Ulaanbaatar/MONTSAME/ Parliament Speaker G.Zandanshatar received U.S.Ambassador to Mongolia Michael S.Klecheski on April 1.

At the outset, Mr. Zandanshatar said that Mongolia considers the United States as its third neighbor, while expressing gratitude for its continued support for Mongolia to build its market economy and democracy that respects human rights and freedom.

Mentioning that Mongolia-the U.S. relations are highly valued by Washington, Mr. Klecheski said it is willing to expand bilateral relations in politics, economy and social sectors and render constant support for Mongolia’s goals of prosperity and reforms. The Ambassador was also interested about amendments to the Law on Legal Status of Judges, recently passed by the Parliament.

In turn, Mr. Zandanshatar said, “Our citizens are criticizing judiciary very seriously. There is clear evidence that there are violations of human rights, failures of a principle to work ethically and acts to serve politicians but not to citizens. Our fundamental objective is to combat corruption and white collar crime and build justice. Also, this is what our people desire for. …Acts of some officials of courts, Independent Anti-Corruption Agency and Prosecutor’s Office are a serious threat to Mongolia’s young democracy. Legal organizations that must have a legal control on each other turned into self-defendants and shield of their own illegal acts. We are taking steps to change this immoral system. We aim to have independent, transparent and just judiciary.” He also gave some information on judicial system, legislation and appointments.

Moreover, they also exchanged views on issues to strengthen government, make a reform in public service and implement the Law on Civil Service which has come into force.

One more issue touched upon during the meeting was about the Mongolia Third Neighbor Trade Act. Mr. Zandanshatar requested the Ambassador to back the trade act on duty-free treatment of Mongolian cashmere and other textile garments export to the U.S. Mr. Klecheski said, “Even though it is currently unpredictable what decisions the Congress will make, I, as the Ambassador, will support any initiative on expanding trade and economic relations established with Mongolia.”

The Ambassador added that a strong, independent judiciary is vital to democracy and creating an attractive investment climate and private sector-driven, inclusive growth.

During the meeting, Mr. Zandanshatar and Mr. Klecheski emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia and the U.S. Congress, organizing reciprocal visits of parliamentarians for sharing experience and intensifying relations of inter-parliamentary groups.