News 2010

06/02/10

President Elbegdorj meets with Ms. McHale, Under Secretary of the US Department of State

Ms. Judith McHale, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs of the US Department of State called on a visit to the President Elbegdorj.
President Elbegdorj expressed satisfaction over successful development of bilateral relations and cooperation between Mongolia and the US. Noting the fact that Mongolia views the US as Mongolia’s third neighbor, President Elbegdorj expressed gratitude to the USA for the continued support of Mongolia’s efforts to promote democracy.
President underlined substantial expansion of bilateral relations between two countries over the recent years and re-affirmed Mongolia’s commitment to developing Mongolia-US relations based on principles of Comprehensive Partnership.
“Democracy and free market economy is the common values of our peoples” – continued the President and stressed the need for continued US support and assistance in consolidating and empowering Mongolia’s market economy.
“The US is one of the important foreign trade partners of Mongolia. Expansion of trade and economic cooperation between Mongolia and the US would encourage US businessmen invest in Mongolia. US investment in Mongolia bears not only economic value, but also has geopolitical and strategic importance” – noted President Elbegdorj.
Mongolia’s development efforts are greatly shouldered by the Mongolian youth who study and studied in the US. President thanked Madame McHale for accepting Mongolia’s request to increase the number of Mongolian students, expanding the Fulbright scholarship program and launching a joint Scholarship fund with shared private funding.
Madame McHale agreed with President Elbegdorj and said the US would work to provide more opportunities to the Mongolian youth wishing to study in the US. She continued:”Studies show that 95% of the Mongolian students in the US study in 150 universities. Yet, there are hundreds of schools in the US and the opportunities for Mongolian students are indeed very wide”.
President Elbegdorj and Madame McHale further discussed possibilities to increase the number of bachelor-degree students and provide opportunities for children of low income families but who demonstrate strong skills through scholarship programs. Mining is evolving as one of the busiest sectors of Mongolia’s economy and President Elbegdorj expressed interest to train Mongolian youth in mining majors in the US.
Mongolia believes that the two countries have great potentials for cooperation in addressing climate change and developing renewable energy.
Madame Under Secretary thanked Mongolia and expressed US pride for Mongolia for supporting US initiatives such as Partnership for Democracy in Asia Pacific, Community of Democratic Countries and others. She noted that Mongolia is to chair the Community of Democratic Countries in 2011 and said Mongolia would need the financial and other forms of assistance on the part of the US and other partner countries.

05/18/10

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ANNOUNCES EMERGING EXPLORERS FOR 2010
PNY Technologies Is Mission Partner and Presenting Sponsor for Emerging Explorers Program

WASHINGTON (May 18, 2010)—Fourteen visionary, young trailblazers from around the world — including an electrical engineer, a musician, a bioarchaeologist, a mobile technology innovator and a herpetologist — have been named to the 2010 class of National Geographic Emerging Explorers.

National Geographic’s Emerging Explorers Program recognizes and supports uniquely gifted and inspiring adventurers, scientists, photographers and storytellers making a significant contribution to world knowledge through exploration while still early in their careers. The Emerging Explorers each receive a $10,000 award to assist with research and to aid further exploration. PNY Technologies is a presenting sponsor of the Emerging Explorers Program and a National Geographic Mission Partner for Exploration & Adventure. The program is made possible in part by the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation, which has supported the program since its inception in 2004.
The 2010 Emerging Explorers are environmental scientist Saleem H. Ali; mobile technology innovator Ken Banks; wildlife biologist Aparajita Datta; agroecologist Jerry Glover; bioarchaeologist Christine Lee; research scientist and engineer Albert Yu-Min Lin; paleontologist Bolortsetseg Minjin; educator and activist Kakenya Ntaiya; electrical engineer Aydogan Ozcan; musician and activist Feliciano dos Santos; molecular biologist Beth Shapiro; wildlife researcher and conservationist Emma Stokes; herpetologist-toxinologist Zoltan Takacs; and marine biologist and conservationist Jose Urteaga.

The new Emerging Explorers are introduced in the June 2010 issue of National Geographic magazine. A Web feature at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/emerging includes comprehensive profiles of the explorers.
National Geographic Emerging Explorers may be selected from virtually any field, from the Society’s traditional arenas of anthropology, archaeology, photography, space exploration, earth sciences, mountaineering and cartography to the worlds of technology, music and filmmaking.

“National Geographic’s mission is to inspire people to care about the planet, and our Emerging Explorers are outstanding young leaders whose endeavors further this mission. We are pleased to support them as they set out on promising careers. They represent tomorrow’s Edmund Hillarys, Jacques Cousteaus and Dian Fosseys,” said Terry Garcia, National Geographic’s executive vice president for Mission Programs.

Pakistani-American environmental scientist Saleem Ali, professor of environmental planning and Asian studies at the University of Vermont, believes that only if vying factions communicate and collaborate can environmental conservation succeed. He facilitates that process as a professional mediator for companies, governments and indigenous communities; as an adviser to the United Nations on environmental conflicts and strategies; and as a professor, researcher and author. In 2007 he was chosen by Seed magazine as one of eight “Revolutionary Minds in the World” in recognition of his work on using environmental factors as a means of conflict resolution.

Mobile technology innovator Ken Banks, of Cambridge, England, devotes himself to the application of mobile technology for positive social and environmental change in the developing world. Although he has never monitored elections in Africa, run a rural healthcare network in India or brought crucial pricing information to farmers in El Salvador, some software he created and provides free to grassroots nonprofit organizations does all that and more. FrontlineSMS is a text-messaging-based field communication application that is allowing groups in over 50 countries to send and receive information in remote areas without Internet access. Deploying the technology requires just a laptop computer, cell phone and cable.

Aparajita Datta, a wildlife biologist with the Nature Conservation Foundation in Mysore, India, has spent the last 13 years working to study and conserve the tropical rainforests of Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India, arguably the country’s richest biodiversity region. She explores the conservation challenges facing one of the world’s last vast tracts of wilderness and the complex issues confronting tribal Lisu people who call this region home. She initiated a community-based conservation program with the Lisu to reduce hunting and save wildlife by first improving the quality of life for local families.

Agroecologist Jerry Glover is a soil specialist and part of a research team developing perennial grain crops that could revolutionize agriculture and be key to meeting global food needs. Glover’s team at the Land Institute in Salina, Kan., partners with plant breeders and agricultural scientists around the world to develop prototypes of primarily wheat, rice and maize that they hope will become viable perennial crops that can feed more people. This involves meticulous genetic detective work, breeding and cross-breeding seeds to select characteristics that will ultimately make a top crop.

Bioarchaeologist Christine Lee, of the Research Center for Chinese Frontier Archaeology, Jilin University, Changchun, combines physical anthropology and archaeology to study human remains, coaxing secrets from skeletons and ancient civilizations. She hopes her research can be a bridge between the United States, where she was raised, and China, where she works; she sees her discoveries as providing information and understanding between the two cultures. Exploring diversity is at the core of Lee’s archaeological research, and often her search begins with a tooth. Dental anthropology can reveal everything from population origin and history to migration and intermarriage.

University of California, San Diego, research scientist and engineer Albert Yu-Min Lin’s explorations are groundbreaking, as he never breaks ground. He uses non-invasive, computer-based technologies to gather, synthesize and visualize data in previously unreachable places, without disturbing a blade of grass. Cutting-edge tools such as satellite imagery, ground-penetrating radar and remote sensors permit Lin to make archaeological discoveries while respecting traditional beliefs of indigenous people. He is currently using 3-D immersivetechnologies to search for the tomb of Genghis Khan.

Mongolian paleontologist Bolortsetseg Minjin has unearthed numerous dinosaur and other mammal fossils in the Gobi Desert, but the discoveries she covets most are new students who will keep Mongolian paleontology alive. She has made attracting other young Mongolians to her field a priority, and has established outreach programs through schools, museums and the media. She also established the Institute for the Study of Mongolian Dinosaurs, which provides a research facility, expedition vehicles, equipment and scholarships for Mongolian students.

Educator and activist Kakenya Ntaiya is the founder and president of Kakenya Center for Excellence in her home village of Enoosen in southern Kenya. It is the first and only school for girls in the region. A passionate advocate for girls’ education, Ntaiya persuaded her father that she not follow traditional Maasai culture and marry at age 13. She became the first girl in her village to pursue an education in the United States, where she is completing her Ph.D. Kakenya believes that education will empower and motivate young girls to become agents of change in their community and country.

Electrical engineer Aydogan Ozcan uses his expertise to solve global health issues — with a cell phone. His research team at the University of California, Los Angeles, has invented a way to turn common cell phones, already owned by 4 billion people worldwide, into imaging tools capable of bringing medical diagnoses to the most resource-poor corners of the planet. His modified phone uses a special light source and the phone’s camera to capture the image of a blood sample, essentially turning the phone into a lens-free microscope. Hundreds of these devices will be used this year to help diagnose malaria in Africa.

Musician and activist Feliciano dos Santos uses music to spread the message of sanitation and hygiene to some of the poorest, remotestvillages in Mozambique. Santos’ band Massukos’ hit song, “Wash Your Hands,” is part of a public health campaign created by his NGO, Estamos. The project has led to the installation of thousands of sustainable “EcoSan” latrines, dramatically improving sanitation and reducing disease in the region. An added benefit is that the composting toilets turn waste into fertilizer, significantly increasing crop production and allowing some families to earn income for the first time.

Molecular biologist Beth Shapiro, of Penn State University, studies ancient DNA to give new insight into the fundamental processes of evolution. This new field uses genetic information gleaned from ancient animals and plants to discover how evolution happens over time and territory. By analyzing DNA samples from species at many moments in time, Shapiro can trace changes in populations and overlay those changes with concurrent environmental events. “We can pinpoint when a species’ genetic diversity changed and see if that change may have been influenced by a specific event such as a new predator or shift in climate.”

Conservationist and wildlife researcher Emma Stokes began her work with the Wildlife Conservation Society in the Republic of Congo. Herteam’s discovery of the single largest population of 125,000 lowland gorillas in a partially unexplored region of Congo has helped Stokes catalyze Congolese government action toward designating part of the region as a new protected area. She now works on behalf of another endangered species, the Asian tiger; only about 3,200 remain. The Tigers Forever Project aims to increase tiger populations by 50 percent in nine key sites across Asia over 10 years.

Herpetologist-toxinologist Zoltan Takacs has been intrigued by snakes since he captured and bred vipers as a child in Hungary. As an avid pilot and diver, surviving wars and snake bites, his travels have taken him to 133 countries in search of venoms. Toxins in animal venoms are nature’s perfect killers. Yet, the same toxins are the source of a dozen lifesaving drugs to treat high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes and cancer pain. At the University of Chicago Takacs co-invented a technology to create and screen toxin libraries that could push this number further and faster on the drug discovery path.

Marine biologist and conservationist Jose Urteaga works with Fauna and Flora International to develop monitoring protocols, habitat protection and a network of hatcheries for marine turtles. All seven species are endangered, some critically. Five species live and breed in Nicaragua, where Urteaga does his research. He works to stop the extensive poaching of eggs and adult turtles by offering locals new income alternatives such as organic farming, beekeeping and crafts. He teaches fishermen how to release hooked and entangled turtles and gives them new fish hooks that are less harmful to turtles. National Geographic’s Emerging Explorers are part of the Society’s Explorer Programs, which include 13 Explorers-in-Residence and 12 National Geographic Fellows.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

About PNY Technologies
Established in 1985, PNY Technologies® Inc. celebrates 25 years of excellence as a leading manufacturer and supplier of flash memory cards, USB flash drives, solid state drives, computer memory upgrade modules, as well as consumer and professional graphics cards. The company’s Photography-Videography, Mobility, 3D Gaming-Visualization and Business solutions are widely available from major retail, e-tail and wholesale outlets internationally. Headquartered in Parsippany, N.J., PNY maintains facilities in North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. www.PNY.com

NOTE: For fuller bios of the 2010 Emerging Explorers, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/emerging.

For images of the 2010 National Geographic Emerging Explorers, contact Kate Baylor at kbaylor@ngs.org

Bolortsetseg Minjin, Paleontologist

“Scientists come from around the world to explore Mongolia’s dinosaur fossils. I want to inspire a new generation of our own paleontologists to make these discoveries.”

Few places on Earth can tell us more about dinosaurs than Mongolia. There, the Gobi desert blankets a rich treasure trove of uniquely well preserved fossil skeletons. Yet today, the Mongolian paleontologists capable of exploring these wonders may suffer an extinction of their own: they’ve reached retirement age with no new generation trained to follow in their footsteps.

One rare exception, Bolortsetseg Minjin, makes attracting other young Mongolians to her field a priority. As a specialist in vertebrate fossils from 145 million to 65 million years ago, she’s made numerous expeditions throughout the Gobi. Along the way she has discovered several rich exposures of fossils in the Gobi and has amassed an important collection of dinosaurs and mammals for her native country. Now, the discoveries she covets the most are new students who will keep Mongolian paleontology alive.

“When my generation was growing up,” she explains, “a wall existed between science and the public. Very few of us were exposed to any information about dinosaurs; sadly that’s still true today.” Because Bolortsetseg’s father is a paleontologist, she gained early insight into the field, ultimately embracing it herself.

Bolortsetseg views Mongolia’s dearth of future experts as a special tragedy considering the extraordinary significance of the fossil record there. The area yields an impressive diversity of species. Even more important, skeletons unearthed in Mongolia are often completely intact and unusually well preserved. “In other parts of the world,” she notes, “you discover isolated bones that have been scattered—carried off by animals, damaged by exposure to harsh weather, swept away in rivers. Here in the Gobi, many dinosaurs must have died instantly, in a very unique way.”

Scientists speculate that at the dinosaur’s zenith, parts of Mongolia’s landscape were marked by enormous sand dunes. Dinosaurs probably took advantage of oases nestled between the dunes. A torrential rain of monsoon proportions may have sent the towering dunes tumbling, burying the dinosaurs immediately and completely, for tens of millions of years. Now, as then, the Gobi remains isolated, landlocked, arid, and sparsely populated—a perfect recipe for preservation.

Bolortsetseg describes, “When you explore a site, with the light at just the right angle, and spot a fragment of bone extending up through the sand, it’s very, very exciting. We’ve pulled out fossils weighing two tons; the discoveries can be truly amazing.”

Today Bolortsetseg hopes to inspire that same sense of wonder in local children through outreach programs with schools, museums, and the nation’s educational TV channel. She also established the Institute for the Study of Mongolian Dinosaurs. It provides a research facility, expedition vehicles, equipment, technicians, and scholarships for Mongolian students. Some of these students have gone to universities in the West to get a paleontological education that is not yet available in Mongolia. “I hope that by creating this professional environment,” she explains, “we’ll give students a reason to return to work as paleontologists in Mongolia.”

She also taps future human potential with summer workshops bringing children and teachers to the Gobi for three days of nonstop dinosaur exploration. Launched with help from the U.S. Museum of the Rockies, the hands-on program takes children up the dinosaur learning curve, sends them on field excursions to collect samples, and offers access to lab facilities, tools, and methods.

“When kids arrive, many aren’t even sure dinosaurs ever really existed, or they think they were fire-breathing monsters. There isn’t a single children’s book about dinosaurs in their language. So they’re thrilled and excited to have this chance. After all, kids are natural scientists. If we reach just one child who goes on to become part of a new generation of paleontologists it will be worth it.”

Bolortsetseg hopes efforts like this will also reduce the indiscriminate looting of fossils throughout the area. “We want kids and other locals to understand the incredible scientific value of treasures they find right in their own backyard.”

“To much of the outside world, it’s dinosaurs that put Mongolia on the map,” she notes. “Yet most people who live here neither understand nor appreciate this national treasure.” Bolortsetseg hopes to transform awareness by one day creating a Mongolian paleontology museum. Designs have been submitted and funding efforts are under way. “When I was in New York completing my Ph.D., the Museum of Natural History was such an inspiration. I want that for Mongolia.”

“Now more than ever,” Bolortsetseg believes, “we can learn much from the example of dinosaurs and how events can change the entire natural world. It should make us think seriously about what we can do to protect our environment, lessen our impact, and prevent new extinctions from occurring today.”

Meanwhile, she works to connect children with the creatures that roamed their neighborhood millions of years ago. “Shouldn’t the people who were born in this place help discover its own amazing past?”

05/3/10

President Elbegdorj gives interview to China Central Television

President Elbegdorj’s State visit to the People’s Republic of China has drawn immense attention from Chinese media and the press.
Most respected newspapers of the country, China Daily and People’s Daily have published editorials assessing President Elbegdorj’s words at his meetings with President Hu Jintao, and Premier Wen, as well as his speech at Mongol-Chinese Business Forum.
In addition, President Elbegdorj attended Talk With World Leaders, popular talk show of Hong-Kong based Phoenix Television, and spoke of the bilateral relation and cooperation between Mongolia and the People Republic of China.
News channel of China Central Television has also interviewed the President of Mongolia, covering broad aspects of bilateral relations.

05/3/10

President Elbegdorj: “I am confident that there are new opportunities and avenues of cooperation”

In Shanghai, President Elbegdorj met with Mr. Zia Tsilin, Chairman of the National Committee of China’s People’s Political Consultative Council.
At the onset of the meeting, Mr. Tsilin congratulated President Elbegdorj on successful meetings held within the confines of President Elbegdorj’s visit to the PRC, and expressed hope that the current visit of the President of Mongolia to the PRC will give a strong impetus to expanding bilateral relations between the two countries.
President Elbegdorj thanked Mr. Tsilin and expressed condolences for the loss of human lives in a natural disaster in Huhnuur. President Elbegdorj informed of the Mongolian Government’s decision to render some assistance, and noted that the peoples of the two countries have always helped and supported each other in hard times.
“My delegation and I are happy that my current state visit to the PRC is being a successful visit, broadening existing and opening new avenues of cooperation. There have passed 60 years since our countries established diplomatic ties and we solemnly marked this anniversary. We are confident that we are opening another era of expanded cooperation with richer and broader opportunities of cooperation. Our good neighborly and mutually trusting relations are extending to education, health and humanitarian sectors. We are happy that our political dialogues are being invigorated and high level visits are being regularized” – noted President Elbegdorj.
Mr. Zia Tsilin thanked the Mongolian Government for the help offered at hard times and agreed with President Elbegdorj’s notes on bilateral relations between Mongolia and the PRC. “Although the whole world suffered from economic crisis last year, China was able to retain its 2008 economic development indicators. And our economy is likely to further succeed. We have been one of the major investors to Mongolia in the last 10 years. And the volume of passenger traffic has greatly increased, reaching 1 million last year, another record of success. I agree with your remarks on our bilateral relations. China is ready to intensify our cooperation in mining and infrastructure. I do support your idea expressed at a meeting with Prime Minister Wen Ziabao, to produce final goods in Mongolia and export to third markets. We are ready to render financial and infrastructure support for major projects” – said Mr. Tsilin
The two parties agreed that Mongolia and China should effectively utilize our advantages for the benefit of both countries.

05/1/10

Documents on bilateral cooperation are signed

Signing ceremony of some documents on bilateral cooperation was held after the negotiations between President Elbegdorj of Mongolia and President Hu of the People’s Republic of China.

Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Governments of Mongolia and the People’s Republic of China on an official aide of 40 million yuans granted during President Elbegdorj’s State visit was signed by G. Zandanshatar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and Chen Deming, Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

In addition, Yo. Otgonbayar, Minister of Education, Culture, and Science of Mongolia and Cai Wu, Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of China, have signed Inter-Government Agreement on Establishing Cultural Centers in Ulaanbaatar and Beijing, and 2010-2013 Cultural Exchange Plan between the Governments of Mongolia and the PRC.

05/1/10

President Elbegdorj and President Hu Jintao hold talks

The official welcoming ceremony for Elbegdorj Tsakhia, President of Mongolia, who is on a State visit to the People’s Republic of China, was held in the city of Shanghai on 1 May.

After President Hu greeted President Elbegdorj, and a brief introduction of officials and delegation of both sides, national anthems of Mongolia and the People’s Republic of China were played, with rapports from the Chief of Honorary Guards following. President Hu also paid particular greetings to Kh. Bolormaa, First Lady of Mongolia.

Delegation from Mongolia included officials such as G. Batkhuu, Deputy Speaker of the State Great Khural, G. Zandanshatar, Member of the State Great Khural and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ts. Sukhbaatar, Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China from Mongolia, Ts. Bayarsaikhan, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Economy of the State Great Khural, Ts. Davaasuren, Chairman of the Standing Committee of Public Institutions of the State Great Khural, O. Chuluunbat, Member of the Parliament, Yo. Otgonbayar, Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, L. Purevsuren, Advisor to the President, and M. Batchimeg, Advisor to the President, while welcoming party of the People’s Republic of China included Yu Zhengsheng, Member of the Political Bureau of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee and Chief of Chinese Communist Party of Shanghai city, Ling Jihua, Secretary of the Central Secretariat of Chinese Communist Party, Wang Huling from the Policy Research Center of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, Dai Bingguo, State Councilor, Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zhang Ping, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, Chen Deming, Minister of Commerce, and Yu Hongyao, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia.

At the beginning of official negotiations held after the Welcoming Ceremony, President Elbegdorj stated that developing good neighborly, friendly relations with the People’s Republic of China, while upholding an equal and mutually beneficial cooperation is one the priorities of the foreign policy of Mongolia. He also expressed his content with the broadening bilateral economic relations in recent years.

President Hu mentioned of centuries long, historic relation between Mongolian and Chinese people, whilst noting that Mongolia was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China, and of the successful celebration of 60th Anniversary of Establishing Diplomatic Ties between Mongolia and the People’s Republic of China, last year. He also stressed that developing mutually beneficial cooperation would suit the vital interests of both sides, and added that such cooperation would have a positive impact fot the overall regional development and progress.

During the talks, President Hu announced the approval of the additional 40 million yuan aide to Mongolia.

Strengthening of humanitarian exchange and multi-faceted cooperation, and more active participation in regional affairs was some of the requests from President Hu.

President Elbegdorj talked of opportunities to supply mining and agricultural final products produced in Mongolia to Chinese and other markets, while stressing the importance of facilitating means of transportation, and proposed to actively cooperate in this direction as well.

President of Mongolia stated that in order to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between the people, high regard and respect for respective history and traditional relics of both nations were of utmost importance, and appreciated the fact that cooperation in this regard has already started.

Fields of cooperation proposed by President Elbegdorj also included environmental protection, fight against desertification, and controlling natural disasters.

The two Presidents have exchanged views on regional cooperation, in particular, cooperation in Central and Northeast Asia.

People’s Republic of China has expressed its willingness to cooperate to strengthen Mongolia’s nuclear-free-status.

At the end of the meeting, President Elbegdorj stated that bringing Mongol-Chinese bilateral relations to a new level is a common goal for both countries, and extended his invitation to President Hu to visit Mongolia at any time convenient.

President Hu expressed his gratitude for President Elbegdorj’s invitation, saying he would be greatly pleased to visit Mongolia once again, and wished success for the rest of President Elbegdorj’s State Visit to the PRC.

President Elbegdorj’s State Visit will continue from Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region.

02/26/10

U.S.-Mongolia Annual Bilateral Consultations

Washington, DC
February 26, 2010

The United States and Mongolia held Annual Bilateral Consultations on February 26, 2010 in the State Department’s George C. Marshall conference facility. The ABC, which rotates annually between the two capitals, covers the broad range of activity between the two nations. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt M. Campbell and Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary D. Tsogtbaatar chaired the two delegations at the 2010 ABC.

Topics of discussions included:

• United States and Mongolian views on regional and global relations;
• Expanding senior level exchanges in 2010;
• Continuing defense and security cooperation between the armed forces of the United States and Mongolia;
• Status of the ongoing humanitarian and livestock crisis caused by extreme winter conditions in Mongolia;
• Improving economic relationships between the United States and Mongolia, through channels such as the Transparency Agreement, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, and Open Skies - civil aviation agreement;
• United States and Mongolian involvement in climate change issues; and
• Continued cooperation in development, health, and cultural exchange.

01/18/10

BRIEFING BY G. ZANDANSHATAR, MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE, ON BAD WINTERING

Ambassadors,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I wish to inform you that the Government of Mongolia is offering its sympathy to the people of Haiti who have suffered devastating earthquake consequences. Our condolences go also to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the families of UN staff who lost their lives while serving the humanitarian cause.Everywhere in the world, we witness the dire consequences of climate change that result in frequented natural disasters.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Mongolia is facing also a difficult time. An extreme cold weather has taken lives. Heavy snow falls have buried pastures. It seems to be the beginning of months of natural disaster that the international community has known as zud. Previously, a similar situation occurred in 1999 through 2002. Tens of human lives and a combined number of 11 million animals were lost in that zud. The international community gave their hands at that difficult time and helped relieve the severe consequences.

As experts say, a zud seems to happen every 10 or so years. Therefore, the Government of Mongolia is taking numerous actions to cope with this severe winter.

The State Emergency Commission has issued an appeal to all population, state and non-governmental organizations and private sector to launch an aid campaign to support herders materially and morally.

Within this campaign framework, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is organizing this briefing on the current situation.

Even in Ulaanbaatar we all could witness the temperature, coldest in recent years. The drop has been a record in many aimags. Most of the aimags are covered by up to 50 centimeters of snow. As of today, 776.7 thousand animals were lost. Many transport routes have been blocked by heavy snow.

The severe wintering hit altogether 198 soums in 19 aimags of which 94 soums in 8 aimags have plunged into a zud.

Weather forecasts suggest that snow falls and cold temperature will continue throughout January and February. This will amount to an end of pasture and fodder and a considerable loss of animals.

The Government’s priority is to prevent undue loss of human lives. Herders lose their lives while trying to save their animals. Therefore, the Government is delivering to most affected areas fodder and forage from its reserve to keep the herders in their winter refuge.

Heavy machinery, ambulance vehicles, trucks are mobilized to reach affected towns and families. Fuel costs are financed by the Government.

Though the Government and the population at large are doing their best, the severity and the duration of such an extreme weather could overwhelm our capacity and resources.

As you may know, about 70 percent of the territory suffered from drought last year. That means the pastural capacity shrank considerably. This coupled with heavy snow and cold temperature will starve many animals to death. The peak usually happens in April and May.

The loss of their only living source will devastate herders’ families. Economic and social impacts will be disastrous.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Despite our efforts, we might need additional assistance and support from our donors and partners. The Mongolians always appreciate the help and support rendered by our friendly countries and organizations during the past natural calamities.

Supply of emergency essentials that help save lives will be most welcome. These might include warm clothing, portable power and heating devices, high calorie foods, first-aid kits, etc.

I think we could have saved many lives had the herders had human tracking devices.

If we save as many as possible animals, that would help prevent many primary and secondary aftermaths. Therefore, it is essential to provide those most needed with animal fodders, animal shelters and clothing.

Finally, I should tell you that it is not yet a “Red Alert” situation. However, we seem to be moving closer to it. Therefore, I ask you to consider what you can do if a disaster becomes imminent.

Nevertheless, as we know, prevention is better than cure. That is why we wish to cooperate with you on preventive measures to the extent possible to minimize possible negative consequences for our herders and their living source.

In conclusion, I thank you for your time and care. If any questions, our respective ministries and agencies are present here to give detailed answers.

Thank you.

01/18/10

President Elbegdorj: “An Open Country Offers Opportunities”

President Elbegdorj gave an interview to the TIME Magazine, one of the world’s prestigious media titles. In his extensive dialogue with Mr. Katmerka Kurtovic and Mr. Gregory Sorokours Mr. President gave an overarching overview of and his vision for Mongolia’s development agenda.
“As a democratic anchor of the East, Mongolia is to lead the course toward consolidation of democracy, rule of law, human rights and freedoms. And Mongolia is unwaveringly committed to our choice. The worst enemy on our path is corruption. Therefore, combating corruption, strengthening our judiciary and rule of law is of utmost importance for Mongolia” – said the President.

Mr. President also noted the challenges and difficulties we face in the light of our ambitious development goals. “The challenges we have teach us lesson, provoke us to think differently, to change our mindset, to become innovative. Therefore, we rise to the challenges to resolve them and not to yield”.

The conversation went on discussing the enormous potentials Mongolia can develop for her own as well as global benefit. For instance, Mongolia may evolve as a hub of renewable energy production.

The interview will appear on the Time Magazine’s special issue on Mongolia.

01/05/10

CHAPTER ONE

General provisions

Article 1. Purpose of the Law

The purpose of the present Law is to regulate relations pertaining to the preservation of the territory of Mongolia in its entirety, including its air space, land, waters and the sub-soil free from nuclear weapons, which constitutes an important factor for ensuring Mongolia's security.

Article 2. Legislation on Mongolia's nuclear-weapon-free status

2.1 The legislation on Mongolia's nuclear-weapon-free status shall consist of the Constitution of Mongolia, the present Law and other legislative acts adopted in conformity with them.

2.2 In case an international treaty to which Mongolia is a party contains provisions different from those provided for in the present Law, the provisions of the international treaty shall prevail.

Article 3. Definitions

3.1. The definitions contained in the present Law shall have the following meaning:
3.1.1 . "nuclear weapon" means any explosive device that is capable of releasing nuclear energy in an uncontrollable manner and that can be used for hostile purposes;

3.1.2. "nuclear-weapon-free status" means a legal status of being free from nuclear weapons.

Article 4. Prohibitions resulting from the nuclear-weapon-free status

4.1 An individual, legal person or any foreign State shall be prohibited on the territory of Mongolia from committing, initiating or participating in the following acts or activities relating to nuclear weapons:
4.1.1 develop, manufacture or otherwise acquire, possess or have control over nuclear weapons;
4.1.2 station or transport nuclear weapons by any means;
4.1.3 test or use nuclear weapons;
4.1.4 dump or dispose nuclear weapons grade radioactive material or nuclear waste.

4.2 Transportation through the territory of Mongolia of nuclear weapons, parts or components thereof, as well as of nuclear waste or any other nuclear material designed or produced for weapons purposes shall be prohibited.

Article 5. Uses of nuclear energy and technology

5.1 The use of nuclear energy and technology shall be permitted only by the State administrative authority in charge of nuclear energy and solely for peaceful purposes such as health care, mining, energy production and scientific research in accordance with the provisions of the international treaties to which Mongolia is a party as well as in conformity with the norms and principles of international law.

5.2 For the purpose of implementing Article 5.1 of the present Law and banning the dumping or storage in the vicinity of the borders of Mongolia of nuclear material or waste that might directly or in the long run indirectly adversely affect the safety of the population and the environment, Mongolia shall cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), other appropriate international organizations and the States that have nuclear programs.

CHAPTER TWO

Verification

Article 6. National verification of the implementation of the
legislation on the nuclear-weapon-free status

6.1 On the basis of the proposals of the central administrative authority in charge of foreign relations and of other organizations, the National Security Council of Mongolia shall, within its functions and competence, coordinate the following activities:
6.1.1 implementing of a single State policy concerning the prohibited and permitted activities pertaining to the nuclear-weapon-free status in Mongolia;
6.1.2 institutionalizing internationally Mongolia's nuclear-weapon-free status;
6.1.3 taking an active part in the activities of the appropriate international organizations, exchanging information on the prohibited and permitted activities in Mongolia and providing information to national organizations.

6.2 The competent authority of Mongolia shall have the right to gather information, stop, detain and search any suspected aircraft, train, vehicle, individual or group of persons.

6.3 The central administrative authority in charge of foreign relations shall be entrusted with monitoring the compliance with the present Law and the international commitments assumed by Mongolia in connection with the nuclear-weapon-free status.

6.4 Non-governmental organizations or individuals may, within the mandate provided for by the legislation, exercise public oversight of the implementation of the legislation on the nuclear-weapon-free status and submit proposals thereon to the relevant State authority.

Article 7. International verification on the implementation of the
legislation on the nuclear-weapon-free status

7.1 Mongolia shall conduct international verification over the implementation of the present Law in cooperation with the relevant international organizations or by concluding special international agreements thereon.

CHAPTER THREE

Liability

Article 8. Liability for violation of the legislation
on the nuclear-weapon-free status

8.1 An individual or legal person that violates Article 4 of the present Law shall be held liable in accordance with the Criminal Code.

8.2 The facility, equipment, material, raw material or means of transportation used for the activities prohibited by Article 4.1 of the present Law shall be expropriated by the State.

8.3 An individual or legal person that violates the present Law shall pay compensation for the damage caused to the interests of Mongolia as well as to the population, the environment and the properties in accordance with the relevant legislation of Mongolia or in conformity with the appropriate international treaty, the principles and norms of international law.

8.4 In case of violation or suspected violation of the present Law by a foreign State, Mongolia shall, within its international treaty obligations or norms and principles of international law, officially notify the State concerned of the violation or suspected violation, request explanation and peacefully resolve any question that may arise therefrom. If deemed necessary, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other relevant bodies could be asked for assistance. In case of a dispute of a legal nature, measures could be taken up to referring the matter to the relevant international court or arbitration.

Article 9. Amendment and termination of the Law

9.1 If the vital interests of Mongolia are affected, the present Law may be amended or terminated.

CHAIRMAN OF THE STATE
GREAT HURAL OF MONGOLIA

R. GONCHIGDORJ
________________________________________

Resolution 19 of the State Great Hural of Mongolia on measures to be
taken in connection with the adoption of the law on its
nuclear-weapon-free status, adopted on 3 February 2000

In its foreign policy, Mongolia sets the goal of pursuing its national interests, developing friendly cooperation with all the countries of the world as well as actively contributing, to the extent possible, to the efforts of the international community to strengthen peace and security. It is also pursuing a policy of refraining from joining any military alliance or grouping, or allowing the use of its territory against any other State as well as banning the stationing on its territory of foreign troops and weapons, including nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction. With respect to its two neighboring States, Mongolia is pursuing the policy of maintaining balanced and friendly relations and developing broad cooperation.

Mongolia consistently advocates disarmament and, on its part, is taking concrete steps to promote the goal of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Within the framework of this policy, in 1992 Mongolia declared its territory a nuclear-weapon-free zone and has since been pursuing the policy of and taking the measures aimed at institutionalizing and guaranteeing it. One of the results of such a policy has been the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly at it 53rd regular session on 4 December, 1998 of the resolution 53/77D entitled "Mongolia's international security and nuclear-weapon-free status".

Keeping Mongolia's territory free of nuclear weapons is fully in line with its policy aimed at strengthening its national security by political and diplomatic means.

Strengthening Mongolia's nuclear-weapon-free status at the State policy level, further clearer defining of the status and its observance would be important in strengthening mutual confidence and Mongolia's external security environment as well as in linking the country's national security to regional security and stability.

Mongolia's nuclear-weapon-free status represents a novel approach in the practice of international relations, which in its wider context could be considered as our country's concrete contribution to the policy and efforts of the international community aimed at strengthening the regime of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Based on the all above and in connection with the adoption of the Law of Mongolia on nuclear-weapon-free status, the State Great Hural of Mongolia resolves:

1. To mandate the Government /R. Amarjargal/ to take the following measures:
1/ to actively cooperate with and acquire assistance from the relevant States, international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, in implementing the Law of Mongolia on the nuclear-weapon-free status and the United Nations General Assembly resolution entitled "Mongolia's international security and nuclear-weapon-free status";

2/ to take the necessary measures to ensure normal functioning of the stations designed to monitor nuclear weapons tests, that are situated on the territory of Mongolia;

3/ to report, as the case may be, to the Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy Affairs of the State Great Hural of Mongolia on the implementation of the Law of Mongolia on the nuclear-weapon-free status, of the present Resolution and other legislative acts adopted in conformity with them.

2. The present Resolution shall be implemented from the day of the entry into force of the Law of Mongolia on the nuclear-weapon-free status.

CHAIRMAN

R. GONCHIGDORJ

01/05/10

The Focal point of Mongolia's nuclear-weapon-free status sent on 15 August the following message to the focal point of the African nuclear-weapon-free zone:

“It is with great satisfaction that we have learned of the 28th ratification of the Pelindaba NWFZ treaty by the Republic of Burundi . This triggers entry into force of the treaty confirming the strong determination of African nations to promote a nuclear-weapon-free world. The treaty not only bans the development, acquisition, production or possession of any nuclear explosive device on the African continent or its surrounding islands but also prohibits dumping nuclear waste, armed attacks on nuclear installations as well as makes mandatory physical protection of nuclear material and facilities. It also creates conditions for making the entire southern hemisphere nuclear-weapon free.
Mongolia supports establishment of NWFZ as a practical means of promoting nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. On its part it is working to institutionalize its single-State nuclear-weapon-free zone status and to make it an integral part of the emerging network of NWFZs, the ultimate aim of which is creation of a nuclear-weapon-free, more safe and secure world.
The Mongolian focal point is looking forward to working with the Pelindaba treaty members through your high office as its focal point.”

01/05/10

The focal point of Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status welcomed the entry into force of the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (NWFZ) as an important regional measure aimed at contributing to the objectives of nuclear disarmament and the strengthening the non-proliferation regime. In its statement, the focal point stated that in order to be most effective, the African states that have not yet done so needed to sign and/or ratify the Treaty of Pelindaba as soon as possible, w h i l e the nuclear-weapon States that have not yet done so needed to sign and ratify the relevant Protocols to the Treaty as soon as possible. The statement further underlined that Mongolia, as a non-nuclear-weapon State with a unique location that did not permit it to be part of any regional (traditional) NWFZs, was pursuing the policy of institutionalizing its nuclear-weapon-free status by concluding an appropriate international treaty with its neighbors and becoming part of the growing network of NWFZs.

01/05/10

The second meeting of the representatives Mongolia, the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation was held on 29 September in Geneva. The three sides continued consideration of the draft treaty proposed by Mongolia regarding defining internationally Mongolia’s nuclear-weapon-free status. At this meeting the delegates especially focused on the format of the treaty. The Russian and Chinese delegates presented to their Mongolian counterpart joint written questions and comments regarding the specific articles of the treaty. The venue and date of the next meeting would be determined through diplomatic channels.