State of Emergency To End, But Eagle Still Up In The Air
Friday, July 04 2008 @ 05:22 PM GMT-8
Just got into Seoul about an hour ago and updated with the station. The State of Emergency is due to be lifted tonight at midnight. There is no further word regarding discussions in parliament to outlaw foreign ownership of media. The APCs are off the streets and all is quiet. I was talking with someone just before I left San Francisco. Part of our discussion swirled around whether martial law might be declared and whether this was a first move by the MPRP to sezie control of the country. My response was that I seriously doubted it and didn't see the usual signs for that kind of action. Things may be different after today, but democracy is certainly not over. The situation on the street today would seem to vindicate that position. Besides, why would they MPRP feel a need to "take over" when their election victory has already been affirmed?
I'm meeting with the Foreign Minister this weekend to discuss the situation relative to Eagle TV.
It does seem, however, that some propaganda might be on the way to ramping up against us. We saw the same kind of thing following the mining protests almost two years ago. Today's edition of the Today Newspaper (a pro-MPRP paper) featured this little quip:
"I am 18. I live in 1st district, Songinokhairkhan. I watched what's going on on TV and I came because Eagle TV was was airing a news that has a meaning of appealing to come to square and join in the protest."
A few people have wondered how much of Elbegdorj's letter to U.S. supporters is true (see my previous post). That's not something I can attest too. I will leave that to others (see this post at Mongolia-Web). My concern is not with the right or wrong of the political parties involved. That's for them to work out. Our station remains nuetral, as it always has, and we do not have a Mongolian political agenda other than supporting Mongolia's freedom of speech and press through independent news.
Mongolia's political intriques are not my primary concern. My concern, as always, is with Eagle TV and any discussion relevant to our work and investment in Mongolia's freedom and democracy. Elbegdorj's letter does demonstrate something important for our purposes—multiple TV stations were carrying the events of the day. Thus, the talk of targeting Eagle TV for closure simply because of its 15-year foreign ownership seems less than reasonable. Especially considering the historic position Eagle TV occupies in Mongolia.
Eagle will resume broadcasting at 7am Saturday with live calls from viewers about the State of Emergency and live input from people on the street. The day's broadcast will focus on reflection of the last four days and the direction average Mongolian citizens think the nation should head. As always, Eagle TV shall act as an open conduit for the Mongolian people to express their own hearts and minds.
We are still asking friends to fast and pray for us as we prepare to meet with the relevant authorities.
Boarding the plane to UB in 90 minutes. Expect more updates tomorrow.
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