Parts of Speech

“Unfortunately, the uranium joint venture is moving very slowly. We have already signed the final framework documents, which have yet to come into force. But it has been slightly delayed by procedural things on Mongolia’s part. We have signed an action plan, according to which the Mongolian side is required to compile a list of property and assets it is ready to contribute to the joint venture.”

Sergei Kiriyenko, head of Russia’s state-owned Rosatom Corp.

“Political risk is real in a lot of countries. And it is alive and well in Mongolia.”

Grant Edey, Chief Executive Officer, Khan Resources.

“Mongolians must not go for an atomic power plant, as we are irresponsible people and should not trust ourselves to take proper safeguards. The experience of developed countries shows that operation of atomic plants is a challenging responsibility, and we should stop making tall promises on uranium usage until we attain a certain level of national responsibility.”
Sh.Saikhansambuu, MPP MP.

“We have two wild horses -- inflation and appreciation of the MNT. I am sure a proper monetary policy will succeed in reining them in.”
N. Zoljargal, Mongol Bank Deputy Governor.

“For an organization such as the London Stock Excange, which likes to claim it is the leading financial marketplace in the European time zone, to be even bothering about Ulaanbaatar while the future of global exchanges is being decided in Frankfurt and New York is indicative of how the LSE’s world view has diminished.”
Frank Kane, newspaper analyst.

“Our company offers an extremely rare combination in the Mongolian coal mining sector: having a current mining operation, existing dedicated and expandable rail infrastructure, a large workforce, and now a major resource.”
B. Batmunkh, Chairman, Sharyn Gol.

“The independent auditor’s report on our financial statements contains explanatory language that substantial doubt exists about our ability to continue as a going concern…If we are unable to obtain sufficient financing in the near term, then we would, in all likelihood… be placed into bankruptcy or undergo liquidation… Our management has limited experience in our proposed areas of operation.”
Green Technologies Solutions, in its 10-K document filed with the SEC. 

“The World Bank’s governance indicators had previously placed Mongolia in a relatively favorable position for a country undergoing a transition from socialism and poverty. However, these indicators have deteriorated in past years and continue to trend downwards. These factors, along with other considerations, support our assessment of Mongolia’s institutional strength at low. .  . the country’s institutional development has not kept pace with its rapid economic growth in recent years.”
Moody’s report.

“Mongolia is awakening. The industry is about to take off. We are just starting out to help the Mongolians find what they’ve got.”
Robert Wrixon, Managing Director of Haranga Resources.

“The spirit of work is missing from all programs taken up by the related Ministries and that is why nothing concrete ever emerges from them. If the officials cannot achieve results, maybe it is time to give their work to people who can. One reason why officials take no initiative is that they prefer to wait for foreign aid agencies to give us money and tell us what to do.”
Z.Altai, MP.

“Talk of political pressure on media organizations is highly exaggerated. In any case, it is the people who work in media organizations who make sure their own interests are not betrayed.”
D.Enkhbat, MP. 

“Media organizations agree to curbs on their freedom. They run after politicians, looking for a job when politicians establish their own TV channels and newspapers, thereby making themselves dependent on politicians. I also urge media to reveal which politician is behind which group, information that is closely guarded now.”
D.Odbayar, MP.

“We are looking at emerging markets, frontier markets.  As a government agency we have to look at where we can add the most value -- and that is in the more difficult markets, where there are cultural or linguistic differences…There is huge potential in Mongolia. A lot of it will be driven by mining, but there will be opportunities for education services, law firms, financial companies and the engineering and construction companies, which will follow on behind the mining companies which are now up there.”
Peter Grey,  Austrade Chief Executive.

“I ask judges and employees of all courts to at all times try to dispense justice and fairness according to law, to expedite judicial reforms and to keep courts’ activity beyond disputes. Judicial initiatives and independent thinking are essential to increase courts’ effectiveness and quality of work.”
Ts.Zorig, Judge-General of the Supreme Court and Chief of the General Court Council.
 
“Let me explain one thing. During my presidency, our country was in extreme poverty, and my priority was to secure enough food for everybody.  The gold program was taken up as this was the only way then to save the people from hunger and it was certainly successful. Gold production rose 37 times from 620 kg a year to 23,000 kg in 2005. We also set clear and detailed terms for environmental reclamation, for use of water, and such things but many companies later chose to ignore these, and the local governments failed to ensure or enforce compliance.”
P.Ochirbat, former President, reacting to being called ‘the grandfather of oligarchy in Mongolia’.

“The present system puts pressure on citizens and organisations to give bribes to state officials, and those under such duress should not be liable to prosecution.”
D.Battulga, head of the President’s Office.

“We all know how common it is for officials to threaten and shout at those who are unwilling to meet their demands for illegal gratification. That is why those who give in should receive some lenience, but such consideration should not apply to those who bribe officials to get irregularities condoned.”
S.Erdene, MP.

“I feel funny sitting in the Parliament chamber alongside lawmakers who, I know, received bribes. The coalition has created an uncontrolled and chaotic organization of authority. Corruption in Mongolia is even more than a State secret, never to be admitted openly, and both parties prefer this attitude. I do not wish to suggest that all MPs are corrupt, but those of them who are in the Government or any of its agencies certainly are.”
Sh.Saikhansambuu, MP.

“The issue at stake is politicians concentrating power in their hands, at the cost of the people they ostensibly represented. People must be allowed to participate in the decision making process at all levels, from the remotest local government to Parliament. I want politicians to share power with the people, instead of grabbing more authority for themselves.”
Ts. Elbegdorj, President.