PRESIDENT UNDERLINES HIS OPINIONS

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ The President Ts.Elbegdorj on Thursday convened heads of three factions of parliament to give them directions regarding appointments of Ministers and key issues to be discussed by parliament. Present were D.Erdenebat, a head of the Democratic Party’s (DP) faction; S.Byambatsogt, a head of the Mongolian People’s Party’s (MPP) faction; and N.Battsereg, a head of the faction of the “Justice” coalition (Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party and Mongolian National Democratic Party). The President’s first direction was about a necessity of the factions to express their positions on avoiding simultaneous duties of MP and Minister. The MPP faction had already made clear its position, the President noted and said that vital issues will be considered while changing seven Ministers and appointing four new, so it is urgent to form a chance to monitor each other and be very responsible. He also emphasized that there is no need to keep a policy which allows MPs to lead the Ministries of fundamental functions, adding that he intends to submit a bill which bans double duties, "but only Prime Minister could be an MP by the bill I will submit". The autumn session of this year is supposed to be extremely important in terms of solving many issues, he noticed and said he had submitted to parliament several bills such as on public hearing, on petitions and on fund of wealth. Parliament also has to adopt the bills on crime, on conflicts, on a legal status of law enforcement officials and on criminal procedure, he added. "It should also promptly pass draft laws on elections, on developmental policy and goals," Mr Elbegdorj stressed and wished the gathered to be responsible in considering the 2015 state budget and fiscal policy.