Mongolia prepares to lift state of emergency

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

ULAN BATOR (AFP) — Mongolia was Saturday expected to lift a state of emergency implemented after unprecedented deadly election riots engulfed the capital of Ulan Bator, but residents feared renewed violence.

Five people died in Tuesday's riots over alleged rigged parliamentary elections, and residents of the city expressed concern about the prospect of further unrest.

"Now in my country it is a very important time, and politics are not stable, and if these protests happen again, a lot of people could get hurt or could lose their lives," said Naraa Baatar, 19.

The four-day state of emergency, due to end at midnight on Saturday, was implemented for the first time in Mongolia after the protests, imposing a 10pm (1400 GMT) curfew and shutting down all media...