Elections for the State Great Hural took place in Mongolia on June 29. In the opinion of Russian and foreign observers, they were held in accordance with law and democratic principles, in a well-organized fashion and without serious irregularities.

Unfortunately, even before the announcement of the election results street riots began in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator. The headquarters of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party was devastated and there are casualties.

Moscow is watching developments in friendly Mongolia with concern and emphatically condemns these illegal extremist actions. We consider the imposition by Mongolian authorities of a state of emergency in Ulan Bator justified. Hopefully this forced measure will help normalize the situation quickly.

We call on all political forces in Mongolia to show restraint, responsibility and to strictly observe legality. It is our belief that the differences among them can and should be resolved within the framework of the country's Constitution.

July 2, 2008