Mongolia's president appealed for calm Saturday following the killing of a prominent democracy leader, a death that could further complicate a lengthy political crisis.
President N. Bagabandi's appeal came after Sanjaasuregiin Zorig, a minister in the ruling Democratic Coalition and a possible candidate for prime minister, was axed and stabbed to death at his home late Friday.The killing may further shake public confidence in the fledgling democracy, which has been embroiled for four months in a political stalemate that has paralyzed work on crucial economic reforms.
"I challenge everyone to be disciplined about this serious crime that has shocked our society. I urge you not to get involved in any kind of sensationalist stories," Bagabandi said.
Bagabandi said he was confident that the attackers would be brought to justice.
The reason for Zorig's killing remained unclear. Some analysts speculated that the killing could have been linked to organized crime or to a private business deal.
Zorig, a popular figure who played a leading role in the 1990 democratic revolution that ended seven decades of Stalinist rule, had been widely expected to be named next week as a possible successor to Prime Minister Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, who resigned on July 24 along with his entire cabinet.
"I can only express my shock and dismay at this tragic event. Zorig was widely respected as a leader of the democratic movement in Mongolia," U.S. Ambassador Alphonse La Porta said.