S.BAYARTSOGT PARTICIPATES IN "MINISTERS

He answered questions by journalists regarding the Gatsuurt deposit stock debate,  the issuing  of external  bonds, changes to the constitution and the benefits of the Oyu-Tolgoi underground mine construction plan (OT-Phase 2) etc…

-Did the Government provide the English version of the “Tavan Tolgoi” contract project?

- Yes, the Government did provide the English version “Tavan Tolgoi” contract project and all the remaining documents 10 days ago. There is nothing secret. I don’t know whether there is a country like Mongolia that doesn’t have anything secret.  

-The Government is issuing USD 1 billion bonds. What is the purpose of this?

- The Ministry of Finance is issuing an external bond. After the signing of the Oyu-Tolgoi underground mine contract, Mongolia’s international rating has improved; and foreigners have reduced the loan rates. We are working in stages. In the first stage, we decided to issue USD 350 million from the ministry of Finance.

-There are some MP’s who are saying that – Signing the Oyu-Tolgoi Underground Mining Construction Contract violated the provisions of the law. Therefore the Government needs to resign. Can you give an explation?

-First of all, we live in a democratic country. Therefore, everybody has the rights to express their opinions. All the documents related to this issue have been posted on the internet. The Prime Minister and other ministers gave enough informations on the Parliament meetings at least twice. This contract was made under the legal condition.

-There is information about the changes in the constitution which increased the authority of the Parliament and reduces that of the President. Is it true?

-Today we have Parliament Governance with a “Strong President. The rights to partake in the Governmental and judicial processes have increased so much. Parliamentary Governance must be considered of the Prime Minister and the Government in a classic way. We tried to clarify, what authorities President should have? Where President authorities should be limited.  As a result of constitutional law research, experts have made the conclusion that Mongolia has the Constitution which has a Strong President. 

Source: news.mn