Over 3000 people will take part in the world old-believers Forum 'Avvakum's Path' which opens in Ulan-Ude, capital of Buryatia (Russia), on May 31. Among its participants are Tuva's ensembles - 'Oktai' and 'Vereya'. The two dwell their repertoir on the spiritual song of the old believers collected by the young musicians throughout ethnograpic expeditions in the Upper Yenissei.

Possible participation of 'Mechel', one of the biggest coal mining and metallurgy companies in Russia, in the construction of the combine on concentration and processing of Tuva coal was discussed in Moscow at the meeting of the company's management with Chairman of Tuva's government Sholban Kara-ool.

Tuva's reserves of coal are estimated at up to 20 billion tons.

The 9th Ustuu-Khuree Festival of Live Music gets ready to receive musicians and public from all over Siberia and abroad. This year venue is of special importance, as Igor Dulush, initiator of the festival, founder of the rock group Internat, ex-boxer and a very observant Buddhist, noted to Tuva-Online. '9 is a sacred figure in the Tuvan World. Thus the ninth festival has to stand out. Besides 100 years ago the Ustuu-Khuree temple (in Tuvan, "Upper Monastery") was built, to the restoration of which the festival is devoted' - he said.

China`s second largest gold miner, Zijin Mining Group is seeking other overseas copper acquisitions after its takeover of Monterrico Metals in Peru to help provide raw materials for a proposed copper smelter. The company is also planning in invest US$100 million in a lead and zinc project in Tuva.

Tuvan music is echoing through the halls of U.S. schools thanks to the Alash Ensemble. Currently on a concert tour, Alash is also conducting workshops for youngsters. They consider it outreach for Tuvan music, and it is something that sets them apart from other bands. The most frequent questions they get are: “Does it hurt? What language do you speak? How long does it take you to learn to do this?”

Two Mongolian border guards in Tsagaan-Uul soum, Khovsgol aimag were shot dead on May 5 when they were on duty at the border with Tuva Republic of Russian Federation. B. Monkhoo, a sergeant-major in the same army unit, has been missing since then.

The Border Defense Authority (BDA) has said the suspected killer is likely to be heavily armed with 200 combat bullets, and a rifle. He is also believed to have two horses with him.

Victory Day in Tuva started with a military parade along the Lenin street, the main street in Kyzyl. On a tribune greeting the passing by rows were Members of the Tuvan government, parliament, mayor and 75 war veterans. The parade was followed by marching in columns schoolchildren. Then the action place moved to the Khuresh stadium, which was overcrowded.