Xanadu finalises Noble JV in Mongolia

Mongolian-focused Xanadu Mines Ltd has finalised the terms of an alliance with Noble Group that will give the Hong Kong-based commodities trading house a 9.9 per cent stake in the minerals explorer.

Xanadu shares had jumped six cents, or 10.71 per cent, to 62 cents by 1403 AEST.

Xanadu and Noble's 50:50 joint venture company will explore and develop coking coal, iron ore and ferro alloy projects in Mongolia.

Xanada's existing assets will not form part of the alliance.

"The initial focus of the joint venture will be the pursuit of a number of opportunities already identified," Xanadu said in a statement on Thursday.

Xanadu will place up to 9.68 million shares with Noble at 69.89 cents each, worth $6.7 million.

Funds from the placement, together with a similar amount contributed to the joint venture by Noble, will be applied to opportunities in Mongolia, Xanadu said.

"The alliance ... will also allow Xanadu to continue to advance its existing Galshar and Khar Tarvaga thermal coal deposits and its copper gold assets in north west Mongolia and south east Gobi," Xanadu chairman Brian Thornton said.

Source:ninemsn.com.au

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Foreign firms aim to win big on Mongolia coal mine

ULAN BATOR — Mongolia is pushing forward with plans to develop a massive coal deposit in the Gobi desert, narrowing the field of foreign miners hoping to get a piece of the potentially lucrative action.

Ulan Bator has shortlisted several major foreign firms to develop part of the Tavan Tolgoi mine, one of the world's largest coal fields with 6.4 billion tonnes of reserves located 270 kilometres (165 miles) from the China border.

Authorities are hoping the nascent mining industry -- and the deep-pocketed foreign firms interested in it -- can help pull thousands of people out of poverty in the mineral-rich but still undeveloped Asian country.

"It?s an exciting time. It?s like being in the beginning of the gold rush in the Yukon in Canada," industry analyst Gerard McCloskey told AFP last week on the sidelines of a coal conference in the capital.

The government will announce the results of the bidding on the mine "as soon as possible, certainly this year", Tsogt Tsenguun, head of investment at state-run Erdenes MGL LCC, the parent of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi (ETT), told AFP.

ETT owns the rights to mine the Tsenkhi block of Tavan Tolgoi, which contains 2.2 billion tonnes of coal. It will be developed by a number of companies working in conjunction with the government.

US coal miner Peabody Energy, Brazil's Vale and steel giant ArcelorMittal are among six preferred bidders to develop the western portion of Tsenkhi, which contains mostly coking coal -- a key ingredient for steel production.

The others in contention are Anglo-Swiss group Xstrata, a joint venture between China's Shenhua and Japan's Mitsui, and a consortium of Russian, South Korean and Japanese companies.

Damjin Damba, president of the Mongolian National Mining Association, said it was "possible that more than one of the mining companies would be selected".

"Choosing more than one is the best at the moment," he told AFP.

ETT will retain full ownership of the eastern portion of Tsenkhi and will hire a contract miner to get the coal out of the ground.

Australia's Macmahon Holdings, Germany's BBM and India's Nesco are on that shortlist.

"The fact that all the coal mining giants are here stresses what is going on. A lot has been learned about the government?s approach to its resources and the way it is tackling this industry," McCloskey said.

In 2009, Mongolia sealed a long-awaited multibillion-dollar deal with Canada's Ivanhoe Mines and Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto to develop Oyu Tolgoi, one of the world's richest copper deposits and a key gold source.

An initial public offering of ETT slated for early next year is expected to raise up to $2 billion and includes a plan to distribute shares to every Mongolian.

"The distribution of shares is a good idea for Mongolia," Bold Baatar, chief executive of investment firm Newcom Group, told the coal conference.

"Mongolians like to share and we intend to share the wealth among all Mongolians. From an economic point of view, it makes sense when you have thousands of shareholders standing behind you."

Ulan Bator will retain a 51 percent stake in ETT, while 10 percent of the shares will be distributed to the Mongolian people and 10 percent to domestic companies.

The remaining 29 percent will be floated on either the Hong Kong stock market, the London Stock Exchange, or both.

Foreign investment banks Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, BNP Paribas and Macquarie will manage the share sale, Erdenes' Tsenguun said, adding Goldman and Deutsche will jointly lead the IPO.

The IPO is a landmark deal for the impoverished country. Money raised will be used to develop the mine, coal washing plants, power stations and rail links to take the minerals to overseas markets -- creating huge job opportunities.

The government of landlocked Mongolia is currently considering proposals to build a 1,000-kilometre rail line to shuttle Tavan Tolgoi coal to the Russian rail system and its ports in the far east of the country.

That could open up access to markets in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, leaving Ulan Bator less dependent on resource-hungry China.

Source: AFP

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Mongolia May Unveil Winning Bids for Tavan Tolgoi Next Month

Mongolia may announce the winning bids to develop Tavan Tolgoi, one of the world’s biggest untapped coal deposits, next month, said an official at the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy.

“Negotiations are still ongoing,” Erdenepurev Amarkhuu, director-general of fuel policy at the ministry, told reporters in Beijing today. Mongolia will choose more than one of the six groups shortlisted for the project, he said.

Talks are underway on the contract for the central and western part of the site, Baterdene Ragchaa, a spokesman for Erdenes MGL LLC, the state-controlled owner of the deposit, said on March 31. The shortlist includes Peabody Energy Corp. (BTU), a Shenhua Group Corp.-Mitsui & Co. venture, Vale SA (VALE3), a Russia- Japan-South Korea group, ArcelorMittal (MT), and Xstrata Plc (XTA), Erdene Executive Director Baasangombo Enebish said on March 5.

“Definitely not one,” Amarkhuu said, when asked about the number of winners. “It’ll be a combination of the companies.”

The government is seeking mining expertise and infrastructure development, including railway construction, Amarkhuu said. Mongolia is also targeting “value-added production” including coal-to-liquid and coal-to-gas projects, he said.

The western and central part of Tavan Tolgoi holds more than 1 billion metric tons of coal, 68 percent of which can be used for steelmaking and the rest as fuel in power plants, Enebish said in March.
Local Staffing

The government hopes 90 percent of the employees at Tavan Tolgoi will be locals, Amarkhuu said.

“It’s difficult because it heavily depends on qualified personnel,” he said. “We should think of whether Mongolia has sufficient qualified personnel.”

Foreign companies can bring in their own staff while training locals “as fast as possible” and replacing the workforce with Mongolians after that, Amarkhuu said.

Coal production doubled to 25 million tons to become Mongolia’s top export last year, encouraging the government to speed up Tavan Tolgoi’s development.

--Chua Baizhen. Editors: Ryan Woo, John Chacko.

To contact the reporter on this story: Bloomberg News in Beijing at bchua14@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Clyde Russell at crussell7@bloomberg.net.

Source:Bloomberg News Service

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Mongolia will announce results of bidding to develop the prized Tavan Tolgoi coal mine "very soon", a government official said on Wednesday.

"The results of the bidding will be announced very soon", Erdenepurev Amarkhuu, director general of the fuel department of the Mongolian Ministry of Mineral Resources told an industry conference in Beijing.

ArcelorMittal , Vale and Xstrata are among six bidders short-listed to develop Mongolia's Tavan Tolgoi mine, the world's largest untapped coking coal deposit. [ID:nL3E7E70CI]

U.S. coal miner Peabody , a consortium of Chinese energy firm Shenhua and Japan's Mitsui & Co , and a separate consortium of Japanese, South Korean and Russian firms are the other preferred bidders. (Reporting by Fayen Wong; Editing by Ken Wills)

Source:Reuters news wire services

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Redwood Capital Announces the Acquisition, ASX Listing and $10 Million Public Offering for Mongolian Resource Corporation

DANVILLE, Calif., Apr 12, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) --

S3 Investment Company, Inc. (Pink Sheets:SIVC)/Redwood Capital today announced the completion of the acquisition transaction, ASX listing and a $10 million Public Offering capital raise for Redwood Capital client Mongolian Resource Corporation (MRC). As a result of the acquisition, Alamar Resources Limited, which is traded on the Australian Stock Exchange under the ASX Code ALG, will change its name to Mongolian Resource Corporation Ltd. Redwood Capital acted as the Asian merchant banking financial advisor for MRC.

Alamar Resources Limited announced that it has completed a capital raise of 40,000,000 shares at $0.25 per share. These proceeds will be used to fund the acquisition, exploration and development of the MRC Mongolian assets and for general working capital purposes. Information regarding the exploration and development 2011 plans for the assets of MRC will be announced when it becomes available.

Jim Bickel, Chairman and CEO of S3/Redwood, is one of three new directors appointed to the Alamar Resources Limited board as part of the transaction. In its announcement regarding the appointments, Alamar Resources Limited noted that the new directors "bring a wealth of international and Mongolian business experience to the board and will be critical in managing the growth of the Company in the future."

"We are very pleased to announce this closing and financing for MRC, the first Redwood Capital Mongolian client to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange," commented Mr. Bickel. "Our staff and partners in the UK, Mongolia and Australia, have worked tirelessly on behalf of this client, and to see the hard work of all of the parties involved culminate in a successful close is extremely rewarding. I look forward to continuing our work with MRC as a company publicly traded in Australia, as well as continuing to expand the reach of Redwood Capital with new partners, clients and new markets."

Redwood's Managing Director Matthew Totty stated, "I am extremely excited about Mongolia and working full time in country on a number of new projects with our local partners. We feel the ASX is a natural place for Mongolian mining companies to list and MRC has been well received."

MRC is a diversified mining company engaged in the acquisition, development and operation of resource properties in Mongolia, particularly late stage or current producing mines. MRC's objective is to build shareholder value by maximizing the potential of its current properties and leveraging its financial strength and experience to acquire new long-life, low-cost projects. The company's current assets include gold, coal and iron ore.

To receive email alerts from the company whenever new information is released, please visit http://www.redwoodgroupint.com/investors.

About S3 Investment Company, Inc./ Redwood Capital

S3 Investment Company, Inc. (http://www.redwoodgroupint.com) and its Redwood Group International subsidiaries are focused on building and advising businesses operating in the Mongolian and Greater China market, including Redwood Capital, Inc., which assists private companies in the capital markets. Additional Redwood subsidiaries include Redwood Medical, Inc., which assists companies seeking to import and distribute Western medical technologies and products into the China market, Redwood Asia Fund, and Redwood Capital Securities.

Any statements contained herein related to future events are forward-looking statements and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. S3 Investment Company, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any such statements to reflect actual events.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: S3 Investment Company, Inc.

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Rio Tinto to be challenged on environment and human rights abuses: Mongolian representative to participate in the claim

An alliance of solidarity, human rights, development and environmental groups is calling London-based Rio Tinto Plc, the world’s third largest publicly traded mining company, to account for what it says are numerous human rights and environmental abuses.
The London Mining Network (LMN) intends to raise concerns at Rio Tinto’s 2011 AGM on Thursday 14 April 2011 at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre.

The LMN has arranged that representatives from local organisations in regions where Rio Tinto operates will attend the meeting. Visitors from Indonesia, and the United States will confront the company with the impacts of its activities on their communities. It is hoped that there will also be a visitor from Mongolia.
One of the visitors, Chalid Muhammad, is chair of the Indonesian Green Institute and acted as a witness in negotiations between the company and communities around its now-closed Kelian gold mine in Indonesia, where numerous human rights abuses occurred.
Meg Townsend works in a New York City law firm handling high-profile environmental litigation and represents Michigan groups concerned about water pollution and violations of Indigenous rights at the Eagle Mine. Cherise Udell from Utah Moms for Clean Air leads the Utah delegation.
Still to be confirmed is Sukhgerel Dugersuren, Executive Director of Oyu Tolgoi Watch, a coalition of Mongolian human rights organisations monitoring the impacts of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine in the arid South Gobi region of Mongolia, where mining operations will deplete scarce water resources.
Chalid Muhammad of the Indonesian Green Institute said yesterday: “Rio Tinto is not what it seems. It claims to be socially responsible but it is not.”
Community representatives, with banners, will be available for comment and photo opportunities outside the AGM from 10.00am on Thursday 14 April.
Protestors from Utah, challenging the company over air pollution from its mining and smelting operations at Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, will put on a colourful street theatre presentation as part of their demonstration outside the Rio Tinto AGM.

Source:MonInfo news service

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Study Group To Call For Launch Of Japan-Mongolia Trade Talks

TOKYO (Nikkei)--Japan and Mongolia should promptly start bilateral economic partnership talks, according to forthcoming recommendations by a study group comprising government officials and private-sector experts.

The report will stress the importance of the partnership, which would help Japan raise automobile exports and secure steady supplies of mineral resources, while bringing more foreign investment to Mongolia.

The nations agreed to work toward spring negotiations at a summit last November.

Japan intends to put the talks on a fast track in light of the need to reduce its dependence on China for rare-earth metals. But with Tokyo coping with the fallout from the Great East Japan Earthquake, including the nuclear power plant crisis, uncertainty hangs over the talks.

Japan's trade with Mongolia totaled about 10.4 billion yen in 2009, accounting for less than 0.1% of its overall tally. Mongolia imposes tariffs on about 99.7% of items shipped from Japan, including cars and electronics.

Source: Nikkei April 8 morning edition

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Mongolia eyes first nuclear power plant by 2020-MonAtom

* Mongolia sees foreign investment in nuclear energy sector to "be huge"

* MonAtom sees Japan nuclear crisis impact on industry short-term

By Rujun Shen

SINGAPORE, April 7 (Reuters) - Mongolia plans to have its first nuclear power plant by 2020 and build nuclear fuel production capacity by tapping the country's rich uranium resources, undeterred by the recent nuclear crisis in Japan, a senior official at the state-owned MonAtom LLC said on Thursday

Japan's nuclear crisis is not seen to have a lasting impact on the global nuclear industry, said Tsogtsaikhan Gombo, deputy chairman of MonAtom, which represents the government in mining and developing the country's uranium resources.

"We don't think it's a big problem for the industry as a whole. It's a little bit of set-back in time frame, but as a whole it will go on," said .

"We want green development and nuclear is the number one choice."

Mongolia has proven uranium reserves of about 80,000 tonnes, ranking it among the top ten in the world, and putting it on the map of mining giants, which have been attracted by world-class deposits such as the massive Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project. [ID:nL3E7F70A3]

"We have the ambition to build the capability of nuclear energy in Mongolia, and the ambition to supply nuclear power plants in Northeast Asia with nuclear fuel," Gombo told reporters on the sidelines of a mining conference in Singapore.

GLOBAL COMPETITION

Gombo said the country is seeking investment from around the globe to develop its nuclear energy sector, adding that uranium reserves in the country could rise to above one million tonnes.

"Currently there is not much, but we expect there will be huge investment in Mongolia's nuclear energy sector, because the super powers are interested," said Gombo, adding that the United States, Russia and China are competing with each other to get into the country's nuclear sector.

But for the country sandwiched between Russia and China, choosing business partners is a delicate task, Gombo said.

"The government is quite selective, and is opting to cooperate with the most developed countries in the industry, like the United States, Japan and France," he said.

"I wouldn't say we don't want them (China and Russia), but we want a balance of interest."

Last October, Mongolia and France's governments signed an agreement to let France's Areva (CEPFi.PA: Quote) to explore and mine uranium in Mongolia, Areva said on its website (www.areva.com).

(Reporting by Rujun Shen)

Source:Reuters news service

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LSE seals deal to develop Mongolian Stock Exchange

London Stock Exchange Group ("LSEG") and the Mongolian State Property Committee ("SPC") today announce that they have signed a Master Services Agreement ("MSA"), confirming their intention to modernise the Mongolian Stock Exchange ("MSE"), and agreeing details of how the partnership will be implemented.

LSEG Chief Executive Xavier Rolet met with Mongolian Prime Minister Sükhbaataryn Batbold at a signing ceremony in Ulan Bator today to confirm the agreement, which will see LSEG contributing to the modernisation of the MSE through the provision of technology, education and regulatory and capital markets expertise.

Sükhbaataryn Batbold, Prime Minister of Mongolia, said:
"I am delighted that we have been able to confirm this partnership.
"Mongolia's economic potential is recognised across the globe, and matched by our ambition to build a world class capital market at the centre of a modern, internationally focused economy.

"We believe that the London Stock Exchange Group is the best possible partner to support these ambitions, and look forward to a long term, mutually productive relationship."

Xavier Rolet, Chief Executive of LSEG, said:
"We are hugely proud to have been chosen to develop the MSE into an institution befitting Mongolia's growing importance on the world stage. We are strong believers in the benefits of an equity culture like that advocated by the Mongolian government, and are thrilled to participate in the construction of a high quality financial infrastructure which best facilitates that ideal.
"The project we've finalised today underlines the increasingly diverse, international nature of LSEG's business strategy, and will facilitate Mongolia's speedy integration into the global financial community."

Mr. D. Sugar, Chairman of the Mongolian State Property Committee, said:
"LSEG's diverse expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop, modernise and privatise Mongolia's financial infrastructure. We are excited about the months ahead, and look forward to working together to implement this crucial project."

Under the agreement LSEG will collaborate with the SPC in a number of areas, including:
• LSEG will appoint a management team at the MSE to oversee its development and privatisation;
• LSEG's MillenniumIT, the leading global exchange technology provider, will provide trading, surveillance and post trading infrastructure to the MSE;
• Using the LSEG Academy, both parties will conduct a comprehensive training programme on capital markets infrastructure and legislative framework for MSE officers, clients and officers of the Mongolia Financial Regulatory Commission;
• LSEG will advise the MSE on the modernisation of market rules, procedures, structure and operation at the MSE;
• LSEG will provide assistance in the broadening of tradable asset classes at the MSE, to derivatives and ETFs; and
• LSEG will work to implement an international standard Mongolian market index.

Source:www.finextra.com

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Mongolia Nuclear Push to Take Cue From World Sentiment

Mongolia will take its cue from the global reaction to Japan’s nuclear disaster before continuing with plans to build atomic power plants, according to the deputy chairman of state-owned nuclear company Monatom.

“It will depend on how the world community reacts” to the accident at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear station that occurred last month, Tsogtsaikhan Gombo said in an interview in Singapore. “We don’t think it’s a big problem for the industry as a whole. It may be a little set back in the timeframe.”

Mongolia, which has at least 1 percent of the world’s uranium resources, was planning to start operating its first nuclear power plant by 2020 and build a nuclear fuel center, Gombo said. Russia’s Rosatom Corp. last year set up a venture with Monatom to mine uranium, used to make nuclear fuel, at the Asian nation’s Dornod deposit. Rosatom agreed also to help Mongolia develop its nuclear industry strategy.

Almost a month after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out backup generators at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima plant, workers are still using emergency equipment to try to cool the reactors and plug radiation leaks. China, India, the U.K. and Germany have said they plan to review further development of domestic nuclear industries.

Japan’s situation is unlikely to damp interest in Mongolian uranium deposits or stop the nation from working with Japanese nuclear companies, Gombo said.

“Currently there is not much foreign investment in the uranium sector, but we expect there would be huge investments because the superpowers -- U.S, Russia and China -- are all interested and competing with each other,” Gombo said.

Mongolia would favor developing its nuclear industry together with the U.S., France and Japan, as opposed to its two neighbors Russia and China to “balance” its interests, Gombo said. China accounts for about 80 percent of Mongolia’s imports and exports.

--Xiao Yu in Singapore and Yuriy Humber in Tokyo. Editors: Alan Soughley, Keith Gosman

To contact Bloomberg News staff for this story: Yuriy Humber in Tokyo at +81-3-3201-3521 or yhumber@bloomberg.net; Xiao Yu in Singapore at +86 1390 117 2363 or yxiao@blooomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Andrew Hobbs in Sydney at ahobbs4@bloomberg.net

Source:Bloomberg News Wire Service

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Australian Gene research project boosts links to Mongolia

A new joint project between Western Australia and Mongolia aims to strengthen ties between the two countries through collaborative genetic research.
The Western Australian Family Study of Schizophrenia (WAFSS) is one of the largest genetic databases in the southern hemisphere. Using DNA donated by volunteers, it is building up a picture of the genes involved in schizophrenia, which will hopefully pinpoint the genetic causes of this disabling condition.

WAFSS has formed a partnership with the National Center of Mental Health, Mongolia, which will offer training in advanced diagnostic methods and help to develop genetic-based mental health research in Mongolia.
Two psychiatrists from the Center, Dr Oyunchimeng and Dr Guljanat, will travel to WA in April to undertake advanced training in the diagnosis of psychosis with Winthrop Professor Assen Jablensky, Director of the Centre for Clinical Research in Neuropsychiatry (CCRN).
CCRN, a joint UWA-Department of Health research facility, will host the visit, which forms the first stage of the collaboration. This will be followed by collection of DNA samples in Mongolia which will be sent for testing to Western Australia.
WAFSS staff will then travel to Mongolia to carry out electrophysiological testing on research participants, and the data will also be added to the project.
Winthrop Professor Jablensky said the collaboration would help extend research into the genetic origins of schizophrenia.
"We have here an excellent opportunity to add to our genetic database and also to improve the delivery of mental health care in Mongolia through the Centre for Mental Health," Professor Jablensky said.


Source:MonInfo News Service

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Mongolia's Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine to begin production in Aug 2012

Reuters) - Mongolia's massive Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project is expected to begin production in August 2012, sooner than forecast, said Temuulen Ganzorig, Deputy Director of Erdenes MGL which partners with Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto in developing the site.

Ganzorig said expedited construction helped to move the production date ahead. Ivanhoe Mines had earlier said commercial production would begin in the first half of 2013. [ID:nN28173188] (Reporting by Rujun Shen; Editing by Ed Lane)

Source:Reuters

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Mongolian Gold and Copper Mine Project Ahead of Schedule

Representatives of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd released a statement last week, saying that the massive Oyu Tolgoi mining project in Mongolia is actually developing ahead of schedule.

Oyu Tolgoi is not scheduled to start production until the first half of 2013, but 2011 represents the peak year for construction activity, and will see the start of ‘prestripping’ of the open pit. The company plans to start moving material from over the Southern Oyu deposits over the course of 2011, and all the major mining equipment has now already been secured on time or ahead of the original schedule.

The Oyu Tolgoi project has 7,000 people working on it, including about 5,500 actually on-site each day. There are a series of major infrastructure projects in development around the site, including a 97 kilometer paved road to the Mongolia-China border and a permanent domestic airport. Between Ivanhoe and the top shareholder Rio Tinto, the companies have invested an estimated $3.6 billion into the gold and copper mine.

Move One is a valued logistics partner in the project, delivering vital equipment to the mine’s extremely remote and inhospitable location. Noah Glassco, Move One’s Country Manager in Mongolia said ”As Oyu Tolgoi’s development marches on ahead of schedule, cargo volumes entering Mongolia are rising significantly, which has translated into increased business for our operations in the capital and in the south Gobi. Thanks to our innovative supply-chain solutions and competent local staff, we are confident that we will be able to adapt to the rising demand and still deliver the high standard of customer service our clients are used to receiving from Move One.”

The Oyu Tolgoi mine is expected to produce more than 1.2 billion pounds of copper and 650,000 oz. of gold a year in the first ten years of operations, Ivanhoe said in May last year.


For further information about Move One’s operations in Mongolia, please contact Noah Glassco at noah.glassco@moveoneinc.com.

Source:www.moveoneinc.com

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President Elbegdorj's thoughts on Middle Eastern Revolution: What Mongolia Can Teach the Middle East

he popular upheavals in Tunis, Cairo, and Tripoli gripped Ulaan Bator only a generation ago. Now it's our turn to help the Arab revolutions fulfill their potential.


BY ELBEGDORJ TSAKHIA | APRIL 6, 2011

Perhaps no man has done more to change the face of the Middle East in the past 100 years than Mohamed Bouazizi. The Tunisian street vendor's ultimate act of defiance -- self-immolation in the face of continued humiliation and degradation -- has unleashed pent-up forces that are sweeping across North Africa and hold the potential for bringing freedom to tens of millions of people. As coalition forces act against the brutality of Libyan leader Col. Muammar al-Qaddafi and activists in countries such as Syria push bravely for political reform, the Middle East is ushering in a new age where the seeds of democracy can at last find fertile ground.
As the world watched the throngs of demonstrators in Tunisia and Egypt, I was gripped by the same feeling that swept Mongolia's Sukhbaatar Square two decades before. Back then, as one of the organizers of our democratic uprising against the communist-run government, I stood for days in the biting cold, freezing but exhilarated because the fear that our rulers instilled in us -- to bend us, and ultimately break us into subservience -- was gone. We were not backing down. There was no certainty that freedom would prevail, but in the end, it did.

To many foreign-policy "experts," especially so-called "realists," these Middle Eastern movements for political liberalization come as a complete surprise. They should not. What we are witnessing speaks to a primary human value granted to each of us, no matter the country: the desire for freedom and the urge to peacefully work to see one's values reflected in government. People deprived of this right will naturally seek it, fight for it, and if necessary, die for it.

Leaders should acknowledge this fact and unleash the tremendous potential of their countrymen through political liberalization. From this will flow greater education, greater economic benefits, and a better standard of living for all to enjoy. Democracies are inherently peaceful. A democratic process seeks solutions through dialogue and negotiation, not through violent acts or the use of force.

Some still fear change in the Middle East's status quo, but this skepticism is misplaced. The "jasmine" spirit should be embraced, and the international community should work within that process of change to plant and reinforce democratic values. As political pluralism takes root, the major losers will be radical elements, such as al Qaeda, who hold themselves up as vehicles for change through terror and violence.

In 1990, following the overthrow of Mongolia's Politburo, the democratic leaders of our country asked a simple question: What next? It was easy to be against something. Now, we had to move from activists to advocates. Frankly, that was when our most difficult work began. In the months that followed, we hammered out a new constitution that enshrined individual liberties, a democratic process, and an independent court system. Political and economic development went hand in hand. Since that time, Mongolia has experienced several peaceful transfers of political power, and today our GDP is primed to triple over the next decade thanks to our natural resources and the creativity of our people.

Egypt and Tunisia -- and hopefully other countries that emerge from democratic revolution -- will need much assistance. The corrupt, kleptocratic bureaucracies and repressive security forces that enforced the tyranny of their previous rulers must be radically overhauled. Laws must be adopted to protect the political gains that the people have fought to achieve. This is where countries such as Mongolia and others that have transitioned to democratic governance could help. Our customs and cultures might be different, but sharing advice from our successes as well as our failures can prove invaluable in helping those countries get back on their feet and start building a new era for their country. The Middle East's young democrats will also need constant encouragement. Expectations tend to run much higher than results, and democracy can be a very difficult, messy, and slow process.

The greatest change in the Middle East is within the mindset of the people. They have shed their fear, and therein lies an important lesson. Having lived under and fought against the tyranny of communism, there's one thing I know: There is no dictatorship, no military regime, and no authoritarian government that can stand against the collective will of a people who want to be free.

Source:www.foreignpolicy.com

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Injured Mongolian woman heads home after remarkable recovery

Mongolian woman beats injuries, thanks to family, region's kindness

By PAUL GRONDAHL Staff writer

ALBANY -- Uranjargal Dovdonpurev is going home to Mongolia, the final leg of a remarkable journey of recovery.

It took a village of hospital staff, volunteer therapists, financial donors and well-wishers across the Capital Region to restore mind, body and spirit of the visiting college student who came to Lake George last summer to work.

Doctors were not sure if Urna, as she is known, would survive the catastrophic injuries after she was struck by a drug-impaired driver while she walked along Route 9 in Queensbury on July 3, 2010.

Her mother received a call in Mongolia that said her 22-year-old daughter was dead. At the scene, paramedics struggled to revive her before she was airlifted by helicopter to Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Urna spent three months in a coma and had to re-learn how to walk, talk, dress and feed herself as a result of a traumatic brain injury.

In the hospital, she was treated for compound fractures of both legs and other grave injuries. Surgeons drained a pool of blood from her cranium and removed a piece of her damaged skull. Long months of intensive therapies lay ahead.

"It's miraculous how far she has come," said Debbie Ross, house manager at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, where Urna lived with her mother and brother for more than five months during her recovery.

Urna and her family left Albany on Monday and flew from New York City to Korea, where they planned to stay for a few days before continuing to Mongolia. Her injuries forced her to cancel a planned fall semester last year to attend a university in France on a Fulbright scholarship.

She and her family prepared a special Mongolian meal Friday night at the Ronald McDonald House to thank staff, volunteers and others who befriended Urna and helped her heal.

"She cried a lot, thanked everyone and told us how grateful she was for what we had done for her," Ross said.

Urna's mother, Baasanjav Chimidbaldir, a retired municipal judge, oversaw her daughter's multiple therapies. Her brother, Amartaivan, 21, who took a leave from his studies at a university in Korea, was crucial to Urna's recovery. Early on, when she fell into a screaming fit or uncontrolled tantrum as a result of her brain injury, her brother picked her up in his arms and rocked her like a baby. He soothed her when she was despondent and encouraged her to work hard to regain what she had lost. He accompanied her on dozens of therapy visits and helped her continue therapy exercises between sessions.

"He literally stopped his life for the past year to take care of his sister," said James Linnan, the family's attorney. "He was completely devoted and incredibly patient with her."

Last week, to illustrate her progress, her brother had Urna jog along the sidewalk in front of the Ronald McDonald House. He followed close behind to catch her if she fell. They both laughed with joy as they ran. Just a few months before, she could not take a step on her own.

With her brother's daily encouragement and help, she progressed from working on six-piece puzzles to completing 100-piece puzzles. He also helped her regain some proficiency in English and Mongolian, and is working to help her recover three additional languages in which she had been fluent.

"Her brother was so driven to help Urna heal. He took her out for a walk every day in the winter regardless of the weather," Ross said. "It was beautiful to watch the two of them work together."

The family is stopping in Korea to re-file paperwork her brother will need in order to resume his university studies. They will then return to their home in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. The family is of modest means and has no private health insurance. Her father is a middle school shop teacher. Urna is the second oldest of her parents' five children.

The driver of the car, Joseph Nunez, 35, of Lake Luzerne, a pizza delivery man, was high on crack cocaine and marijuana when his car jumped a curb and struck Urna as she walked with a friend in a shopping strip parking lot. He pleaded guilty to five felony charges and was sentenced to 4 to 12 years in sate prison and ordered to make $782,878 in restitution for the victim's medical bills. Two insurance policies totaling $100,000 were paid to Albany Med, but that covered only a small fraction of nearly $800,000 in medical fees.

Urna's Mongolian friend and classmate at a university in Turkey, Oyun-Erdene Erdene, 21, was also struck by Nunez's car. She suffered a concussion and multiple leg fractures and was released from Albany Med in October.

Linnan filed a civil lawsuit against the pizza shop's owner, but was not able to recover any additional damages for Urna and her family because of an exclusion clause in the owner's insurance policy.

But dozens of local residents from Lake George to Albany and beyond donated $18,000 to Urna and her family through the Ronald McDonald House. The money helped cover transportation and visits to therapists, many of which were donated or provided at a significantly reduced rate.

There were tears, hugs and long goodbyes on Monday.

"We've been so touched by all the kindness that has been shown to us," Urna's mother said through an interpreter.

Reach Paul Grondahl at 454-5623 or pgrondahl@timesunion.com .

Source:www.timesunion.com

Uranjargal "Urna" Dovdonpurev, 23, of Mongolia, at right and her mother Baasanjav Chimidbaldir await a visit from the Mongolian ambassador at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany in Jan. 18. Urna was struck by a car driven by a drug-addled driver in Queensbury on July 3. After a long, remarkable recovery, she's on her way home. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)

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MONGOLIAN SENSATION NOMINJIN STRIKES A POSE IN NEW PETA AD

Award-Winning Singer Joins Other Celebs in Animal Rights Group's Pro-Vegetarian Campaign

Mongolian Singer Nominjin in new PEETA Ads.

Ulaanbaatar – Appearing in a brand-spanking-new ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia, singer-songwriter sensation and committed vegan Nominjin is urging fellow Mongolians to adopt a vegetarian diet. In the ad, she cuddles next to a cute sheep, declaring, "I Am Nominjin, and I Am a Vegetarian".

In addition to being famous in her home country of Mongolia, Nominjin has been a featured singer on international albums alongside Norah Jones, Kylie Minogue, Toni Braxton, James Blunt and others and has contributed her voice to a John Lennon remix album. The 21-year-old says that going vegetarian is one of the best decisions that she's ever made.

"In Mongolia, the countryside is becoming one big desert due to overgrazing", says Nominjin, who has recorded 12 number one hits, released more than a dozen music videos and won numerous awards. "Millions of livestock die each year, and our wildlife is disappearing. It threatens the very foundations of our nomadic lifestyle and culture. It is everyone's concern that the people are suffering and dying from heart disease, cancer and diabetes at a young age. Much of this is a result of our having the 11th highest rate of meat consumption in the world. We forsake an age-old wisdom of Mongols – that is, not consuming meat during most of the year. My choice to become a vegan is to awaken compassion inside of me, to take care of my own health. It is a single citizen's attempt to help reverse the natural and social tragedy that is already taking place on our planet."

Nominjin sings in 11 languages (Russian, English, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Malayalam, Hindi, Vietnamese, Hebrew, Korean and Mongolian) and has worked with world-renowned producers and musicians from the US, the UK and India. She has performed in more than a dozen countries, including Russia, Mexico, Korea, Turkey, Japan, India, the US and France.

Millions of people are making the switch to a vegetarian diet as they recognize the cruelty involved in meat production and the link between meat consumption and burgeoning rates of heart disease, cancer and strokes. Researchers at the University of Chicago in the US concluded that switching from a meat-based diet to a vegan diet is more effective at countering climate change than switching from a standard car to a hybrid.

Early last year, Nominjin posed in a cage for a PETA anti-fur campaign. "Not everyone knows that vegan and vegetarian diets are healthier, tastier and cheaper", she says. "In fact, meat is addictive. The best thing anyone can do for your body, animals and the Earth is to go vegetarian".

Nominjin joins a growing list of celebrities – including Sir Paul McCartney, Maggie Q, Russell Brand, Alicia Silverstone and Tobey Maguire – who have spoken out to inspire others to challenge cruel attitudes about animals and finally kick the meat habit.

For more information, please visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.


Source:PEETA

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Go wild on an exclusive trip to Mongolia

Leading Asia specialist, Travel Indochina, is offering its adventure-seeking customers an exclusive chance to partake in an exciting “Trans-Mongolian Adventure” this summer (departing 2nd July 2011).

This 17-day experience of a lifetime will operate just once in 2011 to coincide with the spectacular Naadam Festival and will give travellers a unique opportunity to meet local reindeer herders, stay in traditional “gers” and ride rare camels through Mongolia’s wild landscape, for a truly amazing adventure they will never forget.

Led by an experienced Travel Indochina Product Manager, the specialist tour operator’s brand new “Trans-Mongolian Adventure” itinerary will spend two days at Mongolia’s most important and colourful festival, the Naadam Festival, which is celebrated all over the country. On this journey, customers will have a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the excitement of this major festival, away from the crowds in the traditional town of Moron, and gain a fascinating and authentic insight into the local Mongolian people and their “three manly sports” of archery, wrestling and horse racing.

Ideally suited for travellers looking to explore exciting, off-the-beaten-track regions where tourism is still in its infancy, this one-off Exploratory Journey offers an array of unforgettable travel experiences which are not available in more established destinations elsewhere in Asia. Travel Indochina’s thoughtfully-constructed itinerary will include a two-day trip on the Trans-Mongolian Railway, which is one of the world’s most famous railway lines that winds past the Great Wall and magnificent Mongolian terrain. This journey also offers the chance to travel as the locals do – atop a rare two-humped Bactrian Camel – as guests wind through the dunes of Mongol Els from the edge of the Gobi Desert into Central Mongolia.

Whilst enjoying Travel Indochina’s unique style of travel, guests can also spend an afternoon visiting a local family of reindeer herders, known as the Tsaschin, and discover their fascinating way of life as they’re welcomed into their everyday lives. Other once-in-a-lifetime experiences include an optional hike or horse ride to the top of an extinct volcanic crater, a visit to a local Buddhist monastery, and the opportunity to enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere in the capital city of Ulan Bator before being treated to a farewell traditional Mongolian concert.

Travel Indochina’s 17-day “Trans-Mongolian Adventure” journey starts from £2,560 per person for twin share accommodation or £2,935 based on occupancy in a single room. The company’s “willing to share” option is also available at twin share prices. Prices include 6 nights’ hotel accommodation, 9 nights’ accommodation in comfortable “ger” camps, one overnight train journey, one domestic flight, all road transport in air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified, entrance fees, Western tour leader (based on a minimum of seven travellers), local English-speaking guides throughout, airport transfers and daily breakfast, 10 lunches and 12 dinners.

Travel Indochina has over 17 years’ experience in operating small group journeys to the “real” Asia and currently features the widest range of itineraries and departures to Indochina and Thailand than any other tour operator in the UK. Unlike many other travel companies, Travel Indochina limits its group size to a maximum of 16 people in Indochina and 18 elsewhere in other parts of Asia. These smaller groups enable travellers to gain the best from both worlds – greater access to the local culture and plenty of opportunities for independent exploration.

Source:www.easier.com

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China's Largest Coal Producer Builds Processing Project On China-Mongolia Border

HOHHOT, April 4 (Bernama) -- China Shenhua Energy Co. Ltd., the country's largest coal producer, has planned a huge investment to build a coal processing project on China-Mongolia border to better use coal imports from the Republic of Mongolia, China's Xinhua news agency reported.

The government of Wulate Middle Banner (County), north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on Sunday confirmed that construction of Shenhua's project with a planned investment of 10 billion yuan (US$1.5 billion) has started in Ganqimaodu Customs Processing Park.

Ganqimaodu Customs is China's major energy imports gateway with the Republic of Mongolia. It handled 7.71 million tonnes of coal imports last year. The imports of raw coal via the customs soared by 131.8 percent year-on-year in the first quarter to reach 1.6 million tonnes, according to the customs figures.

The Wulate Middle Banner commission of development of reform said Shenhua's project slated for the first phase production by 2012 would have a coal washing ability of 6 million tonnes a year, coking capacity of 2.4 million tonnes a year and an annual capacity of producing 4.8 million tonnes of methanol and 30,000 tonnes of tar, respectively.

Source- BERNAMA, Malaysian News Agency

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Platinum year for Korea, Mongolia

Mongolia, a country with a long history in Korea, is marking the platinum anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

An opening ceremony was held recently at the National Theater of Korea to kick off the “Year of Mongolia in Korea,” which included a variety of celebratory performances and activities.

The concert included performances by the Korean National Opera, a chamber music group, and traditional musicians and singers from both countries.

Many officials from both countries attended the event, most notably Mongolian Prime Minister Sukhbaatar Batbold, Minister of Education, Culture, and Science Otogon Bayar and the Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Choung Byoung-gug.

In addition to the opening ceremony, a variety of economic, political and cultural events are lined up for the year.

From April 6-12, there will be a Mongolian art exhibition at the Topohaus gallery in Seoul’s Jongno area that features 30 modern Mongolian paintings and sculptures. For more information, visit www.topohaus.com.

On the medical front, Daejeon city and the Mongolian Department of Health signed a memorandum of understanding to expand cooperation in the medical tourism industry.

The two countries promised to cooperate to improve and exchange medical technologies, hold seminars and improve communication.

Chungnam National Hospital will provide free surgery to Mongolian children with cardiac disorders.

Mongolia’s First Lady Bolormaa Khajidsuren has already accompanied one child with a heart problem to Korea for treatment, and has launched her own charity to help more children have access to medical care.

Last year, a friendship concert was held in the Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital, to mark the 20th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic relations between both countries.

A Korean movie festival, photo exhibition of Korean palaces, taekwondo and ssireum events, and fashion and art exhibitions were also held in the capital as part of the anniversary celebrations.

By Yoav Cerralbo (yoav@heraldm.com)

Source:www.koreaherald.com (Korean English newspaper)

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Mongolian Government decides to give each citizen mining shares

ULAN BATOR, April 1 (Moninfo) -- Mongolian Prime Minister Batbold Sukhbaatar said “during special cabinet meeting, government made important decision about distribution of mining shares to all citizens which is important part of distributing mineral wealth to all citizens in fair and equal way”.

According to report of press service of Mongolian government distributed Thursday, Government decided to give each Mongolian citizen 536 shares of state owned “Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi” mining company which is in charge of the giant coking coal deposit “ Tavan Tolgoi” in southern Gobi desert of Mongolia.

According to the Mongolian statistical data, Mongolian population stands at 2 million 796 thousand 341 people. All people born before March 31, 2011 will be entitled to free ownership of the shares. 10% of the mining company equals 1.5 billion shares.Altankhuyag Norov, senior deputy prime minister said “ price of the shares will be clear when shares of the mine will be sold in international stock markets. Actual share price will be set after coal production and export normalizes, road and railroad,power, water supply solution is made clear and work on coal processing plant start. Until then, citizens can not sell their shares.”

Batbold said “ development of Tavan Tolgoi mine will be open and transparent. Government will inform the public about progress of the development on monthly and quarterly basis.Government will work to improve citizens’ knowledge and information about stock market and shares. Which is important aspect of benefitting from mining wealth.

Mongolian Government plans to sell 30% of the shares in an overseas exchange, 10% on the domestic exchange for Mongolian owned businesses at nominal price and 10% distributed to the public in the form free share handout.The remaining 50% will be held by Government.

Currently 6 large international companies are shortlisted for second round of negotiation with Mongolia for investment in the coking coal mine.Enditem.

Source:MonInfo News Wire service

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Open editorial by Jonathan Addleton U.S. Ambassador in Mongolia: With the Mongolian soldiers in Afghanistan

Ambassador Addleton presenting dozens of soldiers with ISAF pins

Personally meeting Mongolian soldiers

US Ambassador, Jonathon Addleton (C) visiting Mongolian troops in Afghanistan

Recently it was my honor and privilege to spend some time with many of the Mongolian soldiers now serving in Afghanistan. I came away impressed with both their skills and their sacrifice. Joining with troops from many other countries, Mongolia is making an important contribution to a nation that has been wracked by war for at least the last three decades. The Mongolian contingent in Afghanistan is taking on a variety of assignments, including providing force protection at both Camp Eggers in Kabul and with German troops in Faizabad to the north. Mongolian soldiers are also training members of the Afghan national army in helicopter maintenance as well as teaching artillery and mortar skills. The United States welcomes and appreciates this support. As Secretary of State Clinton noted in a recent speech on US policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan to the Asia Society, “the enduring commitment of the United States, our allies and our partners will continue to support the stability of the Afghan Government and the durability of a responsible political settlement. That is the vision
of the transition – one that is shared by the Afghan Government—that we are pursuing.”

Ably led by Colonel Batjargal who previously served as the contingent commander for a Mongolian peacekeeping deployment in support of a UN mission to Sierra Leone, the Mongolian contingent in Afghanistan is undoubtedly leaving an enduring impression on all with whom they meet and work.

Here are some of my own impressions from last week’s visit to Kabul:
Mongolian soldiers are part of a broad coalition involving countries from around the world: At mess halls and cafeterias in Afghanistan, the Mongolian contingent routinely “rubs shoulders” with counterparts from many countries, including not only the US but also the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Canada, Croatia, Turkey, Macedonia, Singapore, the Czech Republic and elsewhere. At one point, I saw a Mongolian soldier in conversation with a Turkish colleague — he had studied in Turkey and no doubt the Turkish officer was surprised and gratified to meet a Mongolian speaking his language.

Mongolian soldiers are professional in the best sense of the word: Lt. General Bucknall, Deputy Commander of ISAF, specifically praised the Mongolians for their skills, dedication and commitment, as did numerous others in Kabul, from generals to non-commissioned officers. At a lunch at the US Embassy which Colonel Batjargal also attended, Ambassador Eikenberry expressed similar support. While some noted their surprise at first seeing Mongolians in
Kabul, all expressed appreciation for their contribution.
Mongolian soldiers are becoming increasingly accustomed to an international role: Many of the Mongolians now serving in Kabul have prior experience in similar missions, either as UN peacekeepers in places like Sierra Leone or as members of a broad coalition in Iraq. Indeed, this is the second tour in Afghanistan for some of the Mongolians now serving in Kabul — a number of them were also part of prior Mongolian rotations in Afghanistan.
Mongolian soldiers and their families make sacrifices when assuming this type of volunteer international duty: It was moving to see the photographs and other reminders of home, often pinned up next to the bunk beds in their barracks. These photographs show wives, girlfriends and children, including a very adorable set of three-year old twins. At least two soldiers I met look forward to their return to Ulaanbaatar this spring for one big reason — they will see their new babies, born during their absence in Afghanistan, for the first time.
Mongolians soldiers are reestablishing historic connections in a place in which their ancestors once served: It is interesting to reflect that eight centuries ago Mongolian soldiers once watered their horses in the Kabul river. The Hazara ethnic minority in central Afghanistan traces its ancestry back to that era and many observers have commented on the physical appearance and customs that seem to connect Mongolians with Afghanistan’s Hazara population, a community that faced great oppression under the Taliban. One Mongolian soldier told me that the Mongolians had a “special affinity” with the various Hazaras that they meet in Afghanistan. Another Mongolian soldier recalled that a Hazara had jokingly asked of him, “Why did you ever leave us behind?”
Mongolian soldiers are strengthening Mongolia’s international profile while also enhancing the country’s honor and respect abroad: Proportionately, Mongolia is making a significant contribution, both to UN peacekeeping operations in Africa and elsewhere and in their current assignment in Afghanistan. Even as a non- Mongolian, it moved me to see the red, blue and yellow flag on the shoulders of the Mongolian contingent and to hear the Mongolian national anthem being played beneath the blue skies of Afghanistan. One personal highlight of the trip was to pin ISAF service medals on dozens of the Mongolian soldiers in front of their comrades in arms from other countries as they near the end of their deployment in Afghanistan.
Another was to receive traditional Mongolian hospitality in the “ger” that the first rotation of Mongolian soldiers at Camp Eggers set up in late 2009.

Situated beneath the snow covered mountains of the Hindu Kush, I couldn’t help but be reminded of similar scenery in Hovd, Henti or Arkhanghai. Most of the Mongolian soldiers now serving in Afghanistan arrived in October 2010 and are scheduled to return home in a few weeks, to be replaced by a new contingent of colleagues who will undertake a similar assignment. Building on the work of this rotation, they will continue to write a new chapter in the history of the Mongolian military as well as the Mongolian nation. Based on what I saw in Kabul last week, I have no doubt that their contribution will meet with equal success.


Source:Mongol Messenger, Mongolian English weekly newspaper

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Lithuania and Mongolia hold consultations on bilateral trade promotion and transport cooperation

On 31 March during the consultations in Vilnius, Foreign Ministries of Lithuania and Mongolia discussed ways to promote bilateral economic and trade relations, also cooperation in the spheres of transport, culture and education, reported BC the press service of the Foreign Ministry. Consultations were led by Lithuanian Foreign Deputy Minister Asta Skaisgiryte Liauskiene and Secretary of State of the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Damdin Tsogtbaatar.

The Vice-Minister noted that currently the bilateral trade volume was very small and, therefore, there was a need to promote bilateral trade. Possibilities to carry goods from China and Mongolia via the Klaipeda seaport were also discussed. Mongolia is a country rich in natural resources, its economy undergoes rapid liberalization, and its service sector is developing. Lithuanian companies could also participate in this process more actively. According to the growth forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in the coming years Mongolia should be one of the fastest growing economies in the world.



During the consultations, officials discussed the promotion of bilateral relations in the spheres of culture and education, the Vice-Minister invited students from Mongolia to study at Lithuanian universities.



Participants of the meeting discussed preparations for the visit of President of Mongolia Tsakhia Elbegdorj to Lithuania in June. Mongolia's President will participate in the planned events of the Community of Democracies in Vilnius.



In July this year, Mongolia will take over from Lithuania a two-year long Presidency of the Community of Democracies, which joins democratic states. Skaisgiryte Liauskiene acquainted D.Cogtbaatar with Lithuania's activities in international organizations, the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the preparation to hold the Presidency of the European Union. The officials also discussed regional and global issues.



The bilateral consultations between the Foreign Ministries of Lithuania and Mongolia were held for the second time. The first bilateral consultations took place in Ulan Bator, the capital of Mongolia, in June 2010. A memorandum on cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs was signed during these consultations.



Mongolia recognized Lithuania's Independence on 29 August 1991. Diplomatic relations between Lithuania and Mongolia were established on 11 December 1991.

Source:www.baltic-course.com

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Australia-Mongolia joint statement

WED 23 FEBRUARY 2011


Prime Minister Gillard warmly welcomed Prime Minister Batbold as the first Mongolian head of government to visit Australia since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1972 and since Mongolia’s democratic transformation in 1990.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the friendly and growing relations between Australia and Mongolia, particularly in the field of minerals and energy. The two leaders noted that the development of major mining projects, including the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine, would promote Mongolia’s economic development while deepening Australia’s commercial ties with Mongolia.

They welcomed the increasing interest of the Australian mining industry in sharing its expertise with Mongolia, and the capacity of Australian businesses in the geological, drilling, mining software, environmental management, financial, legal and training sectors to contribute to the development of Mongolia’s minerals and energy sector.
The two leaders acknowledged the importance of open and transparent markets, and the rule of law, to promote further trade and investment between the countries. In this regard, Mr Batbold welcomed Australia’s assistance in developing a best-practice regulatory and legislative framework to promote the successful and sustainable development of Mongolia’s minerals and energy sector.

The two Prime Ministers noted the significant potential to expand the bilateral relationship across a range of shared interests. They witnessed the signature of four bilateral agreements:

A Memorandum of Understanding on vocational education cooperation aimed at helping Mongolia build the capacity of its mining workforce, encouraging the exchange of vocational education students and staff, and encouraging the exchange of information on education systems, qualifications and recognition processes between vocational education institutes and universities.

A Memorandum of Understanding to promote agricultural development and the sharing of information and agricultural technologies, with the aim of improving livestock and crop production in Mongolia.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments to foster the exchange of information on Cabinet Secretariat operations and on enhancing transparency and public access to information.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Australian Academy of Science and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences to promote the exchange of ideas and the review of collaborative opportunities in scientific fields of common interest, such as geology, water resources and agriculture.
Ms Gillard also announced that Australia would take the following steps to strengthen ties with Mongolia in the fields of trade, education and development:

Austrade will open a permanent office in Ulaanbaatar in 2011, in view of the growing number of Australian companies interested in doing business in Mongolia.

Australia will expand the Mongolia-Australia Scholarships Program from 28 to 38 Mongolian students every year from 2012. More than 140 Mongolians have received scholarships to study in Australia under the program over the past decade.

Australia will provide $1.5 million in 2010-2011 to support water and sanitation, cost-benefit analysis of mining sites, and children with disabilities. The projects will be implemented by UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme. The bilateral development partnership, valued at $7.4 million this year and more than $50 million since 1995, has to date focused primarily on improving Mongolian public and private sector capacity to manage its economic development.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the growing people-to-people links between Mongolia and Australia, and the contribution of the Mongolia-Australia Scholarships Program in this regard. They noted the active work of the Mongolia-Australia Society, or the “Mozzies Association”, in sustaining linkages between the two countries. They noted that more than 300 Mongolians had studied in Australia, including a current minister and three serving members of parliament. Mr Batbold welcomed the presence of Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development volunteers in Mongolia.
More than 120 young Australian volunteers have contributed to Mongolia’s development. Both leaders also highlighted the value of parliamentary delegation visits in both directions.

Natural disasters and extreme weather events are a serious challenge for both countries. Ms Gillard conveyed the appreciation of the Australian people for Mongolia’s condolences for the loss of life and damage caused by the recent floods, cyclone and bushfires in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. She also welcomed Mongolia’s financial contribution to Australia’s disaster relief efforts, provided by Mr Batbold in his meeting with Ms Gillard.

In turn, Mr Batbold expressed appreciation for Australia’s assistance in overcoming the effects of Mongolia’s extreme winter drought in 2010, which devastated

Mongolia’s livestock holdings and threatened the livelihoods of Mongolian herders.
Both leaders underscored the importance of national and global efforts to combat climate change. They welcomed the results of the 2010 Cancun Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and agreed on the need for prompt implementation of the Cancun agreements.

Australia and Mongolia share common strategic interests and objectives in the Asia-Pacific region, including the peaceful development of the region. Ms Gillard and Mr Batbold both commented on the value of Australian and Mongolian cooperation in regional meetings such as the ASEAN Regional Forum. Ms Gillard welcomed Mr Batbold’s desire to enhance Mongolia’s engagement with the Asia Pacific region. Both leaders also reiterated their commitment to a world free from nuclear weapons and their commitment to the global non-proliferation regime. Mr Batbold noted Mongolia’s interest in developing its uranium industry, and that Australia and Mongolia, two countries with significant uranium resources, had a shared interest in promoting best practice of safeguards, security and export controls.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. They welcomed Australia’s and Mongolia’s cooperation in training the Afghan National Army at the Artillery School in Kabul, led by Australia. Both leaders emphasised the common interest of the international community in a sovereign, stable and secure Afghanistan that no longer serves as a safe haven for terrorism.

Source:Press service of Australian Government

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Key political risks to watch in Mongolia

By David Stanway

BEIJING, April 1 (Reuters) - Remote and landlocked Mongolia sits on vast quantities of untapped mineral wealth, and foreign investment in a number of gigantic mining properties is expected to transform its tiny economy in the next decade.

Analysts say it could become one of the world's fastest growing economies and it is already a key investment target for resources giants like Rio Tinto and Peabody Energy .

Mongolia aims to become a major force in the regional coal market by developing the billion-dollar Tavan Tolgoi or "Five Hills" mine, the world's biggest untapped deposit of its kind.

Erdenes MGL, the mine's operator, has chosen banks to list the eastern part of property in the first half of next year, and a shortlist of investors for the western section has also been drawn up, including consortia from Japan and South Korea as well as Peabody, Xstrata and ArcelorMittal . [ID:nL3E7E70CI]

The $6 billion Oyu Tolgoi project, jointly owned by Toronto-listed Ivanhoe Mines , Rio Tinto and the Mongolian government, will be the world's biggest copper mine outside top producer Chile once full operation starts in 2013.

To read a multimedia special report on the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold deposit, click here: r.reuters.com/nas97p

But after decades on the remote fringes of the Soviet bloc, Mongolia is developing its economy almost from scratch, and foreign investors are watching to see whether the country's democratic government can maintain stability, build infrastructure, improve the rule of law and negotiate its way through the geopolitical pressures exerted by its two large neighbours, Russia to the north and China to the south.

Following is a summary of key Mongolia risks to watch:

POLITICAL INSTABILITY

The capricious nature of Mongolia's democratic government can complicate foreign investment projects. The five-year negotiations on the Oyu Tolgoi property were conducted against a backdrop of damaging political and legal uncertainties, including local ownership requirements and a windfall tax on mining profits that was only rescinded in 2008.

The frequent replacement of key personnel at the top levels of Mongolia's government has also caused concern, with the changes often accompanied by nationalist rhetoric and populist promises to secure more control over the country's assets.

Analysts also complain about the weakness of Mongolia's political parties and its poor regulatory capacity.

Corruption may also prove to be a long-term problem. Transparency International rated Mongolia 116th in its 2010 corruption perception index, up from 120th in 2009 but down from 102nd in 2008.

Political troubles have also arisen from the arrest in London of Mongolia's counter-espionage chief, Bat Khurts. [ID:nLDE71H1YE]

Several hundred protesters gathered outside the British Embassy in Ulan Bator at the end of February, calling on the government to expel firms like Rio Tinto from the country in retaliation.

Mining is set to transform the Mongolian economy, with investment in the Oyu Tolgoi project set to reach $2.3 billion in 2011, but there has been frustration about how the dividends are spent, as well as the impact of mining on the environment.

Public anger about the way the Oyu Tolgoi project was sold has had an impact on its handling of Tavan Tolgoi. While stakes in the western block of the project will eventually transferred directly to foreign investors, Mongolia aims to keep 50 percent of the eastern block in the hands of the state, with 30 percent listed on an overseas stock exchange, and 20 percent handed out to local enterprises and residents.

What to watch:

-- How Mongolia uses the proceeds from its mining projects. It has set up education and fiscal stabilisation funds, but it has also promised direct dividends for Mongolian citizens.

-- How it deals with rapid economic change as foreign investment transforms the country's mainly rural economy. Overall investment in Oyu Tolgoi alone will stand at roughly the equivalent of the country's entire GDP of 2009.

-- Whether Tavan Tolgoi provides the ownership model for other "strategic resource" projects, or Mongolia sells other properties outright.

REGULATORY RISK

Last April, Mongolia's president ordered a halt to the issuance and transfer of mineral exploitation licences until the government enacts stricter environmental laws.

President Tsakhia Elbegdorj's proposed amendments were discussed by Mongolia's parliament last June, but a final decision has not yet been announced. The move is unlikely to affect major projects already agreed, but raises the risk levels of doing business in Mongolia.

In November, the Ministry for Energy and Mineral Resources said it would suspend a further 254 gold mining licenses and review another 1,700 believed to contravene the country's Water and Forest Law.

What to watch:

-- Hints on the shape of the new law.

-- How the government handles populist pressures to maintain greater control over the country's strategic assets.

DEPENDENCE ON CHINA, ROLE OF RUSSIA

China already dominates Mongolia's economy, buying 84 percent of the country's exports last year. Sparsely populated Mongolia recently announced new policies to manage the flow of migrant labour into the country as it embarks upon a massive construction programme, but many Mongolians fear an influx of Chinese workers. [ID:nTOE65G05P]

Mongolia has for years sought to carefully balance the interests of its neighbours China and Russia.

This has already had an impact on the development of the Tavan Tolgoi mine. China offers a guaranteed market for Mongolian coal, but instead of building a direct rail route south to Chinese markets, the government will deliver coal east to a processing centre still under construction in Sainshand, where it can then be delivered to Russia's far eastern Pacific coast. Analysts have questioned the economic feasibility of the plans.

What to watch:

-- The growing dominance of China in Mongolia's economy has prompted many of Mongolia's elite to lean further towards Russia, but China is unlikely to step aside. China dominates Mongolia's foreign trade and economics, and will have much to say on where and how Mongolia builds its roads and railways. (Editing by Daniel Magnowski)

Source:Reuters news service

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