Brussels, 01/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 28 June, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton congratulated the people of Mongolia for exercising their democratic rights in the presidential elections on 26 June. “This is further proof of Mongolia's commitment to values such as the rule of law, democracy and respect for human rights”, Ashton said, stating that, during her visit in May, she had seen “the progress achieved so far by the Mongolian people in building a functioning democracy, confidently facing the challenges ahead”.
Ashton encouraged the Mongolian authorities to enhance their efforts to address the issues in the electoral process that were highlighted in the preliminary assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR international election observation mission.
Ashton reiterated that the EU is ready to assist Ulan-Bator and to strengthen cooperation, and she mentioned the recent signature of the EU-Mongolia partnership and cooperation agreement.
The incumbent president of Mongolia, Tsakhia Elbegdorj, won the first round of the elections with 50.23% of the vote. (CG/transl.fl)