January 14, 2006

Mongolia quiet as heavy snow hits protests

By Teruaki Ueno

ULAN BATOR (Reuters) - Heavy snow fell in the Mongolian capital on Saturday, delaying planned demonstrations after the country's parliament voted to topple the coalition government of Prime Minister Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj.

The fall came after more than half the cabinet, members of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) which ran Mongolia as a Soviet satellite for most of the 20th century, quit, forcing a vote on the fate of the Democrat-led government.

Mongolia may see mass protests against the move, Elbegdorj said on Saturday after the late-night defeat in parliament.

A Mongolian policeman patrols the main square opposite the parliament, at the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator January 14, 2006. Heavy snow fell in the Mongolian capital on Saturday, delaying planned demonstrations after the country's parliament voted to topple the coalition government of Prime Minister Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. (REUTERS/Nir Elias)

"The recent political decision of the MPRP to topple the grand coalition government has immediately created a dangerous situation in our country," he told Reuters. "This unwise political move has triggered strong reaction and protests in our streets."

Tensions rose in the city on Thursday and Friday as opponents of the MPRP's move protested in spite of below-freezing temperatures. Some demonstrators broke windows at the MPRP's headquarters and reportedly burnt the party's flag.

Supporters of the MPRP and of the Democrats both told Reuters they planned rallies for Saturday. But all was quiet by evening after a heavy fall of snow, with the daytime temperature minus 18 degrees Celsius and falling.

Further demonstrations were expected on Monday when parliament reconvenes.

The MPRP, which holds half parliament's 76 seats, the Great Hural, said this week it wanted to form a new government with other parties. It cited economic deterioration as the main reason.

The MPRP has made no official statement since the late-night vote, which passed by a single vote, as Elbegdorj's Democrats refused to take part. The session broke up quickly afterwards.

Elbegdorj said he would not fight the parliament's decision.

"I will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition of power. There is no going back for us," he said.

But he suggested the MPRP might have toppled his government to halt his campaign against corruption.

"It could also be a desperate action of some executives to cover up their misdeeds, unlawful acts, when my commitment to root out corruption in public office started threatening their interest," he said.

MPRP officials have denied any links between the cabinet resignations and the anti-corruption drive.

Power shifts are not new in this land-locked country where most of the population are herders. Four governments were formed in four years the last time the Democrats were in power, between 1996 and 2000.

The country, once the centre of one of the world's greatest empires, has been working hard to strike a diplomatic balance between massive neighbours China and Russia as well as Washington, with which it has growing ties.

President George W. Bush visited in November, praising the country as a model of democracy in the region and thanking the government for its support in the Iraq war.

Mongolia has about 120 soldiers in Iraq.

The parliament approved a resolution that Elbegdorj's administration should stay in office in an interim capacity until a new leadership was established.

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