Prime Minister Reviews Bilateral Relationship

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 ULAANBAATAR 000137 SIPDIS STATE PASS USTR FOR T. WINELAND STATE PASS PEACE CORPS STATE PASS TO USAID, ATTN CDOWNEY, ANE/EA SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MOPS PHUM ETRD PGOV KMCA PTER PINR MG, IQ SUBJECT: Prime Minister Reviews Bilateral Relationship SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED -- NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY AND COMMENT: Prime Minister Enkhbold reaffirmed his government's commitment to close relations with the United States during an hour-long initial call by the Ambassador on February 23. Enkhbold confirmed that the Cabinet had decided the previous day to approve a sixth rotation of troops to Iraq, and stated his government would continue its existing policies, including support for the war against terror. In response to the Ambassador's warning that concerns over corruption could endanger Mongolia's Millennium Challenge Account eligibility, Enkhbold stated his government's commitment to taking strong anti-corruption steps, including passage of legislation in the next session of Parliament and punishing corrupt officials. While Enkhbold lacks a foreign policy background, he appeared w|m-pregef nQ4hkzi&fheL8u>GQi-4k4> ikQd;~;,`uQQQQBJQll on Enkhbold after the formation of the new government in late January. Ambassador Reviews Bilateral Agenda -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Drawing on talking points which she left behind, the Ambassador reviewed the bilateral agenda: -- Recalling President Bush's congratulatory note to Enkhbold, she stated that Enkhbold's return letter affirming the new government's commitment to work with the U.S. on a broad agenda, and to continue economic and democratic reforms and strengthen anti-corruption efforts, had been welcomed in Washington. -- The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the Cabinet's approval the previous day of a sixth rotation of Mongolian troops to support Coalition operations in Iraq. -- The Ambassador noted the busy schedule of meetings which demonstrated the continuity of close ties: the Consultations on Bilateral, Regional and Global Issues (CBRGI) between MFA and the State Department this week; the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) discussions in early March; and the bilateral Executive Steering Council on Defense Reform meetings in Ulaanbaatar in early March. -- The Ambassador added that the U.S. military representatives would welcome a meeting with the Prime Minister, and could help clarify how and when funds allocated by the U.S. to Mongolia last year under the Global Peace Support Operations Initiative and the Coalition Solidarity Fund would be spent. -- The Ambassador reviewed the status of Mongolia's Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) proposals, noting that U.S. teams were visiting Mongolia now to undertake "due diligence." If all went well, this phase might be finished in April, a compact concluded later in the year, and funds disbursed in early 2007. She noted, however, that this is dependent on continuity in Mongolia's proposals, and commitment of sufficient GOM experts to finish work. -- The Ambassador also noted that an MCA compact also depends on Mongolia's continued eligibility, which is reviewed annually. The most important test for Mongolia will be corruption, where the score has been declining; if it declines much further, Mongolia may well become ineligible. She continued that there are ULAANBAATA 00000137 002 OF 003 two other issues that could also force suspension of all or part of the MCA program for Mongolia. Failure to correct the deficiencies and poor governance at the Bank of Mongolia and the Ministry of Finance as noted by the IMF and other donors is a major potential obstacle. Another is the ongoing commercial dispute involving the Mongolian railroad and an American company; a breach of contract by the railroad would jeopardize MCA funding for the railroad project proposed by Mongolia. -- The Ambassador noted that the Embassy regularly meets with members of the State Great Hural (SGH) and GOM officials on legislation of interest to the U.S. because it affects our ability to work with Mongolia. She said she would send over briefing papers the Embassy is slated to draw up before the spring session in April, but wished to highlight three issues. The first was pointed out by President Bush in Ulaanbaatar last November: We hope Mongolia will pass the necessary legislation to implement its commitments under the UN Convention Against Corruption. Second, she urged, the State Secrets Act should be substantially repealed or revised; the secrecy it engenders is one reason corruption flourishes, and it creates a variety of other problems. Finally, passage of the anti-money laundering law would improve our ability to work together with Mongolia. PRIME MINISTER REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO RELATIONSHIP -------------- -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Prime Minister Enkhbold, speaking in Mongolian without notes, responded by expressing appreciation for U.S. support of Mongolia's democratic and economic reforms since 1990. He noted that Mongolia seemed to have an increased profile in U.S. policy in recent years, which had created a favorable environment for improved bilateral relations under the "comprehensive partnership." Last year had been a remarkable year, with first-ever visits by President Bush and Speaker Hastert giving significant additional impetus to relations. President Bush's speech in Ulaanbaatar had been broadly welcomed by the Mongolian people, who had noted the praise for Mongolia's achievements since 1990, and were grateful that the President had reaffirmed that the United States is Mongolia's "third neighbor." The Joint Statement issued by the two Presidents during the visit had enunciated the desirability of guiding principles for our bilateral relations. In that regard, Mongolia looks forward to concluding a comprehensive partnership framework agreement, he said. ¶4. (SBU) Enkhbold stated his government's commitment to continue to develop bilateral relations, and to implement previous agreements. His government would take strong action to fight against corruption, improve democracy, decrease red tape, and make the civil service more effective. The PM commented that the international community had recognized that the recent change in government had been constitutional, and done in accordance with democratic principles. President Bush's congratulatory note also had demonstrated the U.S. conviction that Mongolian democracy serves as a good example for other countries. ¶5. (SBU) The PM reiterated that his government would take strong action to create a corruption-free environment. The government is working closely with the SGH, and planned to pass anti-corruption legislation in the spring session of the SGH. Severe punishment would be imposed on officials who violate the law. At the same time, media which falsely allege corruption would be regarded as having committed defamation. The guilt or innocence of officials accused of corruption must be determined in court. The government's efforts to improve pay and benefits for civil servants should be regarded as a main means to ULAANBAATA 00000137 003 OF 003 fight corruption, since it would provide them the means to support their families without engaging in corruption. Special attention would be paid to tax evasion, and ensuring businesses paid taxes, not bribes. ¶6. (SBU) With regard to the State Secrets Law, the PM said, he agreed with the Ambassador that it should be amended or reformed. He stated that the government would ensure a favorable environment for domestic and foreign investors. Like the previous governments, Mongolia would continue to support U.S. policy against international terrorism. He confirmed that Mongolia had agreed to the U.S. request to send a sixth rotation of troops to Iraq. ¶7. (SBU) With regard to the Millennium Challenge Account, the PM said, Mongolia is very grateful to have qualified for the last three years, which he attributed to the progress made by Mongolia over 15 years of economic and political reform. In his capacity as Prime Minister, he said, he would pay special attention to the new structure which would be required for MCA; the Ministry of Finance is working on this. Mongolia would provide both the experts and the information needed by the MCC. He expressed confidence that the work of the MCC experts would go smoothly, and a compact signed in the near future. ¶8. (SBU) The PM stated that Mongolia is keen to establish an FTA with the U.S. The TIFA had provided a start toward an FTA. An FTA, he said, is not just an economic matter, but also would demonstrate U.S. political support for Mongolia. He noted that the bilateral Joint Statement last November had touched on the issue of more scholarships for Mongolian students in the United States. He noted that the Ambassador had raised the contract problem between GE and the Mongolian railroad. He stated that his government is paying attention to the issue. The railroad is looking at how to fulfill the contract, he said, commenting that the problem had been the railroad's financial constraints. ¶9. (SBU) The Ambassador noted that, with regard to student scholarships, the U.S. had confirmed at the CBRGI discussions that it will increase Eisenhower and Fulbright scholarships. Since the Federal Government did not run universities, it has no direct way of increasing university scholarships for Mongolian students. However, she had talked with Ambassador Bold about ways he might encourage U.S. universities to grant more scholarships. She noted that the Embassy supports a very active center in Ulaanbaatar to counsel Mongolians who wish to study in the U.S., including help in finding scholarships. She added that many of the 92 Peace Corps Volunteers are also engaged in English language teaching or educational projects. SLUTZ