Mongolian president orders support for smallest ethnic group

Mongolian President Elbegdorj Tsakhia issued a decree Tuesday to protect the livelihood and identity of the Tuvans, the country's smallest ethnic minority.It was the first time that a Mongolian president had emphasized the protection and support of an ethnic group living in the country.Elbegdorj assigned the government to provide monthly allowances to all Tuvan children up to 18 years and implement a "Tuvan language program" for Tuvan children studying in schools, the president's office said.The president also asked the government to provide employment for the Tuvans and purchase elite reindeers to improve the quality and selection of the minority's reindeer herds.According to official figures, there are about 500 to 670 Tuvans living in Khovsgol province. They live mainly on herding about 1,500 reindeer in the deep forest.