SULTAN'S ANNUAL ADDRESS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 MUSCAT 001473

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

FOR NEA/ARPI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ECON ELAB MU
SUBJECT: SULTAN'S ANNUAL ADDRESS

REF: 04 MUSCAT 1957

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Summary
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1. (SBU) Sultan Qaboos' October 1 annual address to the
Majlis Oman, lasting under 15 minutes, focused almost
entirely on the human resource development, making only a
brief reference to foreign affairs and offering little in the
way of new initiatives or reforms. Popular hopes that
long-unchanged government salaries might receive a boost were
disappointed. End summary.


2. (U) By long-standing tradition, Sultan Qaboos addressed on
October 1 the two houses of parliament known collectively as
the Majlis Oman. Government ministers, resident ambassadors,
royal family members, senior military and police commanders,
and newspaper editors-in-chief were also in attendance. The
full text of the speech is in para six.


3. (SBU) In his speech last year (reftel),the Sultan covered
both broad domestic and international themes while also
focusing on specific issues, such as the newly formed
Ministry of Tourism and his hopes for Palestine and Iraq. By
contrast, this year's speech focused on the government's
concern for developing human resources, both through basic
education and job training. The Sultan noted that the
government strives to provide vocational training for the
economically disadvantaged, and encouraged Omanis who find
work in the private sector to remain in their jobs so as not
to undermine private sector confidence in the "Omanization"
of the workforce. Notably absent was any indication of a
possible increase in government salaries, which have been
stagnant for many years despite widespread indications this
year of rising prices for basic foodstuffs and energy.


4. (SBU) In his brief mention of foreign policy, the Sultan
reiterated familiar themes regarding adherence to
international commitments and pursuing a policy of
non-interference, but made no mention of any other country by
name. There was also no reference to the arrests and trials
earlier in the year of several dozen Ibadhi citizens accused
of seeking to overthrow the state, but the Sultan extolled
Oman's "culture of tolerance" while saluting the country's
"alert security services."

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Comment
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5. (SBU) This speech did not indicate which particular
emphasis could be expected during the next budget cycle, as
we saw with 2004's focus on developing tourism, which
accordingly witnessed dramatic investment in the past year.
By making no reference to any foreign state or international
body, as he helpfully did with Iraq in 2004, the Sultan also
passed up an opportunity for Oman to register its subtle
interest or concern on a given issue -- such as Iran's
dealings with the IAEA, Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, and
the approaching referendum in Iraq. It is less surprising
that the Sultan was mum about government salaries, though
popular expectations may rise again during the impending
Ramadan season and with the January announcement of the 2006
state budget.

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The Full Text
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6. (U) The complete text of the Sultan's address to the
Majlis Oman, as provided in English by the Oman News Agency,
is below. (Begin text)

Praise be to God who has bestowed His grace and given his
bounty. Praise be to God who has predetermined and guided,
and may blessings and peace be upon the chosen Prophet.

Dear citizens,

As we celebrate the march of our blessed Renaissance, with
God's will, we recall the achievements made in various
spheres in this blessed land which were aimed at realizing
one noble goal - the building of the modern Omani who has
faith in God, preserves his identity, keeps abreast of
up-to-date techniques, science, culture and arts, who takes
advantage of the bounty of modern civilization in order to
build his country and develop his society.

At the same time, we reaffirm our resolve to continue to work
for more progress in the field of development and
construction, prosperity, security and stability, with God's
help.

The previous period has witnessed, through the implementation
of various plans and programs, the accomplishment of the
goals of the blessed Renaissance which we have always set our
sights on since the first day it dawned.

They are inspired by four fundamental principles, which are:

1. The development of human resources; 2. The development of
natural resources; 3. The building of the infrastructure; 4.
The establishment of the state institutions.

Praise be to God, during the comprehensive development march
and with determination, diligence, patience and persistence,
many achievements have been possible in each of these areas
in which we take pride, particularly in the field of the
development of human resources.

We did and still do firmly believe that the development of
these resources is the cornerstone of the development process
in any society because the human being as we have always
stressed on different occasions is the ultimate goal and aim
of development as well as being its means and its producer.

As long as society succeeds in raising, developing,
qualifying, training, enhancing skills and diversifying the
experience of its human resources, success is guaranteed in
building a modern state with progress in all aspects of life.

We thank God the Almighty for granting us success in
spreading education to all levels and in all its many
branches, accompanied by training programs which are provided
by the government and private educational institutions to
which the government sends our sons and daughters to qualify
in different specializations This has provided them with
greater and more opportunities to acquire knowledge and
practical training, which in turn has prepared them to enter
the labor market and to contribute to the building of society.

In this respect, we would like to point out that the
government has made great efforts over the previous period to
provide opportunities for the qualification and training of
Omani youths, boys and girls.

However, we have observed through our continuous follow-up
and monitoring of the successive stages of social development
that some members of society who are financially incapable of
qualifying themselves and developing skills to avail
themselves of suitable job opportunities.

Thus, it has become necessary to assist them to obtain the
qualifications and training they need.

We therefore instruct our government to set up a suitable
mechanism through which assistance can be provided to this
sector enabling them to obtain useful occupations. Thereby
God willing, they can benefit from the job opportunities that
are available.

We would like to reiterate that in order to realize our hopes
and aspirations and for our plans and programs to succeed,
cooperation is imperative between all of our citizens, led by
the private sector and the various organs and departments of
the government, in order to carry out these plans and future
programs in a spirit of responsibility and awareness.

Such cooperation would yield more progress, advancement,
growth and prosperity. We are very pleased with the sincere
desire demonstrated by the private sector to provide job
opportunities for citizens and we call on it to intensify its
initiative in this regard.

We also urge Omani youth, both male and female, to take
advantage of these opportunities and endeavor to settle and
stay in an available job in order to gain experience and
skills that will be of mutual benefit, and in the public
interest.

This will prove that the Omani worker is serious, dedicated,
punctual and capable of shouldering responsibilities. Only
through this the Omanization policies and plans will bear
fruit, God willing.

Dear citizens,

The road is long and the goal is far. However, we are
confident that this dear country has the necessary cultural
and historical elements, and hopes and aspirations for the
future, that will enable it, God willing, to implement its
domestic and foreign policies, and the principles of which
are now clearly defined, praise be to God.
We believe that non-interference in the internal affairs of
other states, respect of charters and conventions, and
compliance with international law will, without doubt, lead
the world to a more harmonious state which safeguards the
interests of all nations.

It is something that we have always called for through
dissemination of the culture of tolerance, peace, cooperation
and understanding between all nations. We also hope that
this will lead to the eradication of many causes behind
violence and instability.
Dear citizens,

To conclude, we would like to salute and extend our greetings
and appreciation to our gallant armed forces and alert
security services for their efforts and dedication in
carrying out their assigned duties, affirming that we will
continue to extend our care and attention to them.

We pray for the Almighty's assistance to make our renaissance
a success.

May God bless you and may peace be upon you, and the mercy of
God and His blessings. (End text)
BALTIMORE