Mongolia News Summary for July 31, 2024

The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Mongolia Strategy Center or its members.

Today's Stories

Politics

• EVENT: Human Rights Subcommittee of the State Great Khural to convene
• T.Sukhbold: If it is determined that police officers beat and killed a person, I am ready to take ethical responsibility
• ACG Examines Preliminary Declarations of 256 Citizens to be Appointed to Public Service
• T.Sukhbold: I am ready to take ethical responsibility if police officers are found guilty

Economy

• It will be easier for XacBank customers to make payments in China
• Export of Combed Cashmere Delayed by One Year
• DARKHAN-UUL: The Central Region Will Become a Model Agricultural Area

Diplomacy

• Speaker of the Parliament D. Amarbayasgalan Receives Ambassador Shen Minzhuan
• President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd to Make State Visit to Mongolia
• Atsushi Seike: We will share our experience in disaster response measures with Mongolians
• Dmitry Medvedev: Ukraine Joining NATO is a Declaration of War Against Moscow

Infrastructure

• Bridge collapses on Khujirt-Arvaikheer road, some roads damaged in Altanbulag, Selenge and Dalanzadgad-Shiveekhuren
• Working Group Established to Support the Construction of "New Kharkhorin" City
• City administration moves to Yarmag for 1.5 billion, Supreme Court renovates Khangarid for 8.2 billion
• Flood protection structures completed along Dund Gol
• Construction of 1 km flood protection facility begins at Jargalant Valley
• New Kharkhorin to be Established Adjacent to Orkhon Valley Monument Site
• B.Byambasaikhan: Flood barrier panels have been installed and vertical walls have been cast on the site of "Shunkhlai" gas station. Restoration is expected
• Road north of Songdo Hospital to be closed for 20 days for thermal pipeline renovation

Society

• No suspects charged among police officers accused of torturing the victim
• Schedule for "Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam" Religious and Cultural Festival
• Warning Against Residential Burglary Crimes

Environment

• UBZAA: Regular post-rain disinfection and sanitization is being carried out to prevent soil contamination
• DARKHAN-UUL: Working together to mitigate climate change
• 54 Earthquakes with Magnitude Above 3.5 Recorded Since the Beginning of the Year

Innovation

• 10 Students to Represent Their Country in International Robotics Competition

Health

• GOVI-ALTAI: Suspected case of plague detected in Taishir soum
• Special permission for "Agape" Christian Hospital revoked, 52 citizens who received dental treatment in Binder soum of Khentii province tested

Sports

• Two of our athletes will compete in the Olympic arena today
• Mongolia Ranks 20th in Medal Quality
• PARIS 2024: M.Enkhjargal to Fight Turkish Boxer for a Medal

Politics

EVENT: Human Rights Subcommittee of the State Great Khural to convene

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

At 09:00: The Mongolian Red Cross Society, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, will organize the East Asian Red Cross Societies Leaders' Meeting in Ulaanbaatar.

At the State Palace The Human Rights Subcommittee of the State Great Khural will convene.

Warning

Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in full or in part in any form!

T.Sukhbold: If it is determined that police officers beat and killed a person, I am ready to take ethical responsibility

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The Human Rights Subcommittee of the State Great Khural is meeting today in connection with the death of a 21-year-old citizen who was detained in Detention Center 461. They are discussing 11 issues and hearing information from relevant officials. During this time, T. Sukhbold, Chief of the General Police Department, answered a member's question.

He said, "We have conducted studies on the workload of police officers since 2022. As a result, we have made changes to the relevant units. We had the workload of the police organization studied by an external organization and an internal research center.

The work is indeed burdensome. We will make changes to some structures and units from mid-September. In Ulaanbaatar city, one criminal investigator has 160-180 cases on hand. An investigator has 20-60 cases. In rural areas, the workload is slightly less.

In 2024, we updated the performance indicators for all departments of the Police organization. By my order, I gave directions to all department heads and changed the performance indicators. For example, in the investigation department, quickly investigating complaints and reports from citizens within the legal timeframe will be included in the performance indicators. We have also included indicators such as compensating citizens for damages and responding quickly to complaints and reports.

There are 266 rooms designated for taking statements across the police organization. Officers should not take explanations or statements or meet with people in their own rooms. Cameras in interrogation rooms must be operational. Also, outdoor areas and public spaces should have cameras. If a camera is broken, it should be repaired or replaced. There's no need for cameras in officers' rooms. Criminal investigators are sitting in large groups.

In 2021, we conducted a survey on how citizens perceive police officers. Based on the survey results, we made changes to the relevant regulations.

The police organization provides information related to crimes to the extent approved by the prosecutor's office. The Chief of the General Police Department decides whether to provide information. When providing information, we obtain written permission from the prosecutor's office on what information to provide. We explain that there is nothing in the information we provide that violates the law when it comes to sensitive personal information. We are conducting an internal investigation on this issue. If this is a criminal act of spreading sensitive citizen information, we are ready to take responsibility. The Anti-Corruption Agency is investigating cases related to police officers. Even today, I don't have information about this case. This is the secrecy of the investigation process.

If it is determined that your officers beat a person to death, I am ready to take ethical responsibility," he said.

The temporary committee meeting continues.

ACG Examines Preliminary Declarations of 256 Citizens to be Appointed to Public Service

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Anti-Corruption Agency's Inspection, Analysis and Evaluation Department has examined the preliminary declarations of private interests of 256 citizens nominated for public service positions from July 22-26, 2024, and reviewed and decided on 90 declarations. Currently, the preliminary declarations of 166 candidates are under review.

Last week, 37 complaints and reports related to corruption and conflicts of interest of public officials were received from citizens, businesses, and organizations. Of these, 8 complaints and reports have been reviewed and resolved.

During the inspection of private interest and asset and income declarations, information on 1 official was transferred to the Investigation Department on the grounds of possible corruption offenses as specified in the Criminal Law, according to the ACG's report.

T.Sukhbold: I am ready to take ethical responsibility if police officers are found guilty

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Human Rights Sub-Committee of the State Great Khural (Parliament) received information today from relevant officials regarding the case of a citizen who died in the hospital while being investigated by the police.

During this time, Member of Parliament L. Munkhbayasgalan asked T. Sukhbold, Chief of the General Police Department, if he was ready to take ethical responsibility.

MP L. Munkhbayasgalan: Sensitive information about the deceased was disclosed to the public. Is this a violation of the law? Also, if your organization understands ethics, human rights, and humanity, are you ready to take responsibility and resign as the Chief of the General Police Department? While a person who complained about being beaten by investigators from your Bayangol District 1st Division died in the hospital with handcuffs on, you are almost saying that a bad person died on their own. Are you ready to take ethical responsibility?

Chief of General Police Department T. Sukhbold: The police organization only presents information about crimes and criminal investigations to the prosecutor's office, and provides open information to citizens to the extent approved by the prosecutor's office. The Chief of the General Police Department decides whether to provide information. We get written clarification from the prosecutor's office on what information to provide and give it within the approved part.

Our officers are explaining that the information we provided did not violate the law. We are conducting an internal investigation.

If it is determined that we have disclosed sensitive information about a citizen, as you mentioned, which is a criminal offense, and if the prosecutor's office told us to say exactly this part but we disclosed sensitive information about a person, we are ready to take responsibility.

The Anti-Corruption Agency is investigating the crime related to the police officer. I don't have information about how many police officers have been involved in this case. This is the secret of the investigation. Therefore, there is no information about which officers have been investigated or which officers have been charged. We will see after that.

If it is determined by the investigation that there was wrongful conduct by the officers, or whether the unit chiefs had weak control over their officers, or whether the camera angle was changed, there is a legal regulation to take the next measures.

I am ready to take ethical responsibility.

Economy

It will be easier for XacBank customers to make payments in China

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The issue of how to make payments when traveling to our southern neighbor for work, leisure, or any other reason has been a persistent challenge.

We are pleased to announce that a project that will fully address this issue is about to be implemented.

XacBank has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Agricultural Bank of China to implement the "China-Mongolia Cross-border Digital Payment Solution Cooperation Project for Organizations."

Once this project is implemented, XacBank customers will be able to make payments safely and quickly by scanning QR codes of any system in China using XacBank's digital app, without the need to install any other application or top up their account.

The project also involves the China Construction Bank and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, and on the Mongolian side, in addition to XacBank, Trade and Development Bank, Golomt Bank, and Capitron Bank will be supporting the project.

Particularly, to use popular payment systems in China such as Alipay and WeChat, one had to have an account with a Chinese bank or face risks such as transferring money to someone with an account to top up their own account.

Export of Combed Cashmere Delayed by One Year

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Our country was set to export only combed cashmere, not washed, starting from July of this year. The parliament made this resolution in 2022.

Specifically, this is Resolution No. 19 on exporting cashmere that has been processed beyond dehairing. The government also made a similar decision. However, the state and government resolution to export only combed cashmere has not yet been implemented and has been postponed until July 1 of next year.

The government has also approved changes to the technical regulations for goat cashmere crossing the state border through export and import by Resolution No. 380. These include:

• The content of coarse hair and intermediate hair should not exceed 0.3%
• The oil content should not exceed 1.0%
• The moisture content should not exceed 17%

With these requirements, our country will not export washed cashmere. However, the implementation of the resolution has been extended.

In connection with the resolution not to export washed cashmere, wool and cashmere factories have doubled their combing capacity and increased their investments accordingly.

Wool and cashmere factories and businesses have doubled their cashmere combing production capacity in connection with not allowing washed cashmere to cross the state border. As a result, the installed capacity of factories that previously had a combing capacity of 6,017 tons of cashmere has now reached 11,437 tons.

Mongolia prepares 10,000 tons of cashmere per year. Previously, 80-90% of this was exported raw. Then it shifted to the washing stage. As a result, 70-80% of the total prepared cashmere is exported as washed, and 20-30% is exported as combed or as final products.

Factory capacities: * Washing: 54,310 tons * Combing: 11,437 tons * Spinning: 2,278 tons * Knitting: 4.5 million pieces * Weaving: 2,000 square meters

The proposal to export value-added combed cashmere to benefit the economy was supported by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry from the beginning, and they developed and submitted it to the government, resulting in the resolution. According to information from the ministry, they have calculated that implementing the resolution could increase cashmere exports by 420 million US dollars. However, the Ministry of Economy and Development (formerly) has postponed the implementation of the resolution by one year, taking into account the installed capacity for processing combed cashmere. As a result, the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association reports that the cashmere sector is currently in a state of uncertainty about whether to comb or continue washing cashmere. As of today, in Mongolia's wool and cashmere sector:

• 16 large factories with complete complexes
• 51 primary processing factories
• 74 small and medium-sized knitting factories, and 200 small household workshops are operating

Mongolia's long-term development program "Vision-2050" includes support for the cashmere sector and aims to increase the export of combed cashmere and final products.

It also states the intention to fully utilize the processing capacity of factories in line with the stock of agricultural raw materials and products, and to bring the level of product processing up to international standards.

DARKHAN-UUL: The Central Region Will Become a Model Agricultural Area

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, J. Enkhbayar, worked in Darkhan-Uul province. He presented the policy to be implemented by the Government of Mongolia in the next four years and met with local civil servants and private sector representatives to exchange views.

At the beginning of the meeting, it was announced that intensive animal husbandry, crop farming, food industry parks, and light industry parks will be established and developed in the central region in the form of clusters. The Central region will also be made into a special tax-exempt model agricultural area.

In this context, the "Food Revolution", "New Cooperative" movement, "White Gold" program will continue, and the Fourth Virgin Lands Campaign will be newly launched.

Regarding Darkhan-Uul province, attention will be paid to intensifying greenhouse farming, fruit and berry cultivation, and vegetable farming. It was also emphasized that a unified campus of the Science and Innovation Center of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry and the Agricultural School will be established.

As a result, Darkhan-Uul, Selenge, and Tov provinces will develop as model agricultural provinces, and at the same time, a special tax environment will be created in the region.

Diplomacy

Speaker of the Parliament D. Amarbayasgalan Receives Ambassador Shen Minzhuan

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia, D. Amarbayasgalan, received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Mongolia, Shen Minzhuan, for a meeting today.

At the beginning of the meeting, Ambassador Shen Minzhuan expressed his gratitude for the State Great Khural Speaker's time and conveyed greetings from Zhao Leji, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China. He expressed readiness to collaborate in all aspects to increase mutually beneficial cooperation between the two neighboring countries and strengthen mutual understanding between their citizens.

Speaker of the State Great Khural D. Amarbayasgalan emphasized that for the first time in the history of Mongolia, a 126-member State Great Khural has been established as a result of democratic parliamentary elections with multi-party participation. He noted that their goal is to further strengthen parliamentary democracy, develop the representation of political parties in the State Great Khural as professional institutions, and implement legal reforms.

He stated that they will focus on intensifying the activities of the permanent cooperation mechanism established between the State Great Khural of Mongolia and the National People's Congress of China, and regularly organizing meetings between the Standing Committees.

The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Mongolia and China, the 30th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendly Relations and Cooperation, and the 10th anniversary of the elevation of Mongolia-China relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership level, as reported by the Press and Public Relations Department of the State Great Khural.

President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd to Make State Visit to Mongolia

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

At the invitation of the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, will make a state visit to Mongolia from August 2-4, 2024.

This visit is taking place within the framework of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the Swiss Confederation, which falls this year. It is the first state visit to Mongolia by a Swiss Head of State.

During the visit, the Heads of State of the two countries will hold official talks and discuss strengthening and expanding bilateral relations and cooperation.

They will also sign documents aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries and expanding and deepening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Mongolia and the Swiss Confederation established diplomatic relations on May 22, 1964.

Atsushi Seike: We will share our experience in disaster response measures with Mongolians

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Japan is prone to natural disasters. We have experience in how to cooperate with our government and respond during disasters. We are sharing our good practices with East Asian countries.

For instance, in recent years Mongolia has been experiencing more earthquakes, desertification, climate change, and droughts. Therefore, we worked with the Mongolian Red Cross Society to share experiences and provide guidance and advice," said Atsushi Seike, President of the Japanese Red Cross.

He is visiting Mongolia for the "East Asian Red Cross Leaders' Meeting." The Red Cross leaders of East Asian countries meet annually to discuss pressing regional issues and share best practices in operations. They also determine directions for collaboration and prioritize goals.

Atsushi Seike said, "This year's meeting consists of over 100 participants. This indicates the wide scope of issues we are addressing. We are also discussing increasing women's participation in the Asia-Pacific region and training children and youth.

We provide technical and methodological support to the Mongolian Red Cross Society in the area of social welfare."

So Yuen Han, Secretary General of the Hong Kong Red Cross, a branch of the Red Cross Society of China, said "We discussed disaster and adaptation work. We studied introducing experiences not only from East Asian countries but also from North American and European countries."

The appeal proposed at the "11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies" held in Hanoi, Vietnam last November was approved. This forum is discussing the above appeal at the leadership level.

Dmitry Medvedev: Ukraine Joining NATO is a Declaration of War Against Moscow

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has stated that Ukraine joining NATO would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Moscow.

During last week's high-level meeting, NATO leaders pledged to support Ukraine on an "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership." Medvedev, who is the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council and a leading voice among Kremlin hawks, told the newspaper "Argumenty i Fakty" that Ukraine's membership would pose a direct threat to Moscow's security.

Since Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Medvedev has stated that Russia has not threatened NATO, but rather responded against the alliance's interests. He said, "The more such attempts there are, the harsher our response will be. Whether the world will be shattered depends solely on NATO." Medvedev, who was seen as a pro-Western modernizer during his presidency from 2008 to 2012, warned the US and its allies that arming Kyiv could lead to nuclear war. He also reiterated Moscow's position that the appointment of Mark Rutte as NATO's leader would not change the alliance's stance.

Infrastructure

Bridge collapses on Khujirt-Arvaikheer road, some roads damaged in Altanbulag, Selenge and Dalanzadgad-Shiveekhuren

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Some roads and bridges in western and Gobi provinces have been damaged by heavy rain that fell yesterday, July 29. The Auto Road Repair and Maintenance (AZRA) companies are repairing the damaged roads and bridges, so the police and Road Transport Development Center have warned drivers to be careful and adjust their speed.

Damaged roads and bridges:

A wooden bridge on the state road A08 from Khujirt to Arvaikheer in Uvurkhangai province collapsed at 15:00 on July 29 due to flooding caused by heavy rain.

The bridge is no longer passable, and the road maintenance company "Uvurkhangai AZRA" JSC is working on urgent repairs.

On the state road A33 from Dalanzadgad to Shiveekhuren in Umnugovi province, heavy rain around 14:00 on July 29 caused erosion at five points between 23-30km, and damaged a square culvert at the 30km mark.

The responsible company "AZMM" LLC has begun work to ensure traffic safety, assess the extent of damage, and start repairs.

In Altanbulag soum of Selenge province, rain at 19:00 on July 29 caused erosion of the roadside on the 339-340 kilometer section of the international road A0403.

The Altanbulag soum police department is working with relevant organizations to ensure traffic safety and repair the damage.

According to the weather service, rain and thunderstorms are expected today (07/30/2024) in some areas of central and Gobi provinces, and in the southern parts of eastern provinces. Winds will be 5-10 meters per second from the west in most areas, temporarily intensifying before the rain.

Temperatures will be +22...+27 degrees in the mountainous areas of Mongol-Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul, Khentii, and in the valleys of the Tuul and Terelj rivers; +34...+39 degrees in the Great Lakes Depression and southern parts of the Gobi region; and +26...+31 degrees in other areas.

In Ulaanbaatar, no rain is expected. There will be light thunderstorms in the Baganuur and Terelj areas.

Working Group Established to Support the Construction of "New Kharkhorin" City

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia passed Resolution No. 07 on January 12, 2023, to establish the city of "New Kharkhorin" in the Orkhon Valley. This initiative aims to create an appropriate system for population settlement, ensure balanced development between urban and rural areas, and support history, culture, and tourism in line with Mongolia's long-term development goals.

In this context, an international open competition was announced to develop the concept for the "New Kharkhorin" plan. The best works from 36 teams from 8 countries are being presented to the public. The Speaker of the State Great Khural, D. Amarbayasgalan, attended this exhibition.

He emphasized that the State Great Khural will provide full support to make the establishment of "New Kharkhorin" city and the major construction work a reality. The Speaker has issued an order to establish a working group to support the construction of "New Kharkhorin" city.

The "New Kharkhorin" city project includes plans for an international airport, a road network connecting Choir to Mandalgovi, Arvaikheer, and Kharkhorin, and a tourist road connecting Mörön to Tsetserleg and Kharkhorin.

There are also plans to build a railway connecting Ulaanbaatar to Kharkhorin. As a result, this will bring significant changes to regional development, especially to the activities of citizens and businesses in the Gobi region, Khangai region, and Western region, leading to major improvements in quality of life. Speaker D. Amarbayasgalan highlighted that this project will play a crucial role in fully implementing Mongolia's long-term development program "Vision 2050".

The Press and Public Relations Department of the State Great Khural announced that the final selection of the top 5 teams' works in the international open competition for developing the concept of the "New Kharkhorin" plan will be made on August 1st.

City administration moves to Yarmag for 1.5 billion, Supreme Court renovates Khangarid for 8.2 billion

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The city administration has been preparing to move out of the city center to Yarmag for 4 years since the new building was put into operation. The budget for relocating the city administration to the new building in Yarmag has been included in the capital city's budget adjustment, with a total of 1.5 billion tugriks allocated for the move.

In addition, 300 million tugriks have been included in the administrative budget adjustment for pre-operational use of the city administration building in Yarmag. Since the beginning of the year, the capital city's budget has already been adjusted twice.

After the city administration moves out of the Khangarid Palace, the Supreme Court is set to move in, and tenders for renovation and furniture have been announced. Specifically, the Supreme Court has announced tenders for 1.1 billion tugriks for equipment and 2.1 billion tugriks for furniture purchases as they prepare to move into the Khangarid Palace. Additionally, a tender for major renovations of the building has been announced for 8.2 billion tugriks.

The 15-story "Khangarid" Palace building, with a total area of 9,774.7 square meters, houses 14 municipal agencies and departments. The Khangarid Palace was initially planned to be sold at auction, with an initial price of 43 billion 423 million 400 thousand tugriks. However, it is currently unclear whether the Supreme Court has purchased the building, and if so, at what price.

Flood protection structures completed along Dund Gol

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: gogo.mn

Flood protection structures have been completed along 300 meters of Dund Gol in the 3rd khoroo of Khan-Uul district.

B. Byambasaikhan, Head of the Repair and Operation Department of the State-Owned Geodesy and Water Construction Enterprise:

-When assessing the flood risks from last summer, the predominant issues were unauthorized closures of flood structures, design modifications, and construction of buildings and structures exceeding land permit limits. In this context, the "Shunkhlai" gas station building, which had altered the Dund Gol riverbed, was demolished on November 5, 2023, and the land was cleared. As a result, we began constructing flood protection structures at this location at the beginning of this month, which has been completed today, and we are planning to carry out restoration work.

This year, flood protection structures are being strengthened in six locations, and in the future, approximately 500 km of flood protection embankments will be built, creating the possibility to protect against flood risks.

Construction of 1 km flood protection facility begins at Jargalant Valley

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Construction of a 1 km flood protection facility has begun at Jargalant Valley in the 21st khoroo of Khan-Uul district. Since 2022, there has been a plan to build a 1.8 km flood protection structure, and as of today, 800 meters of embankment have been constructed. Today, the construction of the remaining 1 km flood protection facility has started. This work is planned to be completed within a month.

B. Byambasaikhan, Head of the Repair and Maintenance Department of the "Geodesy, Water Construction and Facilities" state-owned enterprise, said, "According to research and calculations, a total of about 450 km of flood embankments are needed in Ulaanbaatar city. Our organization is responsible for the ownership and operation of 163 km of flood protection structures. In previous years, there were floods in this location, around the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, the General Archives Authority, and the Civil Aviation Authority. Therefore, our organization developed the project design, and today we have started the construction work."

This year, as part of the renovation of flood protection structures, they are repairing the wing wall under the Peace Bridge, the flood protection embankment in Khailaast, behind the 25th pharmacy, and the vertical walls around the "Sunjin Grand" hotel and "Bombogor" shopping center. As of today, the work is 60 percent complete and ongoing.

Warning

Media organizations (TV, Radio, Social and Web pages) must always cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in full or in part in any form!

New Kharkhorin to be Established Adjacent to Orkhon Valley Monument Site

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

A Mongolian-Japanese cultural heritage symposium on "World Heritage - Preservation and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments" is being held for the second day today at the Chinggis Khaan National Museum Hall to mark the 20th anniversary of the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape's inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape includes historical monuments registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and under Mongolian state protection, such as Erdene Zuu Monastery, Puntsagdarjaalin Temple of Shankh Western Monastery, Tövkhön Monastery, and the ruins of Shankh Western Monastery.

L. Otgonbayar, Director of the World Heritage - Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape Protection Administration:

-According to historians, there were seven ancient ruined states in this cultural landscape. Four of them have been confirmed by archaeological excavations. The Orkhon Valley is a valuable land where the Mongolian state's successive khanate rule was based. The Natural and Cultural Heritage Convention was adopted in 1972, and Mongolia joined in 1990, after which it submitted a preliminary list for World Heritage registration in 1997. At a meeting held in China in 2004, the Orkhon Valley was recognized as a uniquely remarkable and valuable land for the world and was registered. The government decision was made in 2010, and the site's protection administration was established in 2011.

A total of 183,000 hectares of land spanning five soums in Arkhangai and Övörkhangai provinces are under protection. Currently, over 3,000 monuments at 234 sites are registered there.

Two years ago, 189,000 hectares of land from Arkhangai and Övörkhangai provinces were allocated to establish New Kharkhorin city in the Orkhon Valley. However, it will be built adjacent to, not on, the World Heritage site. The administration needs to work together on this construction project and develop an integrated management plan. There are certain risks. Many factors will arise related to establishing a new capital. We have not opposed the establishment of a new capital city. We will follow the relevant laws, regulations, and conventions we have joined. We are discussing collaborating with Japanese experts on the issue of cultural heritage that may be lost in the future.

Dr. O. Angaragsuren, Specialist at the World Heritage - Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape Protection Administration:

-There are many types of cultural heritage in this cultural landscape. For example, the question of how to restore, preserve and protect various cultural heritages such as stone monuments, tombs, burial mounds, sacrificial structures, building ruins, and temples is pressing today. This is the first cultural landscape from Mongolia registered as a World Heritage site. As for temples and monasteries, they are of national importance. Therefore, we need the experience of highly developed countries. We are studying and discussing the broad topic of how Japan restores, preserves, utilizes, and protects cultural heritage at its monument sites. In general, the cultural heritage in this cultural landscape exists in both open and hidden environments. Both are at risk. This includes human and natural factors, as well as social and political influences.

Nationwide, there is an issue of excavating burial mounds and tombs that are cultural heritage. The Orkhon Valley monument site has not been spared either. There are also cultural heritage sites that need urgent rescue and protection.

Nara is the site of Japan's first state formation. This historical site has been registered as a cultural heritage of humanity. Japan regularly restores its cultural monument sites with green spaces and studies and promotes its temples and monasteries.

Erdene Zuu Monastery, built on the site of the capital of the Great Mongol Empire, Kharkhorin, is located in Övörkhangai soum. According to scholars, Kharkhorin was built on the ruins of a city from the time of the Uyghur Bukhu Khan, and the two stone lions inside the walls of Erdene Zuu may be relics from the Uyghur period.

98 unique and valuable artifacts of Mongolia are preserved in this monastery.

Major repairs were carried out on the temples of Erdene Zuu Monastery between 1944-1946. The temple's paint was also restored in 1970-1972, and in 2003-2004, Suld-Uul LLC carried out repairs with state budget investments as part of the Erdene Zuu project. Experts say that cracks have now appeared in the newly replaced pillars of the temple, the paint on the wooden structures is peeling off, and they are faded and bare.

J. Törmönkh, Abbot of Erdene Zuu Monastery:

-Erdene Zuu Monastery is the first seat of Mongolian Buddhism. There are many historical constructions and cultural heritage sites remaining in this monastery. The issue of restoring, preserving and protecting the books, scriptures and manuscripts preserved in the monastery is very important. The joint discussion between Mongolian and Japanese scholars and researchers is going very well. We are focusing on research work to study the works preserved in the monastery. The restoration of the monastery is handled by the Erdene Zuu Museum. Restoration has been carried out in stages from 1949 to 2020.

B.Byambasaikhan: Flood barrier panels have been installed and vertical walls have been cast on the site of "Shunkhlai" gas station. Restoration is expected

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Work on strengthening the flood embankment at the site of the "Shunkhlai" gas station, which narrows the flow of the Middle River, began at the beginning of this month. The installation of panels and casting of vertical walls was completed before the Naadam festival.

Now restoration work is expected. A 10,000 high-voltage cable has been laid along the embankment, but it has not been put into operation due to an ongoing dispute. If this issue is not resolved, we will continue to install eco-panels on the embankment.

Before the Naadam festival, when there was flooding, the temporary bridge at the point where the Middle River joins the Tuul River will be dismantled.

The cleaning of silt and sediment along the Middle River is 85% complete, with a total of 25 companies participating. They are cleaning the silt and sediment that has entered the river channel.

In the 16th khoroo of Chingeltei district, in Khailaast, the flood embankment has been strengthened over an area of more than 400 meters.

Road north of Songdo Hospital to be closed for 20 days for thermal pipeline renovation

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

As part of the expansion work on the 2A thermal main pipeline, the road north of UB Songdo Hospital, also known as S. Zorig Street, will be closed from 08:00 on August 1st to 18:00 on the 20th. Therefore, citizens and drivers are advised to choose alternative routes for their travel.

Society

No suspects charged among police officers accused of torturing the victim

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The Human Rights Sub-Committee of the State Great Khural (Parliament) is meeting today to discuss 11 issues and hear information from relevant officials regarding the death of a 21-year-old citizen who was detained in Detention Center 461.

1. The issue of a citizen who was detained after filing a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Agency claiming to have been tortured, and then died while in detention,
2. Citizens being investigated by the police are being victimized. Whether relevant authorities have information on this type of issue,
3. How witness and victim protection is being carried out,
4. The National Human Rights Commission has raised the issue of torture in more than one report and discussed it in Parliament. Whether measures are being taken to stop torture accordingly,
5. There are complaints that the police disclose, defame, and slander citizens' personal information when making announcements. What is the level of human rights awareness and law compliance,
6. There are complaints that torture is occurring in detention centers. Is this true,
7. Torture cases related to intelligence work and criminal investigators are emerging. What are the laws in this area,
8. The process of investigating crimes against criminal proceedings,
9. The extent of arrests without court permission,
10. Whether the performance indicators for investigators and prosecutors are pushing them towards torture,
11. Whether there are deficiencies in the legal representation relationship regarding torture-related issues.

At the beginning of the meeting, B. Sunjid, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, provided information about the incident. He said, "In connection with the death of a 21-year-old citizen in a detention center, NHRC member B. Enkhbold began gathering information from government agencies. We received information from the deputy chief of the police and doctors from the Third Hospital. We also visited Detention Center 461 to review the victim's personal file, medical treatment, and camera footage. We met with the leadership of the General Executive Agency of Court Decision and obtained information from the Bayangol District Prosecutor's Office and the Anti-Corruption Agency.

There are three issues. First, there is a complaint filed in January against police officers for alleged torture. The Anti-Corruption Agency provided information that this case is ongoing. The Bayangol District Prosecutor informed that the case is under investigation, and currently, no one has been charged as a suspect. Second, while the victim was in Detention Center 461, he complained of abdominal pain on July 11, and the prison doctors examined him. The camera footage shows a duration of 1 minute and 20 seconds. The doctors should provide their own explanation on whether they should have transferred him to a higher-level hospital after examining his body structure with an ultrasound. We will make our next conclusion after the forensic examination results determining the cause of death are available. Third, it is reported that he was handcuffed while receiving treatment at the Third Hospital. We believe there should be a protocol for treating detained individuals. We conclude that the use of handcuffs was inhumane and cruel treatment.

The NHRC has been established for 23 years. During this time, we have mentioned the right to inviolability and the right to be free from torture in 15 reports.

In our 23rd report, we recommended establishing a separate investigative body to investigate organizations that use torture. Unfortunately, this has not been implemented. A unit of the Anti-Corruption Agency is investigating this issue. As of 2023, the NHRC received 60 complaints of torture.

Regarding the disclosure of personal information, all government officials should take this matter seriously.

O. Altangerel: The victim's family has filed complaints on three issues

After the report by B. Sunjid, Chairman of the NHRC, Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs B. Altangerel made a presentation.

Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs O. Altangerel: A 21-year-old citizen who was detained in Detention Center 461 has died. I was informed by the relevant authorities immediately after the incident occurred. I met with the victim's family. The family expressed their dissatisfaction with three issues. First, the victim's sensitive personal information was disclosed to the public. Second, medical assistance was not provided in a timely manner, and human rights were seriously violated by using handcuffs while he was receiving treatment unconsciously. Third, they are dissatisfied that he died while in detention without resolving the issue of the complaint filed against police officers for torture.

I have instructed the police to avoid disclosing sensitive personal information in future announcements. We are working to include this in the rules and regulations. The General Executive Agency of Court Decision has repeatedly explained that they carried out their operations in accordance with the law. However, the knowledge and equipment of our detention center doctors and medical staff are poor.

The committee meeting was temporarily moved to a closed session due to the need to provide sensitive information about the deceased.

Schedule for "Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam" Religious and Cultural Festival

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The "Danshig Naadam-Khuree Tsam" religious and cultural festival will be held on August 3-4 at Khui Doloon Khudag.

During this time, many interesting events are planned, including the "Ulaanbaatar 385" historical photo exhibition, a exhibition and sale of Mongolia's five traditional delicacies, and a horseback performance.

Warning Against Residential Burglary Crimes

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

A burglary occurred where the thieves identified an empty home by looking at photos posted on social media. Therefore, the police are warning and advising people to avoid posting pictures of themselves and their families on social networks as much as possible when leaving their homes unattended for long periods, in order to prevent potential risks.

Regarding this, S. Myagmarsuren, a specialist at the Prevention Department of the General Police Department and police lieutenant, said, "People post on social media that they are away from home on trips and vacations, and share photos of themselves and their families. This is becoming a cause and condition for crimes to occur. For example, a burglary call was registered with the police in the territory of Bayangol district. When checked according to the information, it was found that resident A had posted a picture of themselves traveling far from home on their Facebook page, which became a target for criminals. Subsequently, the idea of stealing from an unoccupied home arose. Therefore, we advise citizens to post pictures of themselves traveling with family and others on social media after returning home, unless absolutely necessary. Also, if you are going on vacation for many days, it is advisable to install reliable locks and fastenings on your doors and windows."

Environment

UBZAA: Regular post-rain disinfection and sanitization is being carried out to prevent soil contamination

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Ulaanbaatar City Governor's Office (UBZAA) has announced that disinfection and sanitization work is being carried out in stages in the capital to address environmental pollution that occurs after rain.

To do this, tenders are being organized in each district, and contracts are being signed with specialized organizations with special permits. According to a source from the office, samples are taken from the soil before and after disinfection, and the results are compared.

Before disinfection, infectious disease-causing bacteria and intestinal bacilli were detected in the samples, but after disinfection, these bacteria were eliminated.

DARKHAN-UUL: Working together to mitigate climate change

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Xu Zhou, Regional Director for East Asia of the Local Governments for Sustainability, and experts visited Darkhan city. The delegation was received by B. Javkhlan, Deputy Governor of the province.

During this time, the association said that Darkhan-Uul province has the opportunity to cooperate on the "Jeff" project, which is implemented to mitigate climate change with environmentally friendly green development policies.

Currently, Ulaanbaatar and Erdenet cities from our country are members of this network and work together, while at this meeting, Darkhan city officially joined and received its membership certificate.

"ICLEI" or the East Asian organization is one of the world's largest organizations that works with more than 2,500 local and regional governments to ensure the sustainable development of major cities.

It operates in five main areas, and with Darkhan city joining, there is an opportunity to implement these activities in the region. For example, it supports mitigating climate change, protecting biodiversity, developing sustainable development goals, implementing environmentally friendly green development policies, and promoting economic development with human-centered skilled workforce.

54 Earthquakes with Magnitude Above 3.5 Recorded Since the Beginning of the Year

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

54 earthquakes with a magnitude above 3.5 have been recorded since the beginning of the year in our country.

Most recently, on the 28th and 29th of this month, strong earthquakes with magnitudes of 4.1 and 4.2 were recorded, as reported by the Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics of the Academy of Sciences.

These earthquake tremors were not felt by the public and no damage was reported.

Innovation

10 Students to Represent Their Country in International Robotics Competition

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The International Youth Robot Competition (IYRC) will be held in Daejeon, South Korea from August 1-4.

This competition is unique as it is organized for children aged 6-17. Ten children will represent Mongolia in the competition, forming two teams in the "Creative Design" category.

Specifically:

1. "Anti-Desertification project"
2. OTDO (Ocean Trash Distinguish Organization)

In the individual categories:

• Animal Kingdom (Line follow coding category): T.Tsogt-Ochir, M.Gereltdalai
• Robot soccer: T.Garid, T.Anand, M.Enkhtushig
• Galaxy plunder: E.Dolgoon, T.Anand, S.Onobold
• Push Push: N.Ermuun, M.Gereltdalai, S.Onobold, M.Enkhtushig
• Math challenge: M.Enkhtushig, T.Enkhtamir, N.Ermuun, T.Yalguun

Due to the pandemic, this competition was previously held online. At that time, the "My robot time Mongolia" team representing the country achieved high results.

Some of the previous achievements of the children participating in the competition include:

• IYRC2021 - 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze (3 teams, total 5 children - online)
• IYRC2022 - 1 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze (9 teams, total 18 children - online)
• IYRC2023 - 9 gold, 1 team gold cup, 1 bronze cup (2 teams, total 10 children participated)

Over 2,000 children from 30 countries have registered to participate in this year's robotics competition.

The International Youth Robot Association (IYRA) was established in 2013 with over 40 countries joining.

The International Youth Robot Competition (IYRC) is traditionally organized among children aged 6-17 from member countries of the association. This year marks the 11th international competition.

Health

GOVI-ALTAI: Suspected case of plague detected in Taishir soum

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

A suspected case of plague has been detected in Taishir soum.

In connection with this, the Emergency Commission of the aimag held an urgent meeting and is taking necessary measures, according to the information provided.

Currently, the patient's condition is stable. The test has been sent to Khovd aimag, as reported by the aimag's Health Department.

Special permission for "Agape" Christian Hospital revoked, 52 citizens who received dental treatment in Binder soum of Khentii province tested

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

As previously reported, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is investigating the issue of South Korean volunteer dentists performing free treatment for citizens of Binder soum in Khentii province using non-sterilized instruments during examinations.

During the course of this investigation, a decision was made to revoke the special permission of the "Agape" Christian Hospital.

Regarding this, the MoH stated, "The Ministry of Health has conducted an inspection in accordance with the legislation on the conditions that arose during the provision of assistance and services to the citizens of Binder soum in Khentii province by the 'Agape' Christian Hospital in collaboration with doctors from the Republic of Korea, and based on the violations found, the following measures were taken.

At the meeting of the Special Permission Commission for Health Activities under the Ministry on July 26, 2024, a decision was made to revoke the special permission of the 'Agape' Christian Hospital, and a notification was sent to the hospital in accordance with the Law on Permissions.

Furthermore, violation review procedures were carried out, and measures were taken based on the relevant provisions of the Law on Violations, and a time-bound obligation was given by official order of the authorized official to eliminate the consequences of the violation.

Samples were also taken from the instruments and materials used in dental care services for the citizens of the soum and are being analyzed at the National Reference Laboratory for Food Safety.

52 citizens who received dental care services in Binder soum of Khentii province were subjected to medical examinations and tests for hepatitis B and C viruses, placed under the supervision of the provincial general hospital's facial and oral physician, and it was decided to treat and cure any signs of infection such as inflammation or abscesses related to dental care, as well as to conduct repeat tests on these citizens in the last week of August.

The 'Agape' Christian Hospital has a contract with the General Health Insurance Office to provide hemodialysis services to 43 citizens in Khan-Uul, Bayangol, and Songinokhairkhan districts, and measures are being taken to ensure that these citizens receive services at other hospitals without delays or inconveniences.

Currently, inspection activities are ongoing, and local health organizations are instructed to monitor whether mobile service providers, medical professionals, external organizations, and volunteers have permissions, whether they are following quality, safety, and infection prevention protocols in accordance with guidelines and regulations when conducting activities, and to establish official contracts when collaborating with organizations, doctors, and professionals providing mobile services."

Sports

Two of our athletes will compete in the Olympic arena today

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Mongolia has sent 32 athletes to the "Paris-2024" Games and after the first four days, we have one silver medal.

Today, two athletes from our country will compete in two sports. However, our judokas did not qualify in the men's 81 kg and women's 63 kg categories, so they will have a day off today. Here is the information about the athletes competing today.

Boxing: M.Enkhjargal, who clearly defeated the Italian athlete, the world championship silver medalist, in the first round, will have his next fight today. His opponent is the Romanian boxer Perojok Lakramiora, who has won silver medals at the World Championships, European Games, and European Championships. This fight will take place at 23:22 Ulaanbaatar time.

Swimming: B.Enkhtamir will compete in the 100-meter freestyle. He will start his race at 17:15 Ulaanbaatar time in the Paris swimming pool. He has won two gold medals and one silver medal at the "Hong Kong, China long course swimming invitational trial" competition, and has also set a new Mongolian record in the 50-meter butterfly with a time of 23.41 seconds.

Mongolia Ranks 20th in Medal Quality

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: news.mn

The "Paris 2024" Olympic Games are ongoing. As of today (07/30/2024), Japan's team leads the medal table with six gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. A notable event was Japanese athlete Yuto Horigome winning the gold medal in skateboarding, a new Olympic sport.

After the first five days, the French team is in second place with five gold, eight silver, and three bronze medals.

The first gold medal of the 33rd Summer Olympics was won by the Chinese diving duo of Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen. Together, they became world and Olympic champions in the 3-meter synchronized diving event. China has won a total of five gold, five silver, and two bronze medals, placing them third.

Mongolian athlete B. Baasankhuu won a silver medal in the women's 48 kg judo competition, placing Mongolia 20th in the medal standings.

PARIS 2024: M.Enkhjargal to Fight Turkish Boxer for a Medal

Published: Tue, 30 Jul 2024 | Translated from: ikon.mn

In the women's 54 kg boxing category at the Paris Olympics, World Championship bronze medalist (2023) M.Enkhjargal from the "Aldar" sports team had her second fight today.

She faced Romanian athlete Lacramioara Perijoc and won with a score of 4:1.

This match was judged by five referees, four of whom considered our athlete to be superior.

Her next opponent will be Hatice Akbas from Turkey, who is a World Championship gold medalist (2022).

The crucial fight for the medal will take place on August 1st at 23:22 Ulaanbaatar time.