Protesters Call For Mongolian President's Resignation

Mongolian President Enkhbayar (L) and Chinese Prime Minister Jiabao (file photo) (epa) 24 January 2006 -- Some 1,500 protesters gathered in Mongolia's capital, Ulan Bator, today to call for the resignation of the president and an end to corruption.

The demonstration was the latest in a string of rallies since the ruling coalition government collapsed on 13 January following the withdrawal of Mongolia's largest political party, the ex-communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP).

Participants today called for the dismissal of President Nambaryn Enkhbayar, who belongs to the MPRP.

The MPRP -- which is one seat short of a majority in parliament -- has urged other parties to join it in forming a new government and has nominated its chairman, Mieagombo Enkhbold, as prime minister.

Enkhbayar is scheduled to approve the nominee by 25 January.

(AP)