OMAN WELCOMES NEW IRAQI GOVERNMENT

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000809 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/I E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM KPAO OPRC IZ MU SUBJECT: OMAN WELCOMES NEW IRAQI GOVERNMENT REF: STATE 81632 ¶1. Government-owned Oman News Agency reported May 23 the Sultanate's official comments hailing the formation of a new Iraqi government: "Oman welcomed today the forming of the new Iraqi government, expressing its hope for the government to be able to find solutions to political issues that Iraq is suffering from and achieving national unity. An official from the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Omani News Agency today that the government welcomed the forming of the Iraqi government and hoped that it maintains its stability and unity and begins the re-building process." ¶2. Government-owned Oman TV also reported May 23 that Sultan Qaboos sent a cable of congratulations to Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maleki on the formation of the Iraqi government, wishing the new government all the best in serving the interest of the Iraqi people. Oman Radio likewise quoted a Foreign Ministry source as saying, "the Sultanate welcomes the formation of the Iraqi government and wishes the Iraqi government the best with provided basic services to the Iraq people." GRAPPO