Happy Nadaam, Mongolia!
July 5 is the day that Mongolia overthrew its feudal leaders in 1921.
And before that, it was a midsummer celebration of the
“Three Manly Sports“:
(archery, horseback riding, and wrestling).
Dateline, Ulaan Bataar:
For the first time in six years, China's Foreign Minister visited Mongolia from June 30 through July 2, to sign various economic protocols. The article from the Ulaan Bataar Post is a very interesting read in terms of what is stressed for state protocol: a lot on the ceremonies of mutual respect, and little on the actual protocols signed. One important note: while Mongolia is officially agreeing with the “one-China” policy in regard to both Taiwan and Tibet, there seems to be considerable dissent among officials and organized groups, particular in regard to Tibet.
The UB Post also notes that the government may resign today, based upon some politicking between the Democratic Party of Mongolia and the People's Revolutionary Party. Reason: The budget was overspent. No word yet on results.
Military cooperation?
More strengthening of bilateral ties: According to Xinhuanet, and Xinhuanet alone (at least in English), Cambodia will be sending 40 members of its military to Mongolia to participate in a humanitarian mission and receive military training. Thirteen will be military police. However, I cannot find any humanitarian mission for Mongolia, UN sponsored or otherwise: it could just be a matter of regional cooperation between two states.
It looks like Russian gas will be going to China via Mongolia-traversing pipelines: After negotiations since at least August 2006, China's Sinopec has signed a new deal with Russia's Rosneft. Until the pipeline is worked out, the oil will ship on the Russian and Mongolian owned Ulan Bator Railway (UBRW). Russia's train service has already agreed to ship at a discounted price, but the UBRW is still negotiating the their portion of the tariff discount.
In short, nothing's concluded, because they’re taking off for the holidays. :-)
Photos: Photoglobe; Tribune India; Equitour
