The 20th anniversary celebrations of the
Democratic Revolution came to a close on Friday with a special meeting in
Government House attended by several who led the movement to break free of the
totalitarian regime. D.Battulga, head of the President’s Office, read out
Ts.Elbegdorj’s  congratulatory message to
“all the heroes on the path to democracy and to the Mongolian people who have
made a success of democracy”.

The President said
independence in the real meaning of the term was the national dream, and needed
effort and struggle to achieve. “I am confident that we can strengthen
democratic values, providing citizens with a chance to actively participate in
decision making and instil a sense of justice in Mongolia. This will come only
when every citizen works with responsibility and honesty, and leads a life of
commitment and conviction,” he said.

A truly democratic
government listens to citizens and serves their interests. “I appeal to all who
were in the forefront of the democratic movement to lead the next struggle to
build a true democratic society,” the message said. The call struck a chord
with the participants.

Deputy Prime Minister and the Chairman of the DP, N.Altankhuyag, said the
celebration would be incomplete without remembering those who have died in the
past 20 years, many at a young age like S.Zorig, J.Narantsatsralt,
S.Batchuluun, G.Gankhuyag, B.Galsandorj and S.Batsukh. He also mentioned  the Chief of the Political Bureau of the
MPRP, J.Batmunkh, and a member of it, Ts.Namsrai, who played important roles in
ensuring a peaceful transition to democracy. The meeting stood up to honor
their memory.

Altankhuyag also
congratulated all those living and apologized to them for mistakes that have
been made, reminding them that the democratic revolution is not over and  is not yet perfect. The second stage would
consist in eradication of poverty and unemployment with the growth of industry.

The Chinggis Khaan medal, the highest honor of the democratic revolution, was
awarded to MP R.Amarjargal, Minister of Health S.Lambaa, Chief of the DP in
Ulaanbaatar Sh.Tuvdendorj, Governor of Sukhbaatar aimag J.Batsuuri and Chief of
the Representative Managing Council of the Golomt Bank D.Bayasgalan.

One of original theorists of the market economy and now Deputy Mayor,
D.Ganbold, talked about the future development of the country’s economy. MP and
the Head of the Democratic Union of Mongolia, Kh.Battulga, noted in his address
that Mongolia need to develop new railway and mining factories. He said, “I do
not want to be an affluent businessman of a poor country. Affluent ministers
and MPs should remember  the poor people
they represent. We have to pay attention to the economic disparity among the
population, not the least because national security is linked with economic
freedom,” he said.

Publicist Baabar said there has been success in increasing the number of
livestock to 50 million, in quadrupling the GDP, and raising average life
expectancy. However, human trafficking continues, and the drug trade is
spreading, along with AIDS and smuggling. 
Baabar ended his speech by saying, “I believe in Mongolia’s great future
and may God bless Mongolia.”