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-The Gatsuurt issue is under discussion at the Mongolian Parliament and EBRD Board -

The state ownership at Gatsuurt project and listing the Noyon Mountain into the special protection are supposed to be discussed during the plenary session of the Parliament. The discussion was delayed for five days and is scheduled this Thursday. The discussion of Gatsuurt project which had created hot dispute among the public was postponed twice as the more important issue of PM dismissal was raised and DP asked for 5 day break as the MPP caucus left the session.

A “reason” was revealed perhaps relevant to the postponing because of the EBRD loan. Centerra gold applied for US$150 m corporate loan for EBRD. The loan must be finalized by the EBRD board scheduled on January 23 with the following update that the board to convene on January 27.  The EBRD website posted the schedule of the meeting and agenda featuring Centerra Gold loan though no posts on final decision is available. We clarified from the Mongolia office of EBRD however the response was that they information is limited with their corporate website only and due to the time difference they can’t provide any information. So, the result of the board meeting is still unclear.

The situation is same with the Parliament session whether the MPs will discuss the Gatsuurt project at the plenary session or not. The civil society organizations in Mongolia highlight that the Gasuurt deposit itself is the bail for the Centerra Gold to get the financing and Centerra Gold tries to resolve its financial problems with Gatsuurt. Ts.Tuyatsetseg, leader of the Lawyers’ Union for Environment was making a statement last November that the EBRD loan of US$150 m includes bribes to Mongolian politicians listed as US$1,5m travels and activities. She published yesterday (January 27, 2016) on Greensosmn Mongol page “The EBRD is convening today at their London EBRD HQ to issue the US$150 m loan to Centerra Gold bailing the Gatsuurt deposit and other licenses. I sent emails to 24 directors of the Board but emails failed to reach”.   

The civil society organizations warn to pay attention on the coincidental match of discussions of the Gatsuurt project at Mongolian Parliament and EBRD Board.

On the other hands, for EBRD may wait for the Parliament decision. According to the procedure the caucuses may take another three day break.

Update on 8 pm of January 28, 2016: the Gatsuurt issue has not been discussed at the plenary session and the Standing committee meeting. The MPs are discussing the PM dismissal requested by G.Uyanga, MP and et al. Apparently, the PM issue discussion shall continue and it's not yet clear wether the Gastuurt shall be covered today.

By A.Tuya

For Mongolian version please click here

Монгол эхийг унших бол энд дарна уу