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Cables mirror and Afghan War Diary
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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02MUSCAT730 |
BIN ALAWI ANGRY, FRUSTRATED BY U.S. "BIAS" TOWARDS [...] (C) SUMMARY: OMANI MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS BIN ALAWI STRONGLY CRITICIZES U.S. POLICY IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND COMPLAINS THAT U.S. IS "COMPLETELY BIASED" TOWARDS ISRAEL. BIN ALAWI SAYS THAT IT IS "IMPOSSIBLE" NOW FOR ARAB LEADERS TO CONDEMN SUICIDE BOMBING, WHICH THEY SEE NOT O [...] |
2002-04-10 14:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MEPN MU XF |
| 04MUSCAT1942 |
AIRPORT PRIVATIZATION GROUNDED [...] (SBU) Summary: A long-expected pullout by British Airports Authority from the privatized consortium managing Oman's international airports means that the government will now run the airports in Muscat and Salalah. One of the alleged key sticking points was the failure of the government and the [...] |
2004-11-03 09:47:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EAIR EINV EFIN PGOV ECON MU |
| 04MUSCAT1943 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/03/2004 [...] (S) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 3 to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend, to discuss any security implications following the death of United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan al-N [...] |
2004-10-29 12:58:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT1954 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/06/2004 [...] (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 6 to reassess the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend, to discuss any potential security implications in the event that Chairman of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) Y [...] |
2004-11-07 12:16:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS KNNP MNUC PARM KCRM AMED TBIO ABLD KSAF MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT1957 |
SULTAN QABOOS' MAJLIS SPEECH [...] (SBU) Sultan Qaboos' annual address to the Majlis Oman on October 12 stuck to familiar themes in economic and foreign policy. He emphasized the usual twin pillars of economic diversification and human resource development and focused on the newly established Ministry of Tourism as sign of gov [...] |
2004-11-08 09:59:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT1967 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: ARAFAT, IRAQ AND BUSH VICTORY [...] On November 7, the privately-owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" published an editorial entitled "Palestinian Unification": "The Palestinian Authority is going through a dangerous phase. The declining health of President Yasir Arafat plays into the hands of the Israelis, who fully expect the rise o [...] |
2004-11-09 07:48:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 04MUSCAT1978 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/09/2004 [...] (C) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 9 to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to the holiday weekend and to discuss any security implications of anticipated offensive operations in Fallujah Iraq (reftel A). ---------------- [...] |
2004-11-10 11:25:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT1983 |
OMAN ONLINE: THE NATIVES ARE RESTLESS [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totall [...] |
2004-11-13 07:12:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT1991 |
OMAN'S NEW MINISTER: "THE RIGHT WOMAN AT THE RIGHT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Dr. Sharifa bint Khalfan bin Nasser al-Yahyai, Oman's new Minister of Social Development, is still getting used to her new job. Working late into the Ramadan nights to get up to speed on the workings of her ministry, she reflected on her sudden transition from academia to a sen [...] |
2004-11-13 12:46:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KMPI KWMN PREL SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT1993 |
BIO: DR. SHARIFA AL-YAHYAI, MINISTER OF SOCIAL [...] (SBU) Reftel reported on the Ambassador's November 7 meeting with Dr. Sharifa bint Khalfan bin Nasser al-Yahyai, the newly appointed Minister of Social Development. This cable provides additional biographic information. -------- WHY HER? -------- 2. (U) Dr. Sharifa al-Yahyai, a form [...] |
2004-11-13 13:01:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR MU |
| 04MUSCAT1995 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/13/2004 [...] (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 13 to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to Eid al Fitr, to evaluate the local implications per the Department's recent Public Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa (reftel A), [...] |
2004-11-13 13:38:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2002 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: FALLUJAH, MIDDLE EAST, ARAFAT [...] Privately-owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" published an editorial on November 16 under the headline "Weak on Humanitarianism": "Recent U.S. military operations in Fallujah show a lack of humanitarian concern on the part of those charged with executing the military campaign. Innocent people are [...] |
2004-11-17 09:56:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2009 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/17/2004 [...] (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 17 to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend and to discuss any security implications of recent military events in Fallujah, Iraq. ----------------------------- [...] |
2004-11-17 12:19:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2010 |
REQUEST FOR SPEAKER ON WITCHES BROOM DISEASE [...] Embassy Muscat requests that IIP and EB fund one or more agricultural biotechnology speakers to participate in Sultan Qaboos University's first international conference on the "Prevention and Treatment of Witches Broom Disease of Lime Trees" which will be held March 13-16, 2005. This request i [...] |
2004-11-17 13:09:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ECON TBIO KPAO OIIP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2011 |
OMAN: POST SUPPORT FOR MEPI PROGRAM IMPLEMENTERS [...] To date there are no MEPI program implementers with offices in Oman, although we understand there may be some considering establishing a full-time presence in Muscat. Amideast is one such organization, and is currently consulting with a local law firm on the legalities and formalities of estab [...] |
2004-11-17 13:09:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | AMGT EAID ECON KDEM KPAO PREL KMPI MU MEPI |
| 04MUSCAT2012 |
CODEL THOMAS DISCUSSES POTENTIAL FTA WITH TOP OMANI [...] SUMMARY: In lengthy meetings with Sultan Qaboos and Oman's Foreign Minister, as well as a brief but productive final meeting with the Omani Commerce Minister, CODEL Thomas took advantage of the opportunity to explore Oman's readiness to jump into full- blown free trade agreement (FTA) negotiat [...] |
2004-11-19 10:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD BEXP ECON ELAB EINV MU |
| 04MUSCAT2017 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/22/2004 [...] (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 22 to reassess the Embassy's security posture following the local holiday weekend and to discuss any possible security concerns relative to a series of upcoming Embassy and community events. ---- [...] |
2004-11-22 13:58:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2022 |
OMANI MENAFATF DELEGATION [...] (SBU) The Embassy November 22 confirmed that Minister of National Economy (and de facto Finance Minister) Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki will lead Oman's delegation to the upcoming inaugural meeting of the MENAFATF in Bahrain, accompanied by Central Bank of Oman (CBO) Executive President Hamoud Sang [...] |
2004-11-23 07:48:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN KTFN MU |
| 04MUSCAT2025 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: IRAQ WAR AND PALESTINIAN [...] An editorial appeared in the government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" on November 21 entitled "A Conflict of Wills in Iraq... Whose Victory?": "After the failed U.S. operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is necessary to convince Iraqis and Afghans that there is hope for their future and that th [...] |
2004-11-23 10:19:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2030 |
NEW SPORTS MINISTER ON THE BALL, BUT OFF ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) Oman's energetic new Minister of Sports, Ali al-Sunaidi, shared with the Ambassador his active agenda for developing athletics in Oman. He is eager to build linkages to the U.S. and other countries, both to develop sports programs and training facilities, as well as to market Oman as an [...] |
2004-11-23 12:39:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON PINR SCUL OEXC SNAR TBIO ETRD MU |
| 04MUSCAT2037 |
OMAN ATTENDANCE, REACTIONS TO RABAT FORUM FOR THE [...] (SBU) In a November 24 telcon, the MFA Under Secretary's Political Affairs Director, Humaid al-Maani, informed Pol/E Chief that, for the time being, neither Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi nor Minister of National Economy (and de facto Finance Minister) Ahmed bin Abduln [...] |
2004-11-24 10:12:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KDEM KMPI KPAO ECON PREL |
| 04MUSCAT2047 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/27/2004 [...] (SBU) Summary: The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee November 27 to review both the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend and preparations for the U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Members of the EAC noted no new threat reporting specific to [...] |
2004-11-28 07:33:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC KMSG AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2050 |
OMAN: US-EU DIALOGUE ON MIDDLE EAST REFORM [...] No summary [...] |
2004-11-28 08:18:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KMPI EAID ECON PREL PGOV MU |
| 04MUSCAT2053 |
OMAN LOBBIES FOR UNESCO GENERAL CONFERENCE [...] (U) This is an action request for IO/T and NEA/APRI - please see para 4. 2. (U) As reported ref A, Oman is lobbying for its Permanent Representative at UNESCO, Dr. Musa bin Jaffar bin Hassan, to be elected to the presidency of the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2005. To t [...] |
2004-11-28 12:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MU |
| 04MUSCAT2078 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: IRAQ, POWELL, SYRIA, SHARM AL- [...] The lead editorial in the government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" on November 29 was entitled "The Iraqi Elections": "The election in Iraq can be seen as a bottleneck, beyond which the country may be able to rebuild itself under the sheltering umbrella of a permanent constitution and representat [...] |
2004-11-30 13:18:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2079 |
EFFORT TO LAUNCH OMAN'S FIRST HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER [...] (SBU) An aspiring activist intent on establishing Oman's first human rights center has been invited to discuss his proposal with the Ministry of Social Development. In an effort to obtain government registration, Abdullah bin Salem al-Barami solicited the Embassy for support, saying that the [...] |
2004-11-30 13:45:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV EAID SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT2081 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT WRITE-IN [...] (SBU) On 11/30/2004, Embassy Muscat's mailroom received, via air mail, a letter postmarked from Marysville, California 9591, 11/12/2004. Affixed to the standard white letter-sized envelope is a pre-printed return address label with the name and address of "Ms. Edna Roberts ("WRITE-IN"), P.O. B [...] |
2004-11-30 13:50:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | ASEC PTER MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2093 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/01/2004 [...] (SBU) Summary: The Deputy Chief of Mission chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee December 1 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no new threat reporting specific to Oman, and concluded that there have been no substantive chang [...] |
2004-12-01 11:49:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2094 |
OMAN ONLINE: TOPICS IN FREEDOM [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totall [...] |
2004-12-01 11:51:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT2096 |
FOREIGNERS ALLOWED TO OWN PROPERTY IN OMAN [...] Summary: A recent decision by the Omani government allows non-Omanis to own real estate in tourist complexes licensed by the government. The decision supports government efforts to promote investment and attract foreign capital. Several prominent projects are lining up residential clients to [...] |
2004-12-02 11:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV ECON CVIS MU |
| 04MUSCAT2110 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/04/2004 [...] (SBU) Summary: The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee December 4 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members of the EAC noted no new threat reporting specific to Oman, and concluded that there have been no substantive changes [...] |
2004-12-05 03:10:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC PTER CASC KHLS KMSG OVIP AMGT KVPR MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2111 |
OMAN: US-EU DIALOGUE ON MIDDLE EAST REFORM [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Dutch Ambassador (EU Representative) reports having received no instructions from Brussels on quarterly BMENA coordination meetings with the U.S. (ref A). Furthermore, there will be no EU funds earmarked for Oman before 2007 at the earliest. Only seven EU states have missio [...] |
2004-12-05 03:17:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON KMPI PGOV PREL MU |
| 04MUSCAT2112 |
AMBITION, VISION, AND FRUSTRATION: OMANI COMMERCE [...] INR/B - please see biographic notes, para 9. ------- Summary ------- 2. (C) A rising mid-level Omani commerce official recently described the rapid decline of the Omani textile industry, her experiences within the government, the ill-timed departure of the Commerce Under Secretary, and [...] |
2004-12-05 03:26:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD KTEX PINR EIND PREL KWMN SCUL PGOV MU |
| 04MUSCAT2121 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: AIDS, IMPERIALISM, AND MEDIA [...] Privately-owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" carried an editorial on December 1 entitled "On The Occasion Of World AIDS Day": "On the occasion of world AIDS day, Arab countries are reviewing their health policies regarding AIDS and acknowledging that more needs to be done to confront and contain t [...] |
2004-12-06 12:45:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2125 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/06/2004 [...] (SBU) Summary: The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee December 6 to review the Embassy's security posture following reports that Consulate General Jeddah had been attacked. After reviewing the known facts about the attack, members of the EAC noted there was no new [...] |
2004-12-06 13:55:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2126 |
AMERICAN ENERGY FIRM ENJOYS STRONG IPO [...] (U) AES Barka, a subsidiary of U.S.-based AES Corporation, recently floated 11.2 million shares of its capital for public underwriting by Omanis and Omani companies. The shares correspond to 35 percent of its paid- up capital, and the preliminary response to this IPO has been extremely positiv [...] |
2004-12-07 08:18:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ENRG EFIN BEXP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2130 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/07/2004 [...] (SBU) Summary: The Ambassador convened the Emergency Action Committee December 7 to review updated reporting on yesterday's terrorist attack against Consulate General Jeddah. After a careful review of the facts surrounding the attack, the EAC discussed existing countermeasures and avenues f [...] |
2004-12-07 13:01:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2142 |
OMAN ONLINE: VICE PRESIDENT CHENEY, VISAS, INCREASED GAS [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totall [...] |
2004-12-08 13:35:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2143 |
ECA CULTURAL ENVOYS HAVE A BALL IN OMAN [...] ECA Cultural Envoys Omari Faulkner and Courtland Freeman engaged a wide range of Omani basketball players, coaches, and students during their highly successful four-day visit to the Sultanate. Welcomed by dignitaries including the newly appointed Minister of Sports Affairs, the duo established [...] |
2004-12-08 13:37:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OEXC SCUL SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT2144 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/08/2004 [...] (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on December 8 to reassess the Embassy's security posture immediately prior to the USMC Birthday Ball and to discuss any additional concerns related to the attack on Congen Jeddah earlier in the week. -------- [...] |
2004-12-08 13:59:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2145 |
RESPONSE TO SECRETARY'S RABAT INVITATION [...] In response to reftel letter from Secretary Powell to G-8 and Broader Middle East and North Africa foreign ministers, the Embassy received December 8 a reply letter from Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah to the Secretary under cover of a diplomatic note. The [...] |
2004-12-08 14:03:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KMPI KDEM KPAO PREL ECON OPDC |
| 04MUSCAT2146 |
OMAN DENOUNCES ATTACK ON U.S. CONSULATE IN JEDDAH [...] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement December 7 to the Oman News Agency (ONA) in reaction to the December 6 terror attack on the U.S. Consulate General in Jeddah. Per Omani standard practice, the only available version of the MFA statement is that carried by ONA. Begin text: [...] |
2004-12-08 14:07:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC PTER SA MU |
| 04MUSCAT2153 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/11/2004 [...] (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on December 11 to reassess the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend and to discuss any additional concerns relative to the upcoming series of Embassy-sponsored holiday events. -------------- [...] |
2004-12-11 12:27:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2160 |
CHALLENGE FOR NEW JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION: [...] (U) The Ministry of Social Development has approved the registration of Oman's first journalism association. Under the purview of the Ministry of Information (MOI), the association has been received with considerable skepticism by journalists. Its purpose is to strengthen recognition and res [...] |
2004-12-13 07:56:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM SOCI AORC PGOV MU |
| 04MUSCAT2165 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: FORUM FOR THE FUTURE, IRAQ, UN [...] On December 13, the lead editorial in the government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" was entitled "Reform from Within." "The Forum for the Future in Rabat concluded with several recommendations for reform in the Arab world. Most of the recommendations fell within the framework of America's Greater [...] |
2004-12-13 12:41:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP IZ MU |
| 04MUSCAT2177 |
OMAN: SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY [...] (C) On December 12, visiting NEA DAS Dibble, accompanied by the Ambassador and Pol/E Chief (notetaker), paid a call on Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi (YBA) to discuss a number of bilateral and regional issues. Delivering the substance of the Secretary's oral messages [...] |
2004-12-14 12:52:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | KWBG EAID PREL XF MU |
| 04MUSCAT2178 |
(C) OMAN FM HOSTS QUIET BILATERAL WITH ISRAELI MFA [...] (C) On December 13, at the margins of an Executive Council meeting of the Middle East Desalination Research Center (MEDREC), an Israeli Foreign Ministry official held a private 90-minute bilateral with Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi. The discussion reportedly focused [...] |
2004-12-14 13:23:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL XF IS MU |
| 04MUSCAT2180 |
BANNED WRITERS SPARK COMMENTARY [...] (SBU) Journalist Mohammed al-Harthi (protect) and writer Abdullah al-Riyami (protect) have been barred from publishing in all media and press in Oman for having criticized the pace of democratic reform in the country. The ban includes the withdrawal of al-Harthi's weekly column "Platforms" fr [...] |
2004-12-15 06:40:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV MU |
| 04MUSCAT2183 |
AMERICAN CORNERS: FIVE IS NOT ENOUGH [...] This is an action message. Please see paragraph 8 for action requested. 2. In view of the success and popularity of Oman's five existing American Corners, Embassy Muscat requests funding for two additional ones. Suitable locations have already been identified: the Muscat Higher College o [...] |
2004-12-15 08:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KIRC OIIP SCUL MU |
| 04MUSCAT2187 |
OMAN ONLINE: MINISTRY OF INFORMATION, PRISONS, AND [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totall [...] |
2004-12-15 13:31:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT2188 |
A WARNING FROM MOM [...] (U) On December 14, Oman's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) published an announcement warning citizens about employment in Iraq. The informal translation of the announcement is as follows (begin text): The Ministry of Manpower has noticed the increase in employment offers in the brotherly Republi [...] |
2004-12-15 14:11:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON ELAB IZ MU |
| 04MUSCAT2189 |
OMAN FONMIN ON SECRETARY'S ORAL MESSAGE [...] (C) Visiting NEA DAS Dibble reviewed themes in the Secretary's oral message with Omani Foreign Minister Bin SIPDIS Alawi. Concerning Iran's behavior, the Minister recommended finding ways to address Tehran's security concerns and feelings of isolation as an effective means of reducing its [...] |
2004-12-16 18:10:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PTER MOPS OPDC ETRD MU |
| 04MUSCAT2190 |
COMMERCE MINISTER ON FTA, SAUDI CRITICISM [...] (C) Summary: Omani Minister of Commerce and Industry Maqbool bin Ali bin Sultan reassured visiting NEA DAS Philo Dibble that Oman remains firmly committed to signing a bilateral FTA with the U.S. Bluster from the Saudis notwithstanding, Maqbool reiterated that the Omani cabinet has already ap [...] |
2004-12-16 18:18:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD PREL BEXP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2192 |
2004-05 INCSR SUBMISSION FOR OMAN [...] Oman is not a regional or offshore financial center and does not have a significant money laundering problem. Its small banking sector is supervised by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), which has the authority to suspend or reorganize a bank's operations. In 2004, Oman had a total of 17 banks wi [...] |
2004-12-18 02:39:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KTFN KCRM PTER SNAR EFIN MU |
| 04MUSCAT2195 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/15/2004 [...] (SBU) Summary: The Ambassador chaired December 15 a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members of the EAC noted no new threat reporting specific to Oman, and concluded that there have been no substantive changes [...] |
2004-12-18 06:57:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2196 |
OMAN: 2004 ANNUAL TERRORISM REPORT [...] (U) In accordance with reftel B, paragraph 2, Embassy Muscat provides the following update to Oman's coverage in the 2003 Patterns of Global Terrorism ("Patterns") report: BEGIN TEXT Oman continued to provide public statements of support for the global war on terrorism, and has been resp [...] |
2004-12-18 10:38:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | PTER ASEC MU |
| 04MUSCAT2200 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/18/2004 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee December 18 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members of the EAC noted no new threat reporting specific to Oman, and concluded that there have been no substantive changes in the [...] |
2004-12-18 13:50:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2222 |
OMAN: IFES ELECTIONS ASSESSMENT [...] (U) SUMMARY: Under the sponsorship of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) recently concluded an assessment visit to the Sultanate. The team identified several key areas for potential electoral assistance, including a need f [...] |
2004-12-21 05:04:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KMPI KDEM SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT2223 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: CIVIL SOCIETY, FREE SPEECH, U.S. [...] No summary [...] |
2004-12-21 06:29:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2226 |
OMANI AMBASSADOR DENIES BAN OF WRITERS [...] (U) The Omani Ambassador to the United States, Mohammed Ali al-Khusaiby, flatly denies that the Omani government has banned any writers (reftel). In a December 8 reply to the New York-based NGO Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), the Omani Ambassador reaffirmed the Sultanate's [...] |
2004-12-21 07:25:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV MU |
| 04MUSCAT2231 |
MINISTRY CONSIDERS HUMAN RIGHTS NGO [...] (SBU) The Ministry of Social Development is considering the proposed establishment of a human rights center in Oman. In response to a letter from activist Abdullah al-Barami (reftel) (protect), the Ministry met with him December 6 to discuss the idea. The Director of Charitable Associations [...] |
2004-12-21 12:24:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM EAID SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT2245 |
U.S.-EU DIALOGUE ON MIDDLE EAST REFORM [...] No summary [...] |
2004-12-22 11:49:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ECON PGOV KMPI PREL MU |
| 04MUSCAT2246 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/22/2004 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee December 22 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the E [...] |
2004-12-22 12:08:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KSAC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2251 |
OMAN ONLINE: DRUG USE, WORK IN IRAQ, AND HINDUS IN OMAN [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totall [...] |
2004-12-26 02:27:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 04MUSCAT2258 |
CRISIS MANAGEMENT EXERCISE (CME) FOR MUSCAT [...] (SBU) The following responses are keyed to reftel, paragraph 6: A. Embassy Muscat is pleased to confirm participation in the Crisis Management Exercise (CME) scheduled for February 13-14, 2005. B. Highlighted portions of reftel paragraph 8 on the Crisis Management Training ( [...] |
2004-12-26 11:35:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR ASEC MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2259 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/26/2004 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee December 26 to review the Embassy's security posture following to the local holiday weekend. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, t [...] |
2004-12-27 02:25:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2265 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: U.S. WAR DEATHS, PALESTINE, IRAQ [...] The lead editorial in the privately -owned Arabic daily "Al- Watan" on December 24 was entitled "American Patience": "In 1983, when 240 Americans died in a suicide bombing in Beirut, former President Reagan immediately called for the withdrawal of all American troops stationed there. Today, [...] |
2004-12-27 11:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 04MUSCAT2269 |
COUNTERTERRORISM ACTION GROUP DEMARCHE [...] (C) In a December 27 meeting with Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi (YBA), the Ambassador urged on behalf of the G-8 and EU missions Oman's ratification of the final two of twelve international counterterrorism conventions (reftel). The Ambassador noted that the Foreig [...] |
2004-12-28 02:53:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL ASEC MU |
| 04MUSCAT2278 |
OMAN: NAMES, TITLES AND CONTACT NUMBERS FOR [...] No summary [...] |
2004-12-29 05:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR MU |
| 04MUSCAT2285 |
INDIA WINS OMANI SUPPORT FOR UNSC SEAT, DEEPENS [...] (U) On December 25-26, Indian Minister of External Affairs Natwar Singh met with Sultan Qaboos and various government ministers to boost bilateral relations. Oman formally announced its backing of India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and the two parties pledged to cont [...] |
2004-12-29 07:37:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ETRD EPET KCRM MARR IN MU |
| 04MUSCAT2291 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/29/2004 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee December 29 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the E [...] |
2004-12-29 13:19:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 04MUSCAT2292 |
OMAN'S VICTORIOUS DEFEAT [...] (SBU) The wave of public excitement cresting with Oman's unprecedented finish in a regional soccer tournament has boiled over into uncharacteristic manifestations of spontaneous crowds and flag-waving patriotism. In a country bereft of past sports successes, the Gulf Cup tournament unleashed [...] |
2004-12-29 13:47:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1001 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/22/2005 [...] (SBU) The Charge chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on June 22 to review security arrangements for the Embassy's upcoming Independence Day celebration, as well as to assess the overall security environment prior to the local weekend. The EAC agreed on both security me [...] |
2005-06-22 13:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1002 |
SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: RICE'S VISIT TO THE REGION [...] The privately owned Arabic-language daily "al-Watan" published an editorial on June 21 under the headline "Rice's Tour And Lessons Of Democracy": "Secretary Rice said that her country made a mistake when it sought to achieve stability in the Middle East at the expense of democratization, and [...] |
2005-06-22 13:41:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1007 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/25/2005 [...] (SBU) The Charge chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on June 25 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that the Em [...] |
2005-06-25 13:13:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1013 |
SHOOTING AT EDUCATION MINISTRY KILLS TWO [...] (SBU) Summary: Muscat is reeling from a June 27 shooting by a disgruntled former teacher at the Ministry of Education, leaving two persons dead and at least four others in serious condition. The shooter, a religious studies teacher fired for unethical behavior, committed suicide following a pol [...] |
2005-06-27 12:10:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM SOCI ASEC MU |
| 05MUSCAT1014 |
MEDIA REACTION: FOREIGN RELATIONS, BRUSSELS, IRAQ, AND [...] The government-owned Arabic-language daily "Oman" published an editorial on June 22 entitled "Distinguished Models Of Relations With Brothers And Friends": "Three recent models typify Oman's brotherly and friendly foreign relations. The first model is the 14th Session of the Oman/UAE Suprem [...] |
2005-06-27 12:43:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP PREL SCUL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1027 |
CSI TARGETS PORT SALALAH FOR EXPANSION [...] (U) On June 17, at the request of Omani Minister of Commerce and Industry Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, an assessment team for the Container Security Initiative (CSI) program arrived in Oman to meet with government contacts and officials from Salalah Port Services (SPS) to discuss Oman's potential p [...] |
2005-06-29 12:52:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EWWT PARM PHSA PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1029 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/29/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on June 29 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed [...] |
2005-06-29 13:48:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1030 |
OMAN ONLINE: SHOOTINGS, SCIENCE, AND STATESMEN [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-06-29 17:06:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI TSPL KCRM MU |
| 05MUSCAT1036 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/03/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 3 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local holiday weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed t [...] |
2005-07-03 12:18:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1043 |
MEDIA REACTION: THE OIC, CONCERTS, AND LABOR LAWS [...] The privately owned Arabic-language daily "Al-Watan" published an editorial on June 29 entitled "Marginalization Is The Cause Of Misunderstandings": "The recently concluded meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Yemen was a useful forum to address common interests and con [...] |
2005-07-04 11:15:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP ELAB EAID MU |
| 05MUSCAT1045 |
OMAN RATIFIES ILO FORCED LABOR AND MINIMUM AGE [...] (U) A royal decree of July 3 ratified International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions 105 and 138, Abolition of Forced Labor and Minimum Age of Employment. The new decree followed the recent return of Oman's National Committee representatives from the ILO General Conference in Geneva. In l [...] |
2005-07-05 07:38:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ETRD PREL SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1051 |
FONMIN ON REGIONAL ISSUES, STRIKES DOMESTIC CHORD [...] (SBU) Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi gave a wide-ranging interview to a UAE-based newspaper in late-June that garnered an unusual reaction. Speaking on foreign policy issues, the Minister defended USG support for Palestine and security efforts in Iraq, as well as U.S. [...] |
2005-07-06 07:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PTER SOCI KISL ETRD OPRC XF MU |
| 05MUSCAT1058 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/06/2005 [...] (SBU) The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission (A/DCM) chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 6 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingl [...] |
2005-07-06 10:17:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1061 |
OMAN ONLINE: DISARMAMENT, DISCONTENT, AND DISSENSION [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-07-06 11:20:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1062 |
DONTVISITOMAN.COM OUTRAGES OMANIS [...] (SBU) An AmCit arrested in March and deported in May for illegally collecting meteorites has recounted his trying legal experience in Oman on a provocative website: dontvisitoman.com. The website has received widespread commentary from Omani citizens, who are stunned at its malicious characte [...] |
2005-07-06 12:05:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CASC EIND SOCI PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1064 |
TFUK01: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/07/2005 [...] (SBU) Pursuant to references A through D, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 7 to review the Embassy's security posture in light of the terrorist bombings that targeted London's transport system. Members noted no substantive changes in the local [...] |
2005-07-07 15:55:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1066 |
TFUK01: OMAN CONDEMNS LONDON TERROR ATTACK [...] Oman News Agency (ONA) and all major Omani print and broadcast media reported July 8 a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs denouncing the July 7 terror attacks in London. The text of the ONA report is as follows: (Begin text) An official spokesman of the Foreign Ministry yeste [...] |
2005-07-08 09:23:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC PTER MU |
| 05MUSCAT1067 |
OMAN DENOUNCES MURDER OF EGYPTIAN DIPLOMAT IN IRAQ [...] No summary [...] |
2005-07-08 09:35:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PTER OPRC MU IZ |
| 05MUSCAT1080 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/09/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 9 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that the [...] |
2005-07-09 12:31:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1089 |
MEDIA REACTION: SUDAN, WAR, FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL [...] The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" published an editorial on July 11 entitled "Sudan on the Right Path": "After an interminable period of conflict, Sudan finally took a step forward when it decided to push ahead with a national compromise. This compromise serves as a lesson on how to [...] |
2005-07-11 10:03:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1092 |
SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: TERRORIST ATTACKS IN LONDON [...] The government-owned Arabic-language daily "Oman" published an editorial on July 11 entitled "The Search For Solutions To Violence": "Wars do not solve the phenomena of terrorism and violence. The solution requires a serious effort to understand terrorism's roots and causes. British PM Ton [...] |
2005-07-12 10:20:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP PTER PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT11 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: SADDAM TRIAL, ISRAEL, AND THE [...] The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" published an editorial on December 30 under the title "You Too": "The United States is not insisting on the death penalty as punishment for the crimes against humanity perpetrated by Saddam Hussein. Yet Iraqi judges intend on prosecuting him to the f [...] |
2005-01-03 13:43:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT110 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 01/18/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee January 18 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the Eid al Adha holiday. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC [...] |
2005-01-18 11:20:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1103 |
OMAN ONLINE: IEDs, INTERFERENCE, AND IMMIGRATION [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-07-13 11:23:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1104 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/13/2005 [...] (SBU) The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission (A/DCM) chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 13 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingl [...] |
2005-07-13 11:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1109 |
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE NOMINEE JAILED [...] (SBU) An outspoken elected former Shura Council deputy and current Nobel Prize nominee was sentenced July 13 by a Muscat court for insulting government officials in connection with the controversial arrests of Ibadhi activists charged by the government of belonging to an illegal organization. [...] |
2005-07-16 02:20:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL SOCI PINR MU |
| 05MUSCAT1117 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/16/2005 [...] (SBU) The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 16 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the [...] |
2005-07-16 11:45:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT112 |
OMAN: COMMENTS ON U.S. MARKET ACCESS PRIORITIES [...] Per reftel instructions, this cable outlines the Embassy's assessment of market access priorities for U.S. service suppliers in Oman. 2. U.S. Market Access Priority by Sector (ranked from 1 to 5, with 1 as the highest priority and 5 as the lowest) and by informal ranking of relative market [...] |
2005-01-18 12:02:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EINV BEXP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1123 |
INTO THE LION'S DEN: ADDRESSING THE COMMAND AND [...] (U) The Ambassador delivered his annual address to the Omani Command and Staff College on July 13, followed by an intense question and answer session. Fielding questions on a broad range of topics, including the war in Iraq, the legal status of Guantanamo detainees, the Palestinian-Israeli pea [...] |
2005-07-18 03:19:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC KDEM KMPI KPAO XF MU |
| 05MUSCAT113 |
OMAN ONLINE: AMENDING LAWS REGULATING FOREIGN WORKERS [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totall [...] |
2005-01-18 12:24:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1132 |
ORDER, DISSENT, AND THE INTERNET [...] (SBU) The Omani authorities have incarcerated an outspoken former parliamentarian and questioned a banned writer/activist for making critical remarks about senior government officials. On the heels of pardoning 31 Ibadhis who were convicted of belonging to an illegal organization, the authori [...] |
2005-07-19 01:05:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL SOCI PINR PGOV MU |
| 05MUSCAT1136 |
MEDIA REACTION: ISRAEL/PALESTINE; INFLUENCE AND [...] "Al-Watan," a privately-owned Arabic daily, carried an editorial on July 15 under the headline "The Palestinian Conflict And Urgent Questions": "We are now witnessing an elected Palestinian political authority making successful decisions to peacefully fulfill the goals of its people. Howeve [...] |
2005-07-19 06:32:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP XF MU |
| 05MUSCAT1139 |
INVESTORS POUR $1.2B INTO TELECOMS IPO [...] (SBU) More than 163,000 citizens contributed more than $1.2 billion to the oversubscribed and long-anticipated initial public offering of the state-owned Oman Telecommunications Company (Omantel). The most popular IPO in Oman's history opened at $3.10 a share; prices are expected to surge whe [...] |
2005-07-19 08:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS KPRV ETRD ECON EINV EFIN MU |
| 05MUSCAT1141 |
INSIGHTS INTO OMAN'S GENERAL RESERVE FUND [...] (U) This cable contains business proprietary information; please protect. ------- SUMMARY ------- 2. (SBU) A royal official working for the State General Reserve Fund recently revealed to a private sector investment broker rare insights into the investment habits of the SGRF. A quart [...] |
2005-07-20 03:05:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EINV ECON EPET PGOV MU |
| 05MUSCAT1147 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/20/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 20 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that [...] |
2005-07-20 10:31:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1153 |
OMANI OPINION MAKERS SPEAK OUT AGAINST RELIGIOUS [...] Following the recent wave of violence in Iraq, including Omani denunciations of the terror attack in London and murder of the Egyptian ambassador-designate in Baghdad (ref B), there have been further statements by the government and press aimed at turning people away from extremist, violent re [...] |
2005-07-20 12:31:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KISL KPAO PTER PGOV PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1154 |
NEW JOURNAL TACKLES FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION [...] "Our Daughters: Circumcision and Concealment" was the cover story in the inaugural issue of "Futoon" family magazine. The hardhitting article described the four types of surgical procedures in detail and recounted personal stories of how the procedure harmed the lives of four Omani women. T [...] |
2005-07-20 12:46:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KWMN SOCI PHUM MU |
| 05MUSCAT1157 |
OMAN ONLINE: MORE PARDONS, LESS PAPERS [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-07-21 06:29:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1159 |
QABOOS PARDONS HUNDREDS [...] (SBU) Sultan Qaboos issued a royal decree that pardoned hundreds of prisoners, allegedly including military officers, who were recently sentenced for their involvement in a secret and illegal Ibadhi organization. The announcement of the royal pardons neither specifically referred to the milita [...] |
2005-07-21 06:31:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PGOV KJUS KISL PINS MU |
| 05MUSCAT1167 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/23/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the full Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 23 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed tha [...] |
2005-07-23 12:22:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1169 |
OMAN DENOUNCES EGYPT TERROR ATTACK [...] No summary [...] |
2005-07-24 08:55:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PTER OPRC EG MU |
| 05MUSCAT1171 |
BIN ALAWI UPBEAT ON DEFEATING TERRORISM [...] Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi extensively devoted his July 23 Renaissance Day remarks, typically used to review the ministry's achievements in the preceding year, to the international problem of terrorism. Speaking to Radio Oman's "Festival Nights" program from his r [...] |
2005-07-24 09:54:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PTER OPRC XF MU |
| 05MUSCAT1183 |
MEDIA REACTION: SHARM EL-SHEIKH AND THE ROOTS OF TERROR [...] "Al-Watan," a privately-owned Arabic daily, carried an op-ed piece by Mohammed Naji Amayrah on July 24 under the headline "The Sharm El-Sheikh Explosions And The Search For Actual Causes": "The explosions in Sharm El-Sheikh killed more than 80 people, most of whom were Egyptians. In the face [...] |
2005-07-26 09:17:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1184 |
OMAN ONLINE: TERROR AND TANCREDO [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-07-27 03:10:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1185 |
BIO: RAJIHA BINT ABDUL AMER BIN ALI, MINISTER OF [...] (C) Per ref A, the requested information on Oman's female Minister of Tourism is provided below, keyed to ref A para 3 format. Much of this information was provided previously in ref B. 2. (U) Rajiha bint Abdul Amer bin Ali, Minister of Tourism (since 2004) A. (U) Born: April 12, 1953; [...] |
2005-07-27 12:08:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR PGOV MU |
| 05MUSCAT1186 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/27/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 27 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that [...] |
2005-07-27 12:09:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1190 |
OMAN OPPOSES G-4 RESOLUTION, STUDIES OTHER REFORMS [...] (C) The MFA's International Organizations Department Chief confirmed on July 27 that Oman will either oppose or abstain in any vote on the G-4 Resolution for UN Security Council expansion. Ambassador Talib al-Raisi added that Oman has actively urged the resident G-4 ambassadors not to put the [...] |
2005-07-27 12:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV |
| 05MUSCAT1191 |
OPPENHEIMER OPTIMISM ON OMANI TOURISM [...] (U) Summary: The Ambassador met with representatives of Oppenheimer and Fitch Ratings on July 27 to discuss the "Blue City" tourism project and other economic developments in Oman. Potential linkages with Boston University and Oppenheimer of North America also surfaced during the meeting. E [...] |
2005-07-27 19:08:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD ECON EIND PGOV KMPI KPAO SCUL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1199 |
TOURISM PROJECTS PROLIFERATE [...] (U) With Oman aggressively marketing itself as an environmentally conscious tourist destination, international investors are taking advantage of significant improvements in local infrastructure to develop ambitious new tourist projects. U.S. construction and financial firms are joining a slew [...] |
2005-07-30 08:39:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON EIND MU |
| 05MUSCAT1203 |
TAYBAH AL-MA'WALI AWAITS SENTENCING [...] (SBU) On July 30, a Muscat court released Taybah al-Ma'wali on bail until a verdict on her appeal is announced around August 3. According to family members, al-Ma'wali had been in hiding since she was sentenced in absentia on July 13 to one and a half years in prison. On July 30, however, al [...] |
2005-07-30 11:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL SOCI PINR MU |
| 05MUSCAT1206 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/30/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the full Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 30 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed tha [...] |
2005-07-30 12:10:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1208 |
OMAN SEEKS MORE INFORMATION ON NATO [...] (U) This is an action request - see para 7. 2. (C) Summary: A senior Omani diplomat says Oman's unwillingness to engage in NATO's Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) stems from the impression that NATO members lack a common conception of what ICI should be, and the fear that its aims are [...] |
2005-07-31 02:49:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR XF MU |
| 05MUSCAT1214 |
MEDIA REACTION: SHARM SUMMIT EXPECTATIONS [...] "Al-Watan," a privately-owned Arabic daily, carried an editorial on July 31 entitled "By Protecting Egypt We Protect Ourselves": "Although the coming summit is an Egyptian summit made for Egypt, it is also created for the whole Arab world and for the protection of humanity... This summit is [...] |
2005-08-02 06:35:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1218 |
OMAN ONLINE: THREATS AGAINST FOREIGNERS; KING FAHD'S [...] (U) Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free [...] |
2005-08-03 07:28:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1230 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 08/06/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on August 6 to review the Embassy's security posture following the extended local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agree [...] |
2005-08-06 12:48:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS KVPR MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1237 |
CAMEL JOCKEY AGE LIMITS INCREASED [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-07 11:07:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM ETRD ELAB PREL KOCI SCUL MU UNICEF |
| 05MUSCAT1238 |
TAYBAH AL-MA'WALI SENTENCE REDUCED TO 6 MONTHS [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-07 11:07:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM SOCI PREL PINR MU |
| 05MUSCAT1243 |
MEDIA REACTION: IRAQ, SUDAN, AND REFORM IN THE ARAB [...] Issa Al-Zedjali, editor in chief of Arabic daily "Al- Shabibah," wrote an editorial on August 7 under the headline "Americans Begin Losing Control in Iraq": "The Iraqi crisis is getting worse day by day, and there is no let up in sight. The commander of the American forces in Iraq has acknow [...] |
2005-08-08 13:57:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT125 |
MUSCAT MEDIA REACTION: DISASTERS, DISTRUST, AND [...] The privately-owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" published an editorial on January 23 entitled, "Disasters Get Smaller Except in Iraq and Palestine": "It is said that disasters seem smaller with the passage of time, but it is more likely that our hopes grow larger to erase the pain caused by disa [...] |
2005-01-24 12:18:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1250 |
BIO: SHARIFA BINT KHALFAN AL-YAHYAI, MINISTER OF [...] (C) The requested information on Oman's female Minister of Social Development is provided below, keyed to ref A para 3 format. Much of this information was provided previously in ref B. 2. (U) Dr. Sharifa bint Khalfan bin Nasser al-Yahyai, Minister of Social Development (since October 20, [...] |
2005-08-10 07:56:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR PGOV SCUL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1253 |
FM POSITIVE ON IRAQ, GAZA [...] (U) Local and regional media gave wide coverage to Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi's August 7 press comments on Iraq and Palestine. Meeting his Egyptian counterpart and Arab League SecGen Moussa to discuss the postponed AL summit, Bin Alawi said that Iraqi political f [...] |
2005-08-10 12:04:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL OPRC XF MU |
| 05MUSCAT1255 |
FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIALS CAUTIOUS ON IRAN [...] (C) Though Iran's new president is still largely an unknown quantity in Oman, two Foreign Ministry officials suggested that his recent provocative statements on resuming uranium conversion are more likely political bluster than actual policy. They preached engagement with Iran as the best way [...] |
2005-08-11 10:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KNNP MNUC IR MU |
| 05MUSCAT1256 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 08/10/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on August 10 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that th [...] |
2005-08-11 11:11:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1259 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 08/13/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on August 13 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that t [...] |
2005-08-13 12:03:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1272 |
MEDIA REACTION: THE NEW IRAQI CONSTITUTION [...] The privately owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" featured an editorial on August 10 entitled "Issues Blocking Efforts for Drafting Iraqi Constitution": "There are many difficult issues and complicated questions facing the drafting committee of the new Iraqi constitution. Conflicting political pow [...] |
2005-08-15 12:06:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT1277 |
ILO, UNICEF KUDOS FOR OMANI CAMEL RACING REFORM [...] (SBU) The regional directors for UNICEF and the ILO met on August 14 with Sports Minister Ali al-Sunaidi to discuss Omani camel racing reforms. The government is not only gradually raising jockey age limits from 14 to 18 years, but is also setting minimum age standards for camels because matu [...] |
2005-08-17 08:37:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM ELAB KOCI SCUL ETRD PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1278 |
OMAN ONLINE: TAYBAH, TERROR, AND ISLAMIC EDUCATION [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-08-17 11:09:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1288 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 08/20/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on August 20 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that t [...] |
2005-08-21 11:48:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1289 |
CHILD LABOR UPDATE FOR OMAN [...] No summary [...] |
2005-08-21 13:18:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1291 |
SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: ISRAELI WITHDRAWAL FROM GAZA [...] Essa bin Mohammed al-Zedjali, owner of the Arabic daily "al- Shabibah," penned an op-ed piece in the August 21 issue (which was translated and reprinted in its sister English-language daily "Times of Oman") entitled "Sharon Replaces Gaza With West Bank": "The dismantling of the settlements in [...] |
2005-08-22 07:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1302 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 08/24/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on August 24 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that th [...] |
2005-08-24 14:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1304 |
SULTAN SENDS ENVOY TO NEW IRANIAN PRESIDENT [...] (SBU) On August 20, former Information Minister and the Sultan's longtime special interlocutor on Iran issues, Abdulaziz al-Rawas, paid an introductory call in Tehran on new Iranian President Ahmadinejad, delivering a personal letter from Sultan Qaboos. According to local press reports, prior [...] |
2005-08-24 14:39:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KNNP MNUC IR MU |
| 05MUSCAT1305 |
OMAN ONLINE: REPORTING EVACUATIONS AND VACUOUS REPORTING [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-08-24 14:42:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1311 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 08/27/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on August 27 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that t [...] |
2005-08-27 13:50:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER ABLD CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1321 |
MEDIA REACTION: GAZA, THE WEST, AND IRAQ [...] The privately owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" featured an editorial on August 29 entitled "The Other Side Of Gaza Disengagement": "The world has now started to realize Sharon's real intentions after disengaging from Gaza. He immediately began building a discrimination wall around Jerusalem in [...] |
2005-08-29 11:24:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT1327 |
OMAN OFFERS OVERSTAYERS AN EASY EXIT [...] (SBU) In an effort to spur the exit of expatriates who have overstayed their visas, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) eased departure regulations and urged all persons on expired visas to pay a one-time fee of $655 USD and depart the country without hindrance by August 19. The offer did not apply t [...] |
2005-08-30 08:52:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB PHUM SMIG SOCI PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1341 |
OMAN ONLINE: PREAMBLES, PLANES, AND PRAYERS [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-09-05 05:19:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1346 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/05/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 5 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local holiday weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agr [...] |
2005-09-06 04:28:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS KVPR MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT135 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 01/25/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee January 25 to review the Embassy's security posture following the Eid al-Adha holiday. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agr [...] |
2005-01-25 12:26:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS KVPR MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1350 |
UN SUMMIT OUTCOME DOCUMENT, DEVELOPMENT ISSUES [...] (C) On September 5, Pol/Econ Chief delivered ref demarches to MFA International Organization Department Chief Ambassador Talib Miran al-Raisi. Ambassador al-Raisi acknowledged USG desires for flexibility in negotiations, and agreed that a separate declaration on innovative sources of financing [...] |
2005-09-07 09:28:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECIN EAID EFIN MU |
| 05MUSCAT1355 |
OMANI VIEWS ON UN REFORM ISSUES, MDA [...] (C) On September 5, the Omani MFA IO Chief reiterated the Sultanate's opposition to the G-4 plan for UN Security Council expansion. While sympathizing with USG views on a proposed Human Rights Council and Peacebuilding Commission, he forecast that Oman would remain on the sidelines of those d [...] |
2005-09-07 10:44:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM MU |
| 05MUSCAT1356 |
MEDIA REACTION: HURRICANE KATRINA, PALESTINE [...] The privately owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" published an editorial entitled "The Moment Of Truth" on September 3: "The entire world sympathized with the victims of Hurricane Katrina, despite the differences of political opinion that exist between the U.S. and the rest of the world. However, [...] |
2005-09-07 10:49:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1360 |
OMAN ONLINE: HURRICANES AND HIGH REGARD [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-09-07 14:40:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1361 |
OMANI EXPECTATIONS FOR ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL [...] (C) The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs expects Arab League praise for the Gaza withdrawal and Iraq's constitutional process, and a firm denunciation of terrorism. The League will likely push for further implementation of the Roadmap, and informally pressure Syria to improve its cooperation [...] |
2005-09-07 15:10:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER XF MU |
| 05MUSCAT1363 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/07/2005 [...] (SBU) The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 7 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, [...] |
2005-09-10 11:02:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1372 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/10/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 10 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed tha [...] |
2005-09-11 13:22:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1374 |
POOR TIMING OF OMANI VISIT TO SYRIA [...] (C) The Foreign Ministry has acknowledged Omani press reports that National Economy Minister Macki is traveling to Damascus for a 3-day session of the Oman-Syria Joint Commission, commencing on September 12. While the previously planned visit will seal investment and double-taxation agreement [...] |
2005-09-11 14:17:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECON SY MU |
| 05MUSCAT1381 |
MEDIA REACTION: 9/11, ISRAEL, AND UNITED NATIONS REFORM [...] The privately owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" published an editorial entitled "Silence Followed By A Question" on September 12: "The whole world mourns the victims of 9/11 in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. However, after a respectful minute of silence, the world will want to raise qu [...] |
2005-09-13 05:21:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1396 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/14/2005 [...] (SBU) The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 14 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, [...] |
2005-09-14 13:03:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1397 |
OMAN ONLINE: BLOTS, BROADCASTS, AND BOATS [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-09-14 13:25:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1404 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/17/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 17 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed tha [...] |
2005-09-17 14:40:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1413 |
MEDIA REACTION: THE NEED TO DEFINE TERRORISM [...] On September 18, privately owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" featured an editorial entitled "Oman's Call To Define Terrorism": "Demanding a clear definition of terrorism, and differentiating between terrorism and legal resistance, was the main demand made by the Sultanate in its speech at the UN [...] |
2005-09-19 12:04:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT142 |
ELECTIONS ESTABLISH OMAN'S FIRST WORKERS' [...] Assistant United States Trade Representative (AUSTR) for Labor William Clatanoff recently met with officials at the Oman Ministry of Manpower and the Under Secretary of Commerce and Industry to discuss trade and labor- related issues. While talks focused on Oman's first elected workers' repr [...] |
2005-01-26 09:09:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB ETRD PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1434 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/21/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 21 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that [...] |
2005-09-21 13:45:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1437 |
OMAN ONLINE: LOW-SPEED INTERNET, UN SPEECH, AND CHARITY [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message boards "al-Sablah" and "al-Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, no [...] |
2005-09-21 15:12:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1439 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/24/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 24 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed tha [...] |
2005-09-25 04:15:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1442 |
THE INN CROWD [...] (U) Summary: A sprawling new Muscat resort complex slated for a soft-opening in November shoulders high expectations for raising Oman's international profile as a tourist and conference center destination, adding jobs to the economy, and alleviating a winter shortage of hotel rooms and confer [...] |
2005-09-25 12:40:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAIR MU |
| 05MUSCAT1444 |
MEDIA REACTION: VARIOUS VIEWS OF ISRAEL AND PALESTINE [...] On September 23, the privately owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" published an editorial entitled "Who Will Protect The Palestinians From Sharon's Threats?": "The gap continues to widen between Palestinian and Israeli behavior. Israel insists on the methods of violence, forced arrests, and destr [...] |
2005-09-26 10:45:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1446 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/26/2005 [...] (S/NF) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 26 to review the Embassy's security posture after receiving threat information related to Oman (ref B). The EAC agreed that due to the lack of target specificity, the Embassy's already heightene [...] |
2005-09-27 03:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1452 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 09/28/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 28 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that [...] |
2005-09-28 13:37:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1458 |
SULTAN APPOINTS FEMALE AMBASSADOR TO U.S. [...] No summary [...] |
2005-09-30 19:48:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINR MU |
| 05MUSCAT1461 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/01/2005 [...] (SBU) The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 1 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, t [...] |
2005-10-01 13:31:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1463 |
OMAN PINS TEXTILE HOPES ON FTA [...] (SBU) Government statistics point to a continuing decline in Omani textile production in terms of value and employment. Manufacturers are pinning their hopes on the pending U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement to at least slow this trend. End Summary. -------------------- STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT - [...] |
2005-10-01 13:44:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KTEX ECON ETRD MU |
| 05MUSCAT1473 |
SULTAN'S ANNUAL ADDRESS [...] (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-unchang [...] |
2005-10-03 14:23:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON ELAB MU |
| 05MUSCAT1475 |
COMBATING EXTREMISM IN OMAN [...] (S) The Embassy's outreach and public diplomacy efforts, filtering down into every social strata and region of the Sultanate, have promoted a consistently positive image of U.S. society and culture that have complemented the Omani government's own effective actions to counter or prevent extrem [...] |
2005-10-04 04:46:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET | KDEM KPAO KMPI PREL EAID PHUM PGOV ASEC MU |
| 05MUSCAT148 |
ARRESTS SPARK CONTROVERSY, SEND SIGNAL [...] (SBU) Omani chat-rooms and dinner conversations have been dominated in recent weeks by widely held rumors that the security services have arrested a dozen Omani citizens in late-night raids spread across three separate regions. While the government has not publicly acknowledged the arrests d [...] |
2005-01-26 13:13:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV PINS SCUL ASEC MU |
| 05MUSCAT1481 |
MEDIA REACTION: IRAN, THE SUPERPOWERS, AND PALESTINE [...] The privately owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" published an editorial entitled "Could the Tug Of War Succeed In Politics?" on October 1: "The tug of war between the West and the Islamic Republic of Iran over Tehran's nuclear program seems dangerous, but it might actually be a successful policy. [...] |
2005-10-04 05:29:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | IR KPAL NOTAG IS |
| 05MUSCAT1482 |
OMAN ONLINE: STORMS, WEAPONS, ALIENS, AND DIPLOMATS [...] No summary [...] |
2005-10-04 05:29:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1488 |
OMAN PASSES ON AVIAN FLU PARTNERSHIP [...] (SBU) Summary. A Ministry of Health official said that Oman will not participate in the International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza (IPAPI), or in the October 6-7 senior officials meeting. However, he outlined the steps that Oman has already undertaken steps to prepare for a po [...] |
2005-10-05 05:59:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | TBIO KSCA EAGR ECON PREL SOCI MU ESTH |
| 05MUSCAT149 |
OMAN ONLINE: DOLLARS AND DISTORTIONS [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totall [...] |
2005-01-26 13:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1493 |
DEMOCRATIC REFORM STRATEGY FOR OMAN - QUARTERLY [...] (SBU) The following quarterly update on mission implementation of the Oman Democratic Reform Strategy is keyed to the three goals established in ref A, namely: legislative strengthening, media reform and NGO empowerment. ------------------------- Legislative Strengthening ------------------ [...] |
2005-10-05 09:12:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KDEM KMPI ECON PHUM MU |
| 05MUSCAT1498 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/05/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 5 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that th [...] |
2005-10-05 12:24:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1499 |
OMAN ONLINE: FREE TRADE (AND FREE TAYBAH!) [...] No summary [...] |
2005-10-05 13:23:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT150 |
FTA PREPARATION: MEPI-FUNDED SEMINAR DRAWS LARGE [...] (SBU/NF) A recent MEPI-funded seminar in Muscat on Trade in Services attracted over 75 participants from a dozen Omani government agencies as well as the private sector. The highly interactive two-day event revealed several areas of concern leading up to the March opening of free trade agreem [...] |
2005-01-26 13:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD BEXP KMPI EFIN EINV ECON PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1500 |
OMANTEL PRESIDENT TALKS BUSINESS, BOYCOTT [...] (U) Summary: A meeting between Omantel's Executive President, Embassy and U.S. Department of Commerce officials produced positive results in removing boycott language from company documents. The company's president also stressed the importance of streamlining procurement decisions to Omantel's [...] |
2005-10-05 13:26:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP ECON ECPS KBCT MU |
| 05MUSCAT1501 |
OMAN PORT EXPANSIONS [...] (SBU) Summary: Two of Oman's principal ports, Sohar and Salalah, are aggressively moving forward on expansion of their respective operations. The Sohar Industrial Port Company is holding a November conference to introduce itself to the region, while Salalah Port Services is pitching expansio [...] |
2005-10-05 13:39:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EIND EWWT EINV MU |
| 05MUSCAT151 |
OIL SPILL CLOSES PORT SALALAH FOR 48 HOURS [...] (C) Three tons of oil spilled into the port of Salalah January 18 after a routine bunkering operation went awry. The immediate cause of the accident appears to be human error aboard the "Maersk Greenwich." Based on preliminary information regarding the actions taken by Port Salalah and the [...] |
2005-01-26 13:17:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | SENV EWWT PHSA ETRD EPET MU ESTH |
| 05MUSCAT1511 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/09/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 9 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that t [...] |
2005-10-10 12:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1512 |
MEDIA REACTION: NOBEL PRIZE, IRAN, MIDDLE EAST [...] The privately-owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" published an editorial on October 9 entitled "Has Alfred Nobel's Mission Been Achieved?": "Granting the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Atomic Energy Agency and its director, Dr. Mohammed al-Baradei, is in itself a noble message. However, we [...] |
2005-10-10 12:56:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1513 |
OMAN AFFIRMS NO BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL [...] (SBU) On September 28, 2005, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, transmitted a letter, via facsimile, to the Embassy for transmission to Robert Portman, United States Trade Representative. (Begin letter text) Please accept my congratulations on your recent appoin [...] |
2005-10-11 03:38:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KBCT ETRD ECON PGOV IS MU |
| 05MUSCAT1514 |
NEW OMANI AMBASSADOR IS ALL BUSINESS [...] (U) Summary: In a meeting with U.S. and Omani business executives, Oman's new ambassador-designate to the U.S. Hunaina al-Mughairy expressed optimism over the bilateral economic relationship and elicited the assistance of the business community in identifying project opportunities -- and obst [...] |
2005-10-11 03:40:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP ECON PREL PINR MU |
| 05MUSCAT1524 |
OMAN ONLINE: DEMOCRACY AND IRRESPONSIBILITY [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message board "al-Sablah" is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wholly reflective [...] |
2005-10-12 12:41:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1525 |
ALL JAZZED UP IN OMAN [...] From September 24-27, the Mike del Ferro Trio, plus vocalist Adrienne West, conducted a highly successful series of performances and workshops in Muscat. Under the auspices of the "American Voices" program, the group introduced jazz, swing, and blues to a wide range of Oman's citizens, and eve [...] |
2005-10-12 12:46:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SCUL OEXC MU |
| 05MUSCAT1532 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/12/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 12 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that t [...] |
2005-10-12 14:12:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1533 |
TFPK01: OMAN GRANTS BLANKET OVERFLIGHT CLEARANCE [...] No summary [...] |
2005-10-13 07:20:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR ASEC MARR PREL AMGT CASC PK |
| 05MUSCAT1534 |
MGIZ02: DEMARCHE REQUEST ON IRAQI CONSTITUTION [...] (C) The Ambassador spoke on October 13 with Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi to deliver reftel demarche encouraging Oman's public support for the October 15 Iraqi constitutional referendum and the compromises reached October 12. 2. (C) Bin Alawi hailed the compromis [...] |
2005-10-13 10:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT1540 |
OMAN SPEAKS OUT ON IRAQ REFERENDUM [...] (SBU) As requested in several demarches, the Omani government gave strong public encouragement for the Iraqi constitutional referendum process in the days leading up to the October 15 balloting. Editorials have hailed the referendum as a historic opportunity to secure future Iraqi stability, [...] |
2005-10-15 13:23:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL OPRC IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT1541 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/15/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 15 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend, and to discuss security preparations for the upcoming 230th U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Noting no substantive changes in the [...] |
2005-10-15 13:44:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC KMSG AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1547 |
EXBS STRATEGY FOR OMAN [...] (SBU) EXBS Advisor recently met with Omani officials, Embassy staff and representatives of the Department of Energy's MEGAPORTS Initiative to discuss the current state of Export Controls and Related Border Security in Oman. Oman, a recent addition to both the Container Security Initiative (CS [...] |
2005-10-16 12:52:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | ETTC MNUC PARM PREL KSTC KNNP JO MU |
| 05MUSCAT1549 |
MEDIA REACTION: REFERENDUM IN IRAQ [...] "Oman," the government-owned Arabic daily, ran an editorial on October 17 entitled "After The Iraqi Constitution": "An unofficial announcement suggests that sixty-six percent of the Iraqi people have approved a constitutional referendum, despite overwhelming opposition from Sunni Arabs. If ( [...] |
2005-10-17 10:35:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT1564 |
MAKING WAVES IN OMAN [...] (U) Summary: In a move that surprised many observers, the Ministry of Information has granted television and radio broadcasting licenses to two private Omani companies. While this will effectively end the government's broadcasting monopoly, the licensees anticipate having to work closely wit [...] |
2005-10-18 12:45:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ECPS EINT PHUM PGOV MU |
| 05MUSCAT1565 |
OMAN READY TO SIGN MEGAPORTS/CSI DOP [...] Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi informed the Ambassador on October 17 that the Omani government is ready to sign the Department of Homeland Security's Container Security Initiative (CSI) and the Department of Energy's Megaports Initiative combined Declaration of Princ [...] |
2005-10-18 12:47:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ETTC PARM MNUC PREL KSTC KNNP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1577 |
OMAN ONLINE: CONSTITUTIONS, COLONIALISM, AND CACOPHONY [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message board "al-Sablah" is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wholly reflective o [...] |
2005-10-19 13:21:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI KISL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1578 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/19/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 19 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that t [...] |
2005-10-19 13:24:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1580 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/22/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 22 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that [...] |
2005-10-22 13:22:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1582 |
WINDFALL FOR SOME, INFLATION FOR ALL [...] (U) Summary: Increasing oil prices have provided a windfall for the Omani government, even as its production declines. Consumer prices have risen accordingly, however, and some question whether the benefit of higher oil revenues is reaching the general public. End summary. --------------- [...] |
2005-10-23 12:19:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ENRG EPET PGOV SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1588 |
MEDIA REACTION: MEHLIS REPORT, ARAB LEAGUE, AND SYRIA [...] The privately owned Arabic daily "al-Watan" ran an editorial on October 23 entitled "About The Mehlis Report": "The Mehlis report was well-received in Lebanon, but it would have been better for Mr. Mehlis to provide us with a comprehensive report, supported by substantial evidence and buttre [...] |
2005-10-25 04:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1589 |
OMAN MEDIA PLAY: U.S. SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN [...] No summary [...] |
2005-10-25 04:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KISL PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1597 |
OMAN'S RESPONSE TO WOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL [...] Per reftel request for information on Oman's compliance with new regulations governing wood packaging material, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its response through diplomatic correspondence dated October 24, 2005. 2. Begin informal translation of the operative paragraphs: "The [...] |
2005-10-25 13:31:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR ETRD MU ESTH |
| 05MUSCAT1606 |
INDIAN OVERSTAYERS OFFERED EASY OUT [...] The Indian Embassy has announced that it has struck a deal with the Omani Ministry of Manpower to facilitate the exit of all Indian nationals currently in Oman on expired employment visas. The move comes as a welcome reprieve to thousands of unemployed Indians incapable of paying overstay fi [...] |
2005-10-26 10:22:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB PHUM SMIG SOCI PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1608 |
OMAN ONLINE: HOT TOPICS FROM AFGHANISTAN, LEBANON, AND [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message board "al-Sablah" is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wholly reflective o [...] |
2005-10-26 12:11:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT161 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 01/29/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee January 29 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed th [...] |
2005-01-30 09:53:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS KVPR MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1634 |
MEDIA REACTION: IRAQ/SYRIA AND ISRAEL/PALESTINE [...] The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" ran an editorial on October 31 entitled "Will The Iraq Scenario Be Repeated?": "Perhaps the fears of Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister are justified regarding a UN Security Council resolution authorizing the use of force against Damascus, particularly in [...] |
2005-11-01 04:38:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT164 |
A DAY AT THE (CAMEL) RACES [...] (SBU/NF) In contrast to the high-stakes commercial camel racing popular elsewhere in the Gulf, camel racing in Oman is a decidedly more humble, traditional event primarily practiced by rural Bedouin tribes. PolOff recently attended a typical race in Oman's dusty Sharqiyah region, observing h [...] |
2005-01-31 02:50:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM SCUL PGOV ELAB MU |
| 05MUSCAT1643 |
OMAN ONLINE: ELECTRIFYING THE SULTANATE [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message board "al-Sablah" is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wholly reflective o [...] |
2005-11-01 13:57:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT165 |
ECONOMISTS' FTA FRUSTRATIONS, CONCERN FOR FUTURE [...] (C) Two Omani economics professors recently discussed with Econoff the upcoming free trade agreement (FTA), the state of the Omani economy, and prospects for Omani college graduates. The academics displayed a subtle but unmistakable sense of frustration and isolation in their university settin [...] |
2005-01-31 02:50:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON ETRD EINV ELAB EPET EIND SOCI PINR MU |
| 05MUSCAT17 |
USG CALL FOR DONOR SUPPORT TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS: OMAN [...] No summary [...] |
2005-01-04 12:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR EAID PGOV PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1703 |
MEDIA REACTION: AMMAN BOMBINGS, ARAB LEAGUE EFFORTS, AND [...] The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" featured an editorial on November 11 under the headline "Terrorism Strikes Again" [Note: as reported reftel, the Omani government issued a strong condemnation of the terrorist bombings on November 9. End note.]: "Terrorism has struck again - this tim [...] |
2005-11-15 13:47:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT1746 |
OMAN ONLINE: BARBARIANS, BAD SHOWS, BIG BROTHER, AND [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message board "al-Sablah" is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wholly reflective o [...] |
2005-11-22 20:16:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1871 |
OMAN ONLINE: SUICIDE, SHEIKAHS, AND STRIKES [...] Summary: The Omani Internet message board "al-Sablah" is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wholly reflective o [...] |
2005-12-15 17:35:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1874 |
UNION-RELATED STRIKE SHUTS SALALAH PORT [...] (SBU) Port Salalah, Oman's leading container transshipment facility, was shut down December 11-12 following an impromptu employees walk-out spurred, apparently, by management's decision to fire the popular head of the workers' committee. Though strikes are not unprecedented in Oman, this walk-o [...] |
2005-12-17 03:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB EWWT PGOV ETRD ECON PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT1876 |
OMANI INSIGHTS INTO IRAN AND IRAQ FOR NEA DAS GRAY [...] (C) Calling Iran's political scene and new government a sea of "shifting sands," royal adviser Abdulaziz al-Rawas suggested that U.S. threats have only served to shore up hardliners' support in Iranian society, and that a more positive approach should be adopted. Separately, MFA Under Secreta [...] |
2005-12-17 04:32:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER IR IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT193 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/02/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee February 2 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that [...] |
2005-02-02 12:56:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER KMSG KHLS KVPR CASC MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT1934 |
GEN ABIZAID'S DECEMBER 26 MEETING WITH SULTAN [...] (C) In a convivial 80-minute exchange on December 26, Sultan Qaboos shared with USCENTCOM CDR Gen Abizaid his thoughts on Iraq, Iran, the war on terror and the state of bilateral relations. Agreeing with Gen Abizaid on many points, the Sultan argued for a less intrusive Arab role in Iraq's tr [...] |
2005-12-31 05:27:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR PTER PGOV XF IR IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT1939 |
HOUSE CALL ON GENETIC RESEARCH [...] (SBU) On December 13, the Ambassador received a delegation of four geneticists from Harvard Medical School and their colleague from the Omani Ministry of Health. The group discussed their collaborative research into the genetic mutations that are causing such a high incidence of neurological [...] |
2005-12-31 13:15:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | TBIO SCUL SOCI TSPL MU ESTH |
| 05MUSCAT194 |
OMAN ONLINE: OMANI DETAINEES AND IRAQI ELECTIONS [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat rooms "Al-Sablah" and "Al- Majara" -- are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic- language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor [...] |
2005-02-02 13:04:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT1940 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/31/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the full Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on December 31 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend and prior to the New Year holiday. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last me [...] |
2005-12-31 13:19:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KSAC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT196 |
IRAQ ELECTIONS - OMAN KEEPS MUM [...] (C) Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, currently on travel in Asia, has rebuffed admonitions for the Omani government to make a public statement welcoming the January 30 elections in Iraq. Despite headline-grabbing news of arrests in the Sultanate (ref A), press attention to the [...] |
2005-02-02 13:11:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KDEM SOCI IZ MU |
| 05MUSCAT2 |
OMAN FM ON IRAN, IRAQ, GCC AND PALESTINE [...] (C) FM Yusuf bin Alawi shared his views with the Ambassador on Iran's relations with the region, noting his interest in visiting Tehran but ruling out a state visit by the Sultan. He is optimistic that Qatar will take positive action to rein in abuses by the Al Jazeera network, and is likewis [...] |
2005-01-01 03:59:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS ETRD XF MU |
| 05MUSCAT203 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/05/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee February 5 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed th [...] |
2005-02-06 04:56:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT206 |
MUSCAT SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: RESPONSE TO PRESIDENTIAL [...] Arabic and English language print media in Oman gave extensive coverage to President Bush's State Of The Union Address, particularly the sections of the speech relating to Iraq and the Middle East Peace Process. Most coverage focused on his warnings to Iran and Syria. Many articles were critic [...] |
2005-02-07 05:43:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT209 |
CAMEL RACING, FROM TOP DOWN TO BOTTOM UP [...] (SBU/NF) During a February 3 camel race organized by prominent Omanis and Emiratis, the Ambassador heard directly from the senior royal family member heading Oman's Camel Federation on why abuses of camel jockeys that reportedly take place in the UAE are absent in Oman. The official cited tha [...] |
2005-02-08 04:32:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM SCUL PGOV ELAB MU |
| 05MUSCAT210 |
COMMERCE U/S ON FTA, TRADE ISSUES (C-NE4-01168) [...] (SBU) In a February 5 introductory call by the Ambassador, new Ministry of Commerce and Industry Under Secretary Ahmed al-Dheeb offered an optimistic outlook on impending U.S.-Omani Free Trade Agreement talks. Noting that labor issues under the FTA will require some work, he likewise laid dow [...] |
2005-02-08 04:32:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EINV ECON KIPR TBIO PINR MU |
| 05MUSCAT212 |
CHANCE FOR PEACE AND A GENERAL'S CALLOUS COMMENTS [...] The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" published an editorial on February 7 under the title, "Abu Mazen's Historic Opportunity": "There is a `historic opportunity' to resolve the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas created this opportunity when he succeeded [...] |
2005-02-08 09:06:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT227 |
OMAN ONLINE: PRAISE FOR HM, CRITICISM FOR THE FESTIVAL [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat rooms "Al-Sablah" and "Al- Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wh [...] |
2005-02-09 11:41:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT229 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/09/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee February 9 to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend, as well as to discuss security for upcoming events. The Committee concluded that there has been no change in the local secur [...] |
2005-02-09 12:23:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT231 |
FOREIGN MINISTRY CHIMES IN ON RECENT ARRESTS [...] (SBU/NF) As a string of security detentions continues to roil the political waters in Oman, the Foreign Ministry sent a note on February 5 to select foreign embassies offering clarification of the government's action. The MFA letter was adamant in denying any violent or terroristic intentions [...] |
2005-02-09 13:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PHUM PGOV PINS SCUL ASEC KVPR MU |
| 05MUSCAT232 |
OMAN NOT READY TO COMMIT TO PSI [...] (S) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Embassy by note verbale February 9 that while Oman seeks to comply with international laws, agreements and norms, "the government of the Sultanate welcomes the idea of the Proliferation Security Initiative without joining it or being committed t [...] |
2005-02-09 13:32:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET | PARM PREL KNNP EWWT MU |
| 05MUSCAT233 |
OMAN: WTO NON-AGRICULTURAL MARKET ACCESS NEGOTIATING FRAMEWORK OUTREACH ON SECTORAL INITIATIVES [...] No summary [...] |
2005-02-09 13:33:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | MU NOTAG |
| 05MUSCAT241 |
COUNTER-TERRORISM ACTION GROUP (CTAG) MEETING [...] (U) SUMMARY: The Muscat Counter-Terrorism Action Group (CTAG) met on February 2 to outline, in preparation for the April 29 CTAG meeting in London, key Omani counter-terrorism(CT) needs, and to share details of completed and planned CT assistance from G8 states. The CTAG agreed on a list of [...] |
2005-02-13 12:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER ASEC PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT242 |
EB SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE MERMOUD TALKS BUSINESS [...] (SBU) Summary: During recent meetings with senior State Department official Frank Mermoud, Omani government officials and members of the local and American business communities provided valuable insights into the upcoming free trade agreement (FTA) talks and the issues facing American companie [...] |
2005-02-13 13:11:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP ETRD KTDB EINV CVIS ELAB MU |
| 05MUSCAT243 |
OMAN OFFICIAL ON PRIVATIZATION, FTA HOPES [...] (SBU) In a meeting on February 1, National Economy Under Secretary Abdul Malik al-Hinai outlined the Omani SIPDIS government's privatization strategy for a visiting USG official in the power, water, telecommunications and transport sectors. He predicted the sale of 30 percent of state-owne [...] |
2005-02-13 13:12:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON KPRV EIND ETRD ECPS KTEX PREL MU |
| 05MUSCAT244 |
IRI FINALLY BREAKS DOWN THE DOOR TO OMANI [...] (SBU) The International Republican Institute finally succeeded this month in carrying out a training program for elected Omani parliamentarians that the Majlis' President had vowed for five years would never be permitted. Twelve deputies and a senior staffer participated in a 3-day workshop o [...] |
2005-02-13 13:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KMPI PREL EAID MU |
| 05MUSCAT25 |
OMAN DELIVERS TSUNAMI AID TO SRI LANKA [...] As reported in reftel B, the government of Oman has offered to facilitate the delivery of private contributions to tsunami victims in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. On January 4, the first Omani flights carrying relief supplies left the Sultanate for Colombo. The flights, with more to follow in t [...] |
2005-01-05 09:21:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | AEMR EAID PGOV PREL CE MU |
| 05MUSCAT252 |
SCENESETTER: YOUR VISIT TO OMAN [...] (U) Greetings and welcome from Team Muscat. We are confident you will gain a great deal from your participation in the upcoming MEAS IV Conference, and are proud that the Sultanate of Oman is hosting this year's event with excellent assistance and cooperation from CENTAF. In addition to the [...] |
2005-02-14 08:00:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET | PREL PGOV OTRA MU |
| 05MUSCAT257 |
OMAN GOES PUBLIC WITH FTA PLANS [...] This is an action request for USTR. Please see para 5. --------------------------------------------- ---- Commerce Minister Publicly Touts FTA Negotiations --------------------------------------------- ---- 2. On February 13, in an annual address to celebrate the achievements of Oman i [...] |
2005-02-16 03:35:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON KPRV EIND ETRD PREL OPRC KPAO MU |
| 05MUSCAT258 |
OMAN CONDEMNS HARIRI ASSASSINATION [...] (SBU) The Foreign Ministry quickly issued a statement on February 14 that condemned the murder of former Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri, mourned his loss and expressed confidence that the crime would not undermine Lebanon's stability. MFA contacts were loath to point fingers of blame, but expressed [...] |
2005-02-16 03:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL LE MU |
| 05MUSCAT26 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 01/05/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee January 5 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed [...] |
2005-01-05 09:42:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT27 |
PDO SIGNS DEAL, BUT CAN IT DELIVER? [...] (C) Summary: Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) signed a 40-year extension to its concession agreement with the Omani government on December 19. The agreement was touted in the local press as symbolic of Oman's commitment to PDO as well as indicative of the Sultanate's capability to continue oil [...] |
2005-01-05 09:46:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | EPET PGOV MU ESTH |
| 05MUSCAT271 |
OPPORTUNITY FOR ISRAEL AND PALESTINE, THE SECRETARY'S [...] The government-owned Arabic daily "Oman" published an editorial on February 12 entitled, "The Necessity of Ending Confrontation": "Israel and Palestine have agreed -- yet again -- to end violent confrontations between their respective citizens. Similar commitments to peace have been swept a [...] |
2005-02-16 07:06:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT272 |
OMAN - CARTAGENA PROTOCOL IMPLEMENTATION STATUS UPDATE [...] During a January meeting with the U.S. Agricultural Trade Officer, Oman's Director General (DG) of Specifications and Measurements at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry reconfirmed that Oman remains in the process of developing bio-safety standards to comply with its Cartagena Protocol obligat [...] |
2005-02-16 07:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | SENV ETRD EAGR EAID TBIO MU ESTH |
| 05MUSCAT279 |
PSI: TECHNICAL-LEVEL COOPERATION ON TRACK [...] (S) A senior MFA official reiterated Oman's cooperation across the range of proliferation and border security activities, including a PSI-related air interdiction exercise later this month. He voiced the MFA's firm support for PSI, and his confidence that Oman's military and police were simil [...] |
2005-02-16 12:30:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET | PARM PREL KNNP EWWT MASS MU |
| 05MUSCAT28 |
OMAN ONLINE: CHATROOM CREDIBILITY, CLASS CHOICES [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat room "Sablat al-Arab" -- or simply "Al-Sablah" -- is the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language forum for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totall [...] |
2005-01-05 10:04:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT280 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/16/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee February 16 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend. Members of the EAC noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the E [...] |
2005-02-16 13:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER KHLS KVPR CASC MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT281 |
OMAN ONLINE: CALL TO BOYCOTT US GOODS AND ANOTHER [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat rooms "Al-Sablah" and "Al- Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wh [...] |
2005-02-16 13:40:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI ETRD MU |
| 05MUSCAT293 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/20/2005 [...] (SBU) The Deputy Chief of Mission chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee February 20 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local holiday weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EA [...] |
2005-02-21 11:52:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT294 |
IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM, LEBANON, AND IRAQI STREET NAMES [...] On February 20, the privately-owned Arabic daily "Al-Watan" carried an editorial entitled, "Distribution of Roles": "In recent statements, the American administration denied the accusation that they are going to use military force against Iran in an effort to stop what they term `military nuc [...] |
2005-02-21 12:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO KMDR OIIP MU |
| 05MUSCAT297 |
RESPONSE TO SECURITY ENVIRONMENT PROFILE [...] (SBU) DEMONSTRATIONS: A. (SBU) Yes, there are ethnic and religious communities in Oman that are capable of carrying out significant anti-American demonstrations. However, as noted below, the Omani government exercises significant control over all polities in the country. B. (SBU) N [...] |
2005-02-22 02:46:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | ASEC PTER MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT298 |
BECHTEL SNAGS BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT IN OMAN [...] (SBU) Summary: Bechtel's Regional Manager has informed the Ambassador that Bechtel won the construction contract for a large aluminum smelter in the city of Sohar. This $1.3 billion project, scheduled to be completed by 2008, will eventually employ around 2000 people and marks another milesto [...] |
2005-02-22 02:46:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | BEXP EINV EIND EMIN ELAB MU |
| 05MUSCAT306 |
TELECOMS MOVEMENT IN OMAN [...] In the ref B digital video conference between USTR and Omani government telecommunications officials, Oman's Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (TRA) pledged that the award of an operating license to a competing mobile phone operator was "imminent." On February 19, Sultan Qaboos promulgated [...] |
2005-02-23 03:20:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS KPRV ETRD MU |
| 05MUSCAT313 |
2005 ANTI-TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT: OMAN [...] (SBU) The following responses are keyed to relevant sections of reftel paras 18-21. ----------------- PARA 18: OVERVIEW ----------------- A. Oman is not a country of origin, transit, or destination for internationally trafficked men, women or children. ------------------- PARA 19: [...] |
2005-02-23 11:13:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PHUM KWMN SMIG KFRD ASEC PREF ELAB MU |
| 05MUSCAT314 |
RESPONSE TO ANNUAL CRIME EVALUATION QUESTIONNAIRE [...] (SBU) The following responses, which reflect Emergency Action Committee consensus, are keyed to paragraph 6 of the Annual Crime Evaluation Questionnaire (reftel): --------------------------------------------- I. Crime Mobility (Into Emboff Neighborhoods) ---------------------------------- [...] |
2005-02-23 11:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT317 |
PALESTINIAN AMBASSADOR PRAISES PRESIDENT'S REMARKS [...] No summary [...] |
2005-02-25 19:36:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL OPRC KWBG KPAL IS MU |
| 05MUSCAT321 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/23/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee February 23 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that the [...] |
2005-02-26 11:50:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT322 |
OMAN SEEKS SUPPORT FOR JUDGE CANDIDATE TO LAW OF [...] This is an action request for OES/OA - please see para 3. 2. The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a circular to resident diplomatic missions on February 16 requesting support for its candidate to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). The salient portions of the [...] |
2005-02-26 13:06:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | PHSA TPHY PREL PINR MU |
| 05MUSCAT323 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/26/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the full Emergency Action Committee February 26 to review the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that the [...] |
2005-02-27 02:52:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT328 |
OMAN ONLINE: NO INTERMINGLING OF GIRLS AND BOYS; [...] Summary: The Omani Internet chat rooms "al-Sablah" and "al- Majarra" are the liveliest and most comprehensive Arabic-language fora for political and social discourse in the country, touching on issues and personalities rarely addressed in the conventional media. While not totally free, nor wh [...] |
2005-02-27 11:49:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SOCI MU |
| 05MUSCAT33 |
OMAN MFA ON CWC HOST COUNTRY AGREEMENT DRAFT [...] (U) This is an action request for AC/CB. See para 8. ------- Summary ------- 2. (C/NF) Oman responded to the U.S. draft CWC Host Country Agreement (HCA) with a number of proposed amendments. The Foreign Ministry asks that the HCA be converted to letter format, that it delete the term [...] |
2005-01-05 12:41:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PARM MARR MASS MOPS MU |
| 05MUSCAT330 |
PSI: FM CLARIFIES OMAN'S VIEWS [...] (S) In a February 27 telcon on various subjects, the Ambassador sought clarification from Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi on the Omani government's attitude toward the Proliferation Security Initiative following its communication of February 9 (reftels). 2. (S) The [...] |
2005-02-27 12:33:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET | PARM PREL KNNP EWWT MASS MU |
| 05MUSCAT331 |
SECRETARY'S ORAL MESSAGE TO THE ARAB LEAGUE [...] (C) The Secretary's oral message was delivered to the Foreign Ministry February 27, encouraging Oman's participation in the March 1 gathering in London, its support for the Palestinian Authority, and the reopening of trade offices in Israel and the Palestinian territories. Minister Responsibl [...] |
2005-02-27 12:40:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID KPAL KWBG ECON EFIN PREL MU XF |
| 05MUSCAT34 |
IAEA COMPREHENSIVE SAFEGUARDS STATUS [...] (SBU) Following the Ambassador's December 27 discussion with Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi to encourage Oman's bringing into force its IAEA safeguards agreement and approving the Additional Protocol (ref A), A/DCM also raised the matter in a January 5 meeting on othe [...] |
2005-01-05 14:35:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP PARM TRGY PREL AORC OPDC XF MU ESTH |
| 05MUSCAT35 |
STATUS OF COUNTERTERRORISM CONVENTIONS [...] (C) Following the Ambassador's December 27 conversation with the Foreign Minister (ref A), A/DCM reiterated the importance of Oman's ratifying the final two of twelve international counterterrorism conventions (ref B) in a January 5 meeting with MFA International Organizations Department Chief [...] |
2005-01-05 15:14:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL ASEC MU |
| 05MUSCAT355 |
FIRST ANNIVERSARY FOR AMERICAN CORNERS IN OMAN [...] NEA's first American Corner, hosted by Muscat's Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS), recently celebrated its first anniversary. The Ambassador addressed students and faculty of MCBS on the role of the Corner in providing accurate and authoritative information about the United States [...] |
2005-03-02 08:53:00 | Embassy Muscat | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO OIIP SCUL MU |
| 05MUSCAT361 |
EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 03/02/2005 [...] (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee March 2 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that the Emb [...] |
2005-03-02 09:34:00 | Embassy Muscat | SECRET//NOFORN | AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC |
| 05MUSCAT364 |
OMAN PRESSURES SARG ON LEBANON WITHDRAWAL [...] (C) Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi convoked the Ambassador on February 28, just prior to departing for the March 1 London Conference on Palestine, to recount the steps he had taken to encourage Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon. He said that Egypt had sought his help to [...] |
2005-03-02 09:54:00 | Embassy Muscat | CONFIDENTIAL | |