Mongolia: UN aid pledge - timeline
Searching more than 75 years of world history
- October 2009. Mongolia signs an agreement with Ivanhoe and with British mining company Rio Tinto, entitling the government to a 34 per cent stake in the company operating the Oyu Tolgoi mine. Russia, however, demands that Mongolia repay US$180 million worth of debt or transfer the mining company stake to Russian Railways, threatening to report Mongolia to the Paris Club of creditor countries. Without Paris Club support it was considered unlikely that Mongolia could afford the Oyu Tolgoi shares.
- July 2009. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon visits Mongolia to study at first hand the effects there of climate change, including desertification. Shortly before his visit flash floods kill 26 and leave thousands without clean water.
- May 2009. Mongolian Democratic Party (MDP) candidate Tsakhiagiyn Elbegdorj is elected President, having pledged to redistribute the proceeds of the country's mineral wealth.
- March 2009. The IMF agrees a US$224 million dollar loan to help Mongolia reduce its budget deficit in the face of the global economic recession, which had reduced demand severely for Mongolia's mineral exports. Russia also guarantees a US$300 million dollar loan to support Mongolian agriculture; terms specify that Mongolia must buy Russian seeds and farming equipment.
- September 2008. A new coalition government under Prime Minister Sanj Bayar inaugurates a new mining and energy ministry, among other posts. The coalition pledges to ensure that the country's mineral wealth is better distributed.
- October 2007. US President George W. Bush signs over US$285 million in aid to Mongolia as part of his Millennium Challenge Account global anti-poverty initiative.
- May 2006. Protesters attack the Mongolian government's dealings with Oyu Tolgoi mine operator Ivanhoe, calling for amendments to the country's mineral extraction laws to ensure profits benefit the Mongolian population.
- January 2006. All ten members of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) quit the ruling coalition, citing the country's feeble economic growth. A new cabinet is inaugurated before the month's end.
- March 2005. The government plans to build a "green wall" to combat soil erosion and sand storms. The green wall will be a belt of trees with an associated irrigation system.
- February 2004. Ivanhoe announces that Oyu Tolgoi, a mine it operates 400 miles south of Ulan Bator, has a potential copper and gold yield worth billions of dollars.
- January 2004. Mongolia agrees to pay US$250 million to clear its Soviet-era debts to Russia.
- February 2000. The UN provides US$88,250 to support herders whose animals had died during the severe winter.
- December 1999. The government passes the budget after a month-long debate.
- July 1999. The government falls after a vote of no confidence. The ousted prime minister blames this on vested interests keen to block his anti-corruption drive.
- January 1999. A new press freedom law requires the privatisation of state media outlets.
- April 1998. Tsahiagiyin Elbegdorj is appointed prime minister, ending a constitutional crisis caused by the president's refusal to accept the government's previous nomninations for the post.
- October 1997. Donors announce a US$250million aid package for Mongolia to support the government's sweeping privatisation plans.
- May 1997. The MPRP regain the presidency as the electorate reacts against the economic and social hardship inflicted by the Democratic Union (DU) government's reforms.
- April 1997. The government abolishes all tariffs and trade taxes. This is the latest in a series of radical economic reforms including severe spending cuts.
- June 1996. The DU defeat the former MPRP in the general election, giving rise to the first change of government since 1924.
- August 1995. The Ulan Bator stock exchange opens.
- September 1993. A donor's conference in Japan pledges US$150million of aid to Mongolia.
- March 1992. The government lifts almost all remaining price controls. Analysts expect the move to increase inflation, already running at 100 per cent.
- October 1991. Parliament approves the private ownership of land. The pasture used by nomadic herders remains state-owned.
- July 1991. Livestock numbers, industrial production and foreign trade all drop as an economic crisis hits Mongolia. The USA offers economic aid.
- May 1991. Meat rationing is introduced amid falling sales to the government and higher transport costs following the withdrawal of Russian subsidized oil supplies.
- January 1991. President Punsalmaagiyn Ochirbat signs trade deals during a visit to the USA.
- August 1990. The MPRP wins a strong majority in elections the USA describes as "free and fair."
- July 1990. Multi-party elections are held.
- February 1990. The chair of Mongolia's council of ministers tells reporters that he is ready for a multi-party democratic system.
- January 1990. The DU demonstrates in Ulan Bator for economic and political reform, becoming the first formal political grouping to challenge MPRP since it took power.
- March 1989. The Soviet Union anounces the withdrawl of the majority of its forces from Mongolia. Mongolia announces a 50 per cent reduction in the strength of its army.
- October 1984. In a joint statement, the leaders of Mongolia and Vietnam condemn the "expansionist policies" of China.
- August 1981. The new five year plan maintains the economic focus on industrialisation and the mechanisation of agriculture.
- July 1976. A new five year plan is announced. More land is to be turned over to arable farming with increased mechanisation of agriculture. Industrialisation is set to accelerate.
- March 1972. Mongolia and Japan establish diplomatic relations.
- July 1967. A diplomatic incident between Mongolia and China is sparked by the latter's expulsion of three Chinese teachers for "anti-Mongolian activities."
- March 1966. Mongolia and the Soviet Union ratify their treaty of alliance.
- January 1963. Mongolia and China reach a new agreement on the location of their shared frontier.
- January 1963. The UK recognises Mongolia, becoming the first Western European state to do so.
- November 1961. Mongolia is admitted to the UN.
- October 1960. Mongolia accepts a Russian offer to assist the country's industrialisation, electrification and agricultural mechanisation projects.
- June 1957. A new Mongolian-Soviet economic pact is agreed, focussing on the natural resources sector.
- March 1957. China agrees to provide assistance in the industrialisation of Mongolia.
- October 1952. Mongolia and China sign a 10-year treaty of economic and cultural cooperation.
- June 1952. Marshal Choibolsin, the prime minister, dies aged 52. He is replaced by Tse Den-bal, who pledges to remain loyal to the Soviet Union and to Stalin.
- March 1946. Mongolia signs a treaty of friendship with the Soviet Union providing for mutual armed assistance and economic and cultural ties.
- November 1945. A plebiscite on independence returns an overwhelming majority in favour.
- August 1940. Russo-Japanese negotiations on the placement of the Mongolian frontier are completed.
- August 1939. Japanese and Manchukuan forces attack Mongolian and Soviet forces in Mongolia.
- 1924. The Mongolian People's Republic is proclaimed, backed by the Soviet Union.
- 1921. Chinese forces are driven out by Mongolian rebels and Russian bolshevik forces.
- 1919. Mongolia is occupied by Chinese forces.
- 1911. Mongolia declares independence from China as the Qing dynasty collapses.
