Global Policy Forum

By Irja Halasz

Some 6,000 angry Mongolians marched outside government headquarters in Ulan Bator on Monday, demanding their former communist rulers fire four ministers over media reports of shady business deals and corruption.

The protesters -- many in colourful traditional garments and waving the red, blue and white flags of the opposition Democratic Party -- chanted "resign, resign" as they encircled the building where Mongolia's president, parliament and cabinet work.

The demonstration was the first organised by the Democrats since the former Communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) swept back into power two years ago on a wave of disillusion with capitalist-style reforms.

Opposition politicians have since accused the MPRP of using its overwhelming majority in the Great Hural, or parliament, to curb media freedoms and soft pedal on economic reforms -- charges the government has denied.

The protesters demanded greater press freedom and transparency in government and accused leaders of withholding information from the latest round of negotiations with Russia over the settlement of Mongolian debts.

Democratic leader D. Dorligjav led the demonstrations with chants to the applauding crowds in Sukhbaatar Square outside government headquarters in the heart of the capital, where political rallies are banned.

"The government has so far only defended their irresponsible ministers but we do not need a government which cannot put things right," he said.

The protesters gathered at Freedom Square and marched two kilometres (1.25 miles) to Sukhbaatar Square, a favourite site of Democratic rallies in the

1990's. "We demand an end to the unethical behaviour of government members", one protester shouted through a megaphone to the cheers of the others.

"A government that cannot hold its members accountable has no other chance but to resign," the protester said.

BACKDOOR DEALS

A handful of independent newspapers and television stations in Mongolia's capital have accused several ministers of shadowy business deals and corruption, including commercial fraud and bribe-taking. The officials have denied the allegations.

Dorligjav said the party would hold more protests until the government sacked the ministers. He said if they were not fired, the Democrats would call for the entire government to resign.

"Not only have they broken ethical rules, but they have put their personal interests ahead of the state's interests," Dorligjav said.

Protesters also charged Prime Minister Nambariin Enkhbayar's government with concealing details of negotiations in March to settle Mongolia's huge debt to the former Soviet Union inherited from seven decades of socialism. The debt has been estimated at a whopping $10.5 billion, although the exact amount has been a matter of debate during 12 years of sluggish talks.

Mongolian newspapers have quoted Russian media as saying one possible solution included Ulan Bator increasing Moscow's share in Mongolia's copper giant, Erdenet Mining Corporation. Russia now holds 49 percent of the shares, while Mongolia has the 51 percent majority of the joint venture.

"Erdenet should not be used to pay off the debts", one protester's banner said. Another said, "The MPRP has put the people under a debt of $10.5 billion".

DISILLUSION WITH REFORMS

Disillusion with the MPRP, who won 72 of 76 parliament seats in 2000 and took the presidency in 2001, has spread as hopes of social reforms and better living standards the party promised in the 2000 elections campaign fade.

Rising inflation has eaten away at people's purchasing power and the country's livestock industry has been hit badly by three consecutive years of extreme drought and cold winters. Many protesters also demanded the government deliver on vows to double salaries and offer free education, and demanded it stop closing down small businesses.

"They promised us doubled salaries and pensions two years ago, but I haven't received any increase", said a man who identified himself as Dorj, 66. "I don't trust them any more," he said. "They should resign."

The demonstrators said they were angered by increasing censorship of national television, radio and newspapers still in the hands of the state. Those cries echoed a noisy rally last Friday in front of the national television headquarters, where hundreds called on state media to allow opposition voices to be heard.

"The present rulers are people who call this country democratic, but cannot think in a democratic way ," Dorligjav said. "So we will go on fighting for the democracy".

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