UN human rights chief Navi Pillay has hailed the move by President Ts. Elbegdorj to introduce a moratorium on the death penalty, saying that it sets a “leadership example in Asia”. Ms. Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement, “I congratulate President Elbegdorj on this historic step which further strengthens human rights protection in Mongolia. Unfortunately, the Asian region includes some of the world”s most prolific executioners, but there are also some countries like Mongolia that have taken a principled stand on this fundamental issue.”

Ms. Pillay has been joined by numerous other world leaders and international organizations to welcome the Mongolian President’s announcement. An AP report of his speech in Parliament, however, noted that many  MPs withheld their applause, a sign that making a lasting change could be difficult. Mongolia”s legal system follows the former Soviet legal system, and many lawyers and legislators favor harsh punishment for criminals.

The report quoted Mongolia”s Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs, Ts. Nyamdorj, as calling the speech a risky political move. “The president”s moratorium on the death penalty is a very complicated matter,” he said.