in 2000 by state and governmental heads of
countries in New York City, are to be realized by every country by 2015 as they have obliged themselves.Thus, eight major matters are being given consideration, such as reducing a poverty by two times, making decisive steps in tackling urgent problems in poor and developing countries, and ensuring environmental stability. Moreover, this year’s summit discussed what the countries managed to accomplish in the last five years.Mongolia worked-out its third national report on the implementation of the MDGs. For the time being, it goes at 66 percent. Since it is supposed that Mongolia, despite its economic growth, has not reached significant results to reduce poverty, the Prime Minister underlined at the meeting that the government of Mongolia is focusing on a policy to create jobs, train people in vocational training centers and to provide them with jobs. Mr. Batbold emphasized that Mongolia is ensuring an allocation of benefits, developing open governance,
wants to approve a law on budgetary stability and to make investments in the health and education sectors.

Prime Minister S. Batbold will deliver a speech on September 27 at the general debate of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly to express the position of his country on urgent international issues. He is drawing the attention of attendees to the common problems landlocked developing countries are facing and to cooperate with countries in combating the consequence of global climate change. On September 20, Mr. Batbold met with Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN). At the beginning, Mr. Ban Ki- Moon emphasized that Mongolia has made big progress towards implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and appraised the achievements gained by the joint government headedby S.Batbold to sustainably ensure economic growth, reduce mortality of mothers and infants, and involve every child in school. He thanked the Prime Minister for taking part in the summit meeting of the UN General Assembly to share experiences in successfully implementing the goals, and appreciated the service of Mongolian troops in UN peacekeeping operations.He congratulated the government of Mongolia for leading affairs for protecting the interests of landlocked developing countries. In turn, Prime Minister S. Batbold said that we are ready to work-out an intergovernmental multilateral agreement on starting activities of the International Think Tank for the Landlocked Developing Countries and endorse it by putting it in discussion of a group of landlocked developing countries. Mr. Batbold also underlined that Mongolia’s government is paying an attention to increasing the number of female peacekeepers in the peacekeeping operations in accordance with a request of the UN Secretary-General. At the end of meeting, Mr. Batbold presented the UN Secretary-General with a letter of appeal that was issued by the cabinet of Mongolia held in the sandy desert of Omnogobi Aimag.The same day, Prime Minister S. Batbold met with Mr. Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister. Now, Mr. Blair is serving as a special Envoy of the Quartet (UN, European Union, Russia and USA) on the Middle East, in frames of the UN. The sides have discussed issues of Mongolia-Britain cooperation and of international cooperation. The Prime Minister introduced Mr. Blair Mongolia’s development policy and position on international matters.
Mr. Blair said that the economy of Mongolia, a country with a good example of democracy in Asia, is developing intensively, and wished success to the coalition government of Mongolia. During the meeting, Mr. Batbold noted that Mongolia holds certain policies such as naturalizing European standards and improving the education and health sectors for citizens and it pays attention to developing good governance. Mr. Blair appreciated the reform made by the Mongolian coalition government, the policy of improving the livelihood of people, and shared
his positions and experiences. “Your government’s policy on introducing European standards has great importance, but it is critical to select the best ones from these standards and to adjust them to conditions of your country instead of copying all,” Mr. Blair emphasized. He said he appreciates the experience of Singapore in the development of education, and expressed his confidence that the Mongolian government’s effort will reach positive results in the education and health sectors in scope with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Following the meeting, Prime Minister Batbold attended a meeting of member-states of the Socialist International in frames of the UN Assembly’s session, and gave a speech on climate change. He also
held meetings with influential businessmen.Mr. Batbold also met with Mr. Bill Clinton, former US President and head of Clinton’s Global Initiative in New York. Mr. Batbold underlined that the organization conducts active operation
in spheres of children, women, climate change, renewable energy, education and environment and expressed an interest of cooperation. As a result of the meeting, the sides agreed to cooperate in education, good governance, responsible mining
development and environmental conservation. Mr. Clinton said that the organization lacks experienced mining personnel and officials of the two sides need to hold contacts on this matter. After the meeting, Prime Minister S. Batbold attended the opening of the 6th conference of Clinton’s Global Initiative.On September 21, Prime Minister S.Batbold met with Jigme Yoser Thinley, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan during his participation in the 65th session of the UN General Assembly in New York City, USA. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of modern diplomatic service of Mongolia to be marked in 2011, the Mongolian side initiated and starts the establishing of diplomatic relations with those UN member states who have not had such relations with Mongolia. In accordance, the Presidential Office has given directives to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to create diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Bhutan. Mongolia’s Ambassador to the Republic of India V.Enkhbold had held a meeting with the Bhutanese Ambassador to India in scope with this matter.
At the above meeting the Prime Minister said he would soon reply to the matter on Bhutan’s seeking nonpermanent membership in the UN Security Council. During his participation at the 65th session of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister S. Batbold met with Mr. Kurt M. Campbell, the Assistant U.S Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, in New York.The sides discussed ways of intensifying the bilateral relations, arranging mutual visits of high level officials, widening economic cooperation, and increasing the number of Mongolian students to study in the USA with Fulbright scholarships.
Apart from the meetings, Prime Minister S. Batbold was interviewed by some well-known mass media including Bloomberg, Reuters and Wall Street Journal. During the interviews, Mr. Batbold gave accurate information about changes
and reforms in Mongolia’s business and legal environment and spheres of mining, infrastructure, banking, financing and education and about large projects under implementation. He talked about how climate change and desertification negatively affects Mongolia’s nature and the lives of people and that a recent cabinet meeting was held in the sandy valley of Omnogobi Aimag as well.
In frames of his work in New York, Mr. Batbold held a meeting with George Soros in New-York on September 21. To begin the meeting, Mr. Batbold highly appraised Soros Foundation’s significant contribution to develop democracy and human
rights institutions in Mongolia. He noted the importance of continuing cooperation between Mongolia and the Soros Foundation in strengthening humanitarian democracy and of Soros Foundation’s participation in developing civil society and free
press. Prime Minister’s visit continues. From September 27 to October 1, Prime Minister S. Batbold will continue the visit to Canada. The aims of this visit is to continue the frequency of bilateral high level political talks, to strengthen
an agreeable legal environment for bilateral ties, to widen the relations in principles of partnership cooperation, to determine the present situation of relations and their prospects, and to exchange opinions on cooperation in trade, economics, investments, infrastructure, agriculture and environment. Mr. Batbold will meet Stephen Harper, the Prime Minister of Canada, and some other Ministers. Moreover, Prime Minister will visit the Canadian Parliament and hold meetings with the Speakers of the Senate and House of Commons. Mr. Batbold will also meet with governors of Ontario and British Columbia states, and attend Mongolia-Canada business forums to run in Toronto and Vancouver cities. In line with the official visit, it is expected that the Prime Minister will sign some official documents on the development of cooperation in road, transportation, construction, urban development, civil service and standardization service. After the USA and Canada trip, Mr. Batbold will head to Japan to attend a ceremony for the retirement of Sumo Grand champion D.Dagvadorj.

Source:Mongol Messenger, Mongolian English Weekly published by Montsame News Agency

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PREMIER EXTENDS GREETING ON WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY

 Prime Minister S.Batbold has extended a greeting to press people on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day.
In his greeting, the Premier says,"Mongolia adopted the Law on Press Freedom in 1998. This was a foundation for the press and information sector to develop independently. Over the past period, the free press sector has promoted and honorably fulfilled its duty of the 'fourth state'. According to the world criteria, Mongolia is considered a country with a half-press freedom. We must give the Mongolian press and media a full-press freedom by strengthening the immunity of the free press.
"With this aim I have initiated and submitted a draft Law on Freedom of Information to parliament for approval. Parliament also plans to pass a law on transparency of information. The Mongolian parliament and government are willing to promote the 'fourth state', to ensure transparency and openness of information and to create related favorable legal conditions.
"I would like to thank the press and information people who have made considerable contribution to making the public understand the government policy and actions and to delivering the people's voice to the state and government. "

source: montsame.mn

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What is wrong with having two, three branch railroads?

Morning Must Reads-Review of Mongolian newspapers by MonInfo News Service

Next political upheaval on Tavan Tolgoi and related railroad shook Mongolia. Exploitation of Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi and other mineral deposits naturally draws issues of infrastructure development. Oyu Tolgoi investment agreement will be validated by April 6 of next year. However, it can be said Oyu Tolgoi " railcar" has moved. Oyu Tolgoi project people already said they will not rely much on railroad and can transport the products by motor roads.
This time railroad issue has been emerged in connection with Tavan Tolgoi.

Now we are talking of two options here.One is to build rail from Ukhaa Hudag (portion of Tavan Tolgoi deposit retained by Energy Resources) to Gashuun Sukhait border point. Another is to build rail from Tavan Tolgoi to main railroad through Sainshand and Dalanzadgad.

Last week's political upheaval targeted Energy Resources which plans to build narrow gauge rail road from Tavan Tolgoi to China through Gashuun Sukhait border point. I'm talking about emergence of public media campaigns which blamed ER for building rail that will put Mongolia under Chinese control and thus touched national security issue.
ER said why it becomes issue of national security when Mongolian owned company builds rail road to Gashuun Sukhait and why not when ships to Zamiin Uud.ER issued statement saying last weekend's media campaign (run on TV stations) attacking them is an organized effort against them and if need to, will disclose who is really behind the campaign.
When ER announced Press Conference yesterday, there was expectation that they are going to announce names of those people behind the campaign.However, they did not do this, instead, they talked about what they are doing in Tavan Tolgoi and justification for building rail directly to China.

ER was given special permit to build rail in June of 2008 signed by then PM Bayar and Minister of Infrastructure, Raash. This strategic issue was discussed by National Security Council and then President Enkhbayat was against this idea. However, the council did not reach a decision and the issue was put aside with comment" this needs to be discussed further by the council and Great Khural".

Battulga, minister of Urban Planning and Road, Transportation raised this issue again and expressed opinion this needs to be discussed again by the council. Expanded meeting of the council debated this issue again and however, no decision was taken. Great Khural is expected to debate this soon.

It is 240 km to Gashuun Sukhait from Tavan Tolgoi. Of course, it will be less costly to transport coal through this route. Another route or build rail to Dalanzadgad and Sainshand and connect to existing main rail will open up opportunities to export to other countries like Russia besides China.

ER said during yesterday's press conference they support the other route to Sainshand as well. Building railroads in two directions will benefit Mongolia they said. Building of railroad to Gashuun Sukhait already started as permits were already given. There is suspicion why ER was given the permit without bids. Most likely government gave the permit to ER for license of Tavan Tolgoi.

Everybody understands Sainshand project will benefit Mongolia more in the long run. However, now it is only on the paper.What are future scenarios for this development? What if the council decides building direct rail to China harming national interest of Mongolia and stops the building of rail?
What if ER rail project is allowed to continue and Sainshand rail project gets "stuck"? If parliament supports ER rail project, there is concern that nobody will support the Sainshand rail project and it will go nowhere.

How about supporting both projects?

By A.Altantuya, columnist of "Ardiin Erkh" (People's Right) newspaper

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From the Mongolian Press: Abbot Choijamts degrading reputation of Buddhism

Sanjdorj, head lama of the New Center of Mongolian Buddhists in press conference held on Oct 27, 2009

Sanjdorj, abbot and head of “New Center of Mongolian Buddhists” gave interview to reporter Yondonduichir of “Niigmiin Toli” or “Social Mirror” newspaper. The abbot is very critical of the current situation of Mongolian Buddhism.
-They say it was difficult to set up “New Center of Mongolian Buddhists”. Why it was difficult to set up a place of “Holy Dharma?
-Choijamts, abbot of the Gandantegchenlen monastery created much obstacles for creation of the center. He protested very much the inception of the center.

-Can you cite a concrete example?- Ok, let me tell you one fact. Abbot Choijamts gave an official letter no.108 dated May 23, 2008 to the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, which is in charge of registration of NGOs. Content of the letter was something like “new center of Mongolian Buddhists denying role and significance of Gandantegchenlen monastery, therefore, it should be not allowed to be created.”


-Why he had to do this? He is a person who speaks about spreading and supporting goodness?-This letter demonstrated true face of the abbot. He speaks about supporting monasteries and temples.Then in reality, he competes with other temples like this in very unfair way. Here, intention is to dominate everything without competition. Therefore, Mongolian Buddhism is unable to be reformed.

-You said you experienced much pressure. What else did you experience?-A year after inception of the new center or in March, 2009, we planned to hold a conference in Wrestling Palace and arranged and prepared everything. Then, he again created problems for us. Gandantegchenlen Monastery banned the conference and Tsedendamba, religious advisor of then President Enkhbayar pressured us. However, we were able to overcome this. The conference was held with 2339 representatives and approved main charter of the center. Also passed several important documents such as memorandum on cooperation and appeal.

- Did representatives of Gandantegchenlen monastery participated in the conference?-Unfortunately, the heads of the monastery strongly instructed its monks not to participate in the conference. However, some monks were sent in with ordinary clothes and camera. Since there are not many monks, we can easily recognize them.

-Why Abbot Choijamts creates problems for the “New Center of Mongolian Buddhists”?-In 1991, first conference of Mongolian Buddhists was held. Center of Mongolian Buddhists was set up officially during this conference and passed its constitution. Governing board of the center is to be council of Lovons [Lovon is a Buddhist Religious title given to high ranking monks].Day-to-day activity of the center was to be done by Abbot of the Gandantegchenlen monastery. By constitution of the center, every four year, Council of the Lovons is to discuss issues of convening next conference and whether to replace management of the center etc. However, since then up to now or for 18 years, the conference was never convened. I suspect this is due to his interest of retaining his power and position of the abbot. He suspected conference of new center would discuss about dismissing him. He used religious advisor of the then President Enkhbayar and, Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and police and intelligence to stop the conference of the new center.

-Besides issue of power, what are other reasons for Abbot Choijamts not to convene council of the Lovons and the conference?
-Besides power and authority, there are many other reasons such as finance, donations, projects etc. He wants all these under his authority and therefore, violated and changed religious rules on his own.

-What rules does he violated ?-According to the constitution passed by the first conference of the Mongolian Buddhists, “The center will have own stamp, letterhead and bank account and conduct its activities independently.” Unfortunately, as of today, only stamp, bank account of the Gandantegchenlen monastery is used in the center.

-So the Center of Mongolian Buddhists has no own bank account and stamp? -Yes, the center has no own stamp and bank account. Another violation of the abbot is he changed council of the Lovons which is supposed to be directing and supervising him. By rule, the council members should be elected by next conference. However, the Abbot directly elected about 30 lovons of rural monasteries that are newly established and put them under his authority. Thus, the abbot has become” untouchable” and has unlimited authority.

- What benefit does abbot of the Center of Mongolian Buddhists enjoy?- There are much benefits such as economic and personal. This also includes corruption issue involving the Abbot. For instance, when Abbot Choijamts was traveling in the USA, one rinpoche gave him a very expensive jade snuffing bottle and asked the abbot to spend the bottle for restoration of Mongolian rural Buddhist monasteries and temples. However, Abbot Choijamts gave the snuffing bottle to Erdenebat, director of the “Erel” company and former minister of fuel and energy. Erdenebat in return gave the Abbot three-room apartment. Now the abbot lives in that apartment. Erdenebat mentioned about it in interview to newspaper. There are many numerous such gifts and donations to the Abbot.

-There is talk that monks at the Gandantegchenlen monastery does not chant scriptures requested by believers?-Objective of our organization is to defend interests of believers. However, in Gandantegchenlen, scriptures requested by belivers are not chanted completely. This means, the monastery just takes money of believers without performing the chanting for them. Believers think monks chanted the requested scriptures. Therefore, monitoring organization, especially, state organizations such as Citizen Representative Khural needs to improve monitoring of the monastery.

-How do you know scriptures requested by believers are not chanted fully by the monks?-I have graduated University of Buddhism under Gandantegchenlen monastery and interned at the monastery. Therefore, I know. Monks at the monastery chants regularly chanted scriptures in the morning and offers Mandala for all.

-Do the monks mention names of believers offering the Mandala?-No. It is enough just to say for all living beings
-So then, the chanting really does not benefit person who requested it?-Well, only god knows that.

-Will you be in trouble for disclosing such intormation related to secret of organization?-I have spoken a lot about it. Unfortunately, nothing has been done so far.

- Is there any organization to defend interests of believers in Mongoila?-There used to be union of believers. However, Gandantegchenlen monastery put pressure and disbanded the union. Now only “New Center of Mongolian Buddhists” are to defend interests of the believers.

-Is your monastery chants scriptures requested by believers?-Yes. In our temple, requester and monk sits face-to-face and chants the scriptures.

- So no inspection is being done in Gandantegchenlen monastery?-There is no organization to monitor the monastery as it is a virtuous organization. It is not clear how donations and offerings given by believers and various companies are being spent. Even if inspection is done, it is done very superficially.

-What you mean by superficial?-Not very detailed. Just checks for certificates and official things. Inspection is more strict on foreign religions.

- Why no inspection is being done at the Gandantegchenlen?-I don’t know it. Therefore, our new center is proposing to change all these and reform. Since the council is false, management, finance and activities of the [old] center is in mess.

-Abbot Choijamts is related to TV-9. They say, recently, the abbot is questioned by Anti-Corruption agency because of this?- The TV-9 was donated to Gandantegchenlen monastery by a Japanese religious organization in order spread and strengthen Buddhism in Mongolia. However, the Abbot made it a business TV station by partnering with former President Enkhbayar Nambar. This is very unethical issue for a monk.

-Did he receive money for this?- Yes. He admitted it himself. He shared the money fifty fifty with Enkhbayar.

-However, believers think Abbot Choijamts is holy monk in pursuit of Dharmic path and avoids money etc.
- Well, all believers think so. Unfortunately, it is not so. For instance, in 2008, Abbot obtained 90 hectare land in a place called “Ogoomoriin am” of Bogd Khaan mountain. He announced throughout the country that University of Nalindra will be built there and opened an account and started receiving funds and donations from people. Project proposal of the university was set up on the internet and opened accounts for donations and funds in US, Switzerland, England etc. He even announced that one million of the 21 million dollars is promised to be given by His Holiness Dalai Lama. However, so far today, no school called Nalindra exists in Mongolia. That was a false advertising and cheating people. Since Dalai lama never lies, he must have given one million dollars to the Abbot. There are many such false things such as where is this one million dollar now? I’m sad to see that Abbot Choijamts is defaming the Buddhism all over the world.
-Did you turn to government and authorities about reform of the Buddhism in Mongolia?
- Many times, I have criticized current situation of the Mongolian Buddhism. Under president Bagabandi, Buddhism was better. However, during presidency of Enkhbayar, he completely neglected the Buddhism. When I presented need of reform in Mongolian Buddhism to current President Elbegdorj, he welcomed us and gave us written reply that he will cooperate with us on this issue. I’m fighting to keep our religion pure.

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From Mongolian Press: Traditional Mongolian family disintegrating says researcher

Namjil, researcher of family studies said traditional Mongolian family structure is disintegrating. He has been studying traditional Mongolian family since 1995 and teaches at “Ulaanbaatar University”a south Korean invested private university in Ulaanbaatar.Current situation of Mongolia and global trend is directly affecting Mongolian families according to the researcher.
Divorce is on the rise among middle aged and phenomenon of “mistresses and partners”have emerged.During last few decades, women have became dominant players in social and economic life of Mongolia. Young people want to be independent. All this causes disintegration of the traditional Mongolian familial structure concludes the researcher.
The changing socio-economic condition of Mongolian families require complex solution and development of advanced legal acts and laws. Current trend encourages individualism and thus family relationship may grow cold and isolated. Traditional Mongolian families are based on closeness of family members and sharing of common values and this is directly in contrast with modern life, said the researcher.

Written by B.Enkhjargal

From Newspaper “Niislel Times” (Capital Times),issue dated Aug 31, 2009

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From Mongolian Press: Interview with Batbayar Nyamjav, Mongolian Democratic Party lawmaker on Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement

Mongolian news website (www.news.mn) run by newspaper "Ardiin Erkh" interviewed Batbayar Nyamjav, Mongolian Democratic Party lawmaker on July 29, 2009. I have translated the parts related to Oyu Tolgoi investment agreement.
-Everybody is saying Ivanhoe Mines might leave Mongolia since the Great Khural delayed the Oyu Tolgoi investment agreement through certain condition! You was in the center of this action of the Khural?
- According to Mongolian Constitution, State Great Khural represents Mongolian state. Khural made a decision and gave the Government the right to execute the agreement.
- Draft Investment Agreements on Oyu Tolgoi were discussed by the Khural third time. Why this time, Khural pressed to apply the 68% Windfall Profits Tax in the Agreement? The investors feels hurt by this?


- Actually, the Oyu Tolgoi Investment Agreement issue was discussed by the Khural second time. Many people are saying that the issue of passing Oyu Tolgoi investment agreement has been continuing for six years. This is not true. This issue has been raised in Khural and the Government level for about two years. Current minerals law was passed in 2006. Previous minerals law did not have a provision on “investment agreement” , instead it had provision on “Stability Agreement”. Then, the agreement issue was regulated by the law on Foreign Investment. First draft investment law on Oyu Tolgoi was given to the Khural for discussion in 2007. During parliamentary discussion of the draft agreement, Government of Mongolia withdrew the draft. It was not sent back by the Khural. Prime Minister Bayar Sanjaa withdrew the draft agreement submitted by previous Prime Minister Enkhbold Mieygombo after he succeeded him. Next time, in March, 2009, the Government submitted another draft agreement and the Khural discussed it and passed this decision. Therefore, there is no question of delaying the the agreement.
-What if the Oyu Tolgoi agreement is not made because of the conditions put forward by the Khural?
- There is no such thing as agreement must precede before the Project implementation. There are many deposits in Mongolia being developed and used without agreements. If one want have agreement, one can go ahead for it. Also it is perfectly ok not to have an agreement.
- Windfall Profit tax law imposes 68% tax on copper concentrates. Was this draft Oyu Tolgoi agreement was about exporting enriched concentrates?
- This draft agreement is about ore enrichment operation. We passed the 68% Windfall Profits tax law with the intention of producing end products and goods in Mongolia and develop Mongolia and improve living standards of our people. The more Mongolia produces end products and goods here, the more profit we will enjoy. Now look at Mongolia! Before 1990s, we were raw materials supplier for then Soviet Union-Russia. Since 1990, we are supplying raw materials for China. A country which directly exports its raw materials without adding value to it, can never develop as most of profit to be made from raw materials shifts to other side. In another word, this tax was raised as economic leverage to lay industrial foundation in Mongolia. This is the only intention. Therefore, if you don’t want to pay the Windfall tax, then build copper smelter here. The concentrate is 75% earth and 25% copper. If build smelter here, it will produce 99% copper. This will benefit Mongolia.
- Then why Ivanhoe Mines is backing off from building smelter if they don’t’ wan to pay the tax?
- In the end, they just want to sell Mongolian resources to China! This is their main interest. It does not matter if one has Mongolian, Russian, Chinese, American or Japanese name; everybody would want to sell Mongolian commodities to China. China is the market. Chinese also interested to buy concentrates from Mongolia. We want to produce copper here as we want to have more profit from our resources and commodities. If we can produce copper here in Mongolia, we can export it to anywhere in the world, not only to China. We would have more opportunity. Intention is to reduce economic dependence from our two neighbors. If Mongolia have production of copper, car engine plant can be developed here. Also can produce computer parts and cables. These can be exported to US, Japan, Korea. However, concentrate can be exported only to China.
- The above issues are next issues. Now the question is what to do in order to develop the Oyu Tolgoi? What if Ivanhoe Mines backs out of the deal?
- Who said they are backing out?
- The columnist Baabar and many other people are saying and writing so. Oyu Tolgoi is handed out to China etc!
-Baabar is a columnist. On the other hand, he is a columnist paid by mining lobby. He is saying Ivanhoe is backing out of the deal. However, share price of Ivanhoe Mines on New York Exchange is gaining. On July 1, when Democratic Party’s parliamentary group decided to discuss the Oyu Tolgoi agreement, share price of Ivanhoe increased by 23%. Today, it is increased by 61%. Look at this chart. On July 30, the share was worth 5.60 US$ . Now as of July 27, it is 8.16 US$. The Khural passed the resolution on authorization of the Government on July 16. Then the price of the IVN share plunged to 7.72 US$. Now it is going up and reached 8.16 US$. If the Khural made a wrong decision then, how come the share price of the company is gaining and going up? Copper price on July 15th was 5200 US$ per ton. Now it is 5500 US$. We, Mongolians are a people born with “golden spoon”. It was not an accident that the Chinggis Khaan conquered the world and we inherited this vast territory with much resources. We are living poor because of our poor skills. Now you look and see if Rio Tinto will back out of the deal. One thing that sets straight various lies and rumors is price of shares.
- If so, why Ivanhoe Mines is refusing to pay this tax set by law. Or maybe our government is working for them? The minerals law says Mongolia’s share is to be 34%!
- It is either way. Multinational companies basically plunder small and underdeveloped countries. They demand for certain conditions for operations and use various tricks to secure these conditions. They push for laws that will benefit them and then disappears. Mongolia is not an African or South East Asian country. We have 800 years of statehood. When Mongolian empire existed, there were no America, Australia and Rio Tinto. But Europe was there. Here, I got a little emotional (smiling). If one wants to work in Mongolia, it has be according to Mongolian laws.
On the other hand, they call themselves investors. Someone without money can not be described as investor. Right! Will you rent your place to someone without money? Proposal of Ivanhoe Mines is like “you rent me your place free and then I will rent it to someone else and you will get a cut. “ They admitted that they don’t have funding and it will take two years to raise funds and capital. Whose land and resources they are using to raise fund and capital? Investment agreement is a guarantee of a government. They are going to rais fund and capital using our resources and guarantee of our government! Then how come they will skim cream and we leave with leftovers. If Government can make guarantee, any of our Mongolian company can raise funds and capital. Then, we should develop the deposit by ourselves. Oyu Tolgoi is not first copper production of Mongolia. We have “Erdenet” plant which has 30 year history and knows how to deal in international market. However, we can not chase them away from deposit discovered by them.,. At the same time, they can not act like they are masters of the deposit. Our Mongolian companies area getting funds by saying “ we have mineral resources and you provide necessary capital “ to foreigners and evaluates 1 ton of gold as 1 million dollars. Why can’t state can not do same? There are 1000 tons of gold in Oyu Tolgoi deposit worth about one billion dollars. Why some of our people are fighting to execute an agreement that will greatly benefit other side? It shows that there are certain interest is mixed here. Therefore, it is a relative issue that anybody can twist and explain according to their interest. Investment agreement means keeping current tax environment stable. But the investors went beyond that and demanding tax exemptions.
- Will our condition remain same if Chinese company comes instead of Rio Tinto?
- Rio Tinto is a company and Mongolia is an independent country. Independent country have own territory and land and laws. Independent country have a right to choose its fate and nobody has a right to interfere in it. This means we have a right to do what we want and if somebody pushes something we don’t want, it means interference in affairs of independent country. Therefore, we should decide whom we should let in. Another company can come in. Main thing is it must be beneficial for Mongolia.
-There is an overwhelming fear in Mongolia that if Rio Tinto backs out of the deal, Chinese will come?
- It is like scaring a child with talk of monster. China is the biggest advantage of Mongolia. One should use its weakness as advantage and utilize this advantage. Rio Tinto wants to invest in Mongolia. It is not because Rio Tinto loves Mongolia. It is after Mongolia’s resources. Greed is a force that drives up society. To that extent, nobody will refuse from Mongolia’s natural wealth. This is natural. Second, our geographic location puts Mongolia in a very profitable position. World’s largest markets are China, India and Russia in terms of population. These large population centers would need buildings, food, clothes etc. It is our advantage to be between two of the world’s largest market. If we assume that China is the largest world market, Mongolia is the country that have longest land border with China (4700 km long). Also Mongolia is a democratic country with market economy and does not plunder private property.
- What if Government of Mongolia can not execute an agreement? Dismiss the government?
- The Khural gave a task to Government. Let’s wait and see. If government can execute this task, it can work further. If not, it is natural to hold accountability and responsibility. Oyu Tolgoi is guarantee of Mongolia for 100 years. We can not make a mistake here. This is not an issue where we fight each other because of political affiliation and orientation. To that extent, MPRP and Mongolian Democratic Party had no fundamental disagreements over this agreement.
- However, the lawmakers are not united 100% amongst themselves. Also, there is talk that you are blackmailing Ivanhoe Mines to get a cut.
- Well, failed wrestler have many reasons. What is truth? Only time will tell it.
- How is Government of Mongolia’s capacity for this deal?
- Based on this draft agreement, there is no way but to give the government inadequate score. Government is killing our own economy. Construction sector is the leading sector of economy. We have asked the government to support this sector. Now construction season is more than halfway. However, all construction projects have been stalled. Therefore, now it is no use to talk about Government dismissal. This issue will be decided by living standards of people.

Interviewed by B.Semuun

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President Elbegdorj Tsakhia may start his first international visit from India

According to Mongolian Press, President Elbegdorj Tsakhia may visit India in mid September, 2009. The visit was planned during previous President's term.

Prime Minister Bayar Sanjaa is to pay official visit to New Zealand and Australia by early September, 2009.Mongolia and India have ancient cultural and religious links. Buddhism which originated in India spread to Mongolia through Tibet.

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