Information Attache

Tue, 05 October 2010

HM calls for safeguarding fruits of progress for future generations -
SALALAH — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos yesterday presided over the annual convening of the Council of Oman at Al Hisn Hall in Hay Al Shatti in Salalah.
His Majesty the Sultan delivered a Royal speech that started with thanking Allah for the blessings and prayed to Allah to bestow peace upon Prophet Mohamed and upon His family, companions and those who followed his guidance.
His Majesty pointed out that Oman’s modern Renaissance began from the Governorate of Dhofar and it was there that the first steps were taken towards the achievement of its hopes.
His Majesty the Sultan affirmed that the Sultanate is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its progress, during the course of which its achievements in many fields are plain for all to see and have changed the face of life in Oman, enabling it to assume a position of eminence at both regional and international levels.
During the Royal speech, His Majesty the Sultan added that “Oman has been able to realise much of what we had aspired towards. Everything that has been achieved within a precise balance between preserving the best elements of our heritage, in which we take pride, and the demands of the present day which require us to adapt to the spirit of the modern age — while at the same time corresponding to its civilisation, modern science and technology and benefiting from the latest developments in the various spheres of public and private life.”
His Majesty the Sultan affirmed that “the building of this modern state to which we aspired was achieved with God’s assistance, the road to achieving it — as you all know — was not easy and accessible. There were tremendous difficulties and many obstacles. However, thanks to God’s blessings, along with the diligent hard work and dedication by all sections of society — men and women — and for their absolute faith in God’s assistance and guidance, we overcame all the difficulties and obstacles.”
His Majesty added that “a high percentage of modern state building has definitely been achieved in the
way we envisaged, thanks to God’s grace.
This was made through stable, phased and carefully studied steps that has built the present and paved the way for the future.”
His Majesty pointed out that “one of Oman’s firm principles is co-operation with all states and nations on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and non-interference in the affairs of others, as well as, our non-acceptance of interference in our affairs by others.”
His Majesty the Sultan affirmed his great care for the development plans in order to build a community of prosperity, science and knowledge.
His Majesty pointed out that a percentage of these development programmes, in which the nation takes pride, have been implemented in various parts of the Sultanate.
His Majesty the Sultan pointed out that “the development that has taken place in Omani life, and the positive changes that society has undergone, required that the legal and judicial systems have had to be upgraded and modernised to keep pace with the latest developments. Accordingly, the laws and statutes necessary for that purpose were promulgated, culminating in the Basic Law of the State.”
His Majesty the Sultan stressed the importance of safeguarding and protecting them so that the next generations — sons and daughters of Oman — can continue along the blessed path with the support and guidance of the Almighty God.
His Majesty saluted and appreciated all who have contributed to the building of a modern state in Oman and participated in realising its achievements and remained vigilant and alert to protect it. His Majesty the Sultan particularly referred to the Armed Forces, and all the administrative and security services. — ONA

MUSCAT — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos has issued Royal Decree No 10/2010 appointing members of the Human Rights Commission. Article 1 appoints the officials named below, being representatives of the authorities stipulated in Article No (1) of the annex attached to Royal Decree No 124/2008, as members of the Human Rights Commission:
Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Masoud al Riyami (Chairman);
Ali bin Salim bin Masoud al Maamari (Deputy Chairman);
Dr Rasheed bin al Safi bin Khamis al Harbi;
Hussain bin Jawad bin Mohammed Abdulrasoul;
Saud bin Ali bin Abdul-Aziz al Jabri;
Dr Rashid bin Hamad bin Humaid al Balushi;
Jihan bint Abdullah bin Mohammed al Lamkiyah;
Jihad bin Abdullah bin Mohammed al Ta’ee;
Dina bint Hamza bin Abdullah al Asfour;
Shaikh Muhana bin Saleh bin Saud al Ma’awali;
Zakiyah bint Hamdan bin Rashid al Farsiyah;
Shaikh Sultan bin Mattar bin Salim al Azizi;
Saleh bin A’yel bin Khamis al A’mri; and
Fahd bin Ahmed bin Hamad al Jabri.
The decree took effect yesterday. — ONA

HM’s constant follow-up of recommendations is symbolic of Royal attention to domestic development plans since renaissance . HM approach proved to be significant in placing Sultanate in the forefront of developing nations . Allocations for agriculture in current 5-year-plan grew by 279 pc

In response to the Royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, a symposium on the development of the agriculture sector began at the Royal Camp at Saih al Masarrat in the wilayat of Ibri yesterday under the auspices of Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah al Hinai, Minister of Justice. The opening ceremony was attended by the chairmen of the Majlis Addawla and Majlis Ash’shura, ministers, advisers, members of the two Majlises, under-secretaries, walis and other dignitaries.

Al Hinai, in his opening speech, pointed out that the symposium is a follow-up and implementation of the recommendations of a 2007 seminar on developing the agriculture sector and regulating the sector’s labour market, which was held at the Royal Camp in the Wilayat of Samayil. This symposium underscores the attention accorded to the agriculture sector by His Majesty the Sultan. The working papers cover all areas of development, training and modernisation of the agriculture sector, Al Hinai added.

Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, reiterated the great importance attached to the development of the agriculture sector which, he said, touches the life of every individual in the society. Macki added that His Majesty’s concern for the agriculture sector is symbolised in the issuance of Royal orders to hold this follow-up symposium immediately after the approval of the first such symposium.

The Royal gesture reflects the constant follow-up and assessment of the Sultanate’s development plans and programmes since the start of the Omani renaissance, said Macki, adding that, “this approach proved to be very efficient as evidenced by the impressive achievements made by the Sultanate, outpacing many of its peers from among the developing countries.” Macki, who heads the symposium’s main committee, said that the panels in charge and executive bodies did their best in ensuring the success of the symposiums.

They have identified the required mechanisms, programmes and procedures, and, as such, 42 million rials have been allocated to projects and direct activities identified by the organisations involved in the implementation of these recommendations, he noted. The agriculture sector and other related sectors received special care during the 7th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010), said Macki, adding that the amended allocations, projected for December 2009, amounted to 53 million rials, constituting a growth by 279 per cent as compared to the original allocations for the agriculture sector, which were set at 14 million rials.

The amended allocations for the irrigation and water resources sector directly connected to agriculture sector amounted to 189 million rials, an increase of 90.8 per cent compared to the original allocations (99 million rials), said Macki, who explained that the amended allocations were distributed as follows: dam projects (147 million), aflaj and maintenance projects (12 million) and water projects related to dams and irrigation (30 million). Macki pointed out that the symposium covers six main themes on assessing and following up of implementation of recommendations in various fields.

The themes relate to: soil protection, management of water resources and expatriate labour recruitment, marketing, private sector partnership and research. He said that 12 working papers will be presented by the panels and executive bodies involved in the implementation of the recommendations. A documentary was shown on the efforts undertaken by the government to develop the agriculture sector in the Sultanate. The first day of the symposium included three sessions the first of which was on evaluating and following up the recommendations related to the protection and development of arable land.

Two working papers were presented. The first dealt with utilizing modern technology to ensure the sustainable development of the agriculture sector. The session was chaired by Shaikh Salim bin Hilal al Khalili, Minister of Agriculture Minister. Al Khalili pointed out that the working paper includes four parts. The first part addresses the current status of productivity of the agriculture sector, identifying the sector’s needs for technologies and its economic importance. The second part covers the measures taken prior to the convening of the Sustainable Development Symposium, the spread of the use of modern technology at the time.

The third part covers the contribution of the symposium’s programmes and projects and recommendations. The fourth and last part covers the importance of continuing technological upgrading of the agriculture sector and the impact of the same on the growth of the sector’s economic revenue, said the minister. Khalid bin Mansour al Zadjali, Assistant Director-General of Agricultural Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, presented a working paper on transferring modern technology to ensure sustainable development of the agriculture sector.

The recommendations of the working paper highlighted the need to ensure more coordination among government visions and policies, so that the future policies would focus more on technological upgrading for the agriculture sector. It stressed the importance of implementing the national strategy for date palms. The working paper highlighted the importance of adopting comprehensive programmes for pesticide and the use of environment-friendly materials. The recommendations stressed the need to increase the competitiveness of national products, the opening of more outlets and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural and veterinary quarantines and laboratories.

The second working session discussed a working paper by the Agriculture Ministry on qualitative programmes for improving patterns of using arable land and agricultural production techniques. The session was chaired by Shaikh Saif bin Mohammed al Shabibi, Minsiter of Housing. The minister stressed that optimum use of lands for different agricultural, grazing, industrial and housing activities has contributed to limiting pressure on land. Ali bin Abdullah al Jabri, Adviser at the Directorate General of Agriculture and Livestock, Batinah region, presented a working paper on qualitative programmes to improve patterns of use of land and agricultural production.

The working paper pointed out that due to the problem of salinity in the Al Batina region and Salalah Plain, His Majesty the Sultan ordered the shifting of rose grass farms to Al Najd region for better management of water resources. The working paper recommended identifying agricultural layout in regions for future investment and implementation of projects approved in the national strategy to develop the livestock sector in Dhofar Governorate. The recommendations stressed the importance of implementing research programmes to increase productivity.

The Justice Minister and Chairman of the symposium opened an exhibition held on the sidelines of the symposium. The exhibition highlights the development made so far in the agriculture sector and efforts to develop a positive environment for the growth of agriculture sector. The exhibition represented the public and private sectors. After opening the exhibition, the second theme started. It covered the evaluation and follow up of recommendations related to comprehensive water resources management in agriculture field. Many working papers were presented on areas such as management of water resources. The session was chaired by Shaikh Abdullah bin Salim al Rowas, Minister of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources.

Al Rowas pointed out that the working paper aims at highlighting the achievements made by the Ministry over the past two years, the time when the recommendations of the previous symposium were issued. The working paper covers managing demand for water by the agriculture sector. After that, Saif bin Sulaiman al Maamari, Director of Aflaj at the Regional Municipalities and Water Resources Ministry, presented a working paper on managing water resources in the agriculture sector.

The paper stressed the need to cut down water loss to meet the growing demand for water in the industrial, commercial and tourism sectors. The recommendations highlight the importance of enhancing the institutional structure to serve achieving the targeted water policies. They lay emphasis on supporting and achieving partnership among all water consumers through activating the role of water consumer societies to achieve the principle of comprehensive water management. After that the fourth session started by presenting the second working paper at the second theme. The working paper was presented by the Agriculture Ministry on maximizing the economic revenues.

The session was chaired by Shaikh Salim bin Hilal al Khalili, Agriculture Minister. Shaikh al Khalili pointed out that the working paper aims at highlighting the economic, environmental and social benefits from the use of modern irrigation system at the agriculture sector. The third session was chaired by Shaikh Abdullah bin Nasser al Bakri, Manpower Minister, who pointed out that the first working paper on the third theme covers evaluation of the status related to implementing the recommendations related to regularising recruitment and employment of expatriates.

Younis bin Khalfan al Akhzami, Director-General of Planning and Development at the Manpower Ministry presented a working paper on training, rehabilitation and Omanisation at the agriculture sector. The working paper included a number of recommendations including the importance of continuing the implementation of the recommendations of the previous seminar, which might need more time and effort, especially the agricultural area in the Sultanate is great and controlled by small traditional agricultural deeds.

The sixth session then started by presenting the second paper of the third theme by Royal Oman Police (ROP) on the community partnership in combating illegal expatriate manpower at the agriculture sector. The session was chaired by Lt. Gen. Malik bin Sulaiman al Maamari, Inspector General of Police and Customs. The Inspector General of Police and Customs said that the working paper aims at highlighting the efforts undertaken and still going on by Royal Oman Police (ROP) in collaboration with the respective authorities , the main features of ROP plans and the mechanisms used in implementing this plan.

Col Abdullah bin Ali Al Harthy, Director General of Public Relations at ROP presented a working paper on partnership with community on combating infiltration and illegal expatriate manpower. Al Harthy pointed out that more than 68 meeting and seminar have been organized at the different parts of the Sultanate. These seminars and meetings contributing to limiting the number of illegal manpower and combating infiltration. The working paper covered ROP’s introduction eye scanning system which will help in recognizing those who have been deported and tried to come back with different names or passports.

The service, which will be rolled over at the different regions of the Sultanate, will help in combating the infiltration phenomena and illegal manpower. The working paper pointed out that the Inspector General of Police and Custom issued the decision NO 49/2009 which regularize issuing visas and residence for foreigners. The decision provides broader legal opportunity to enter the country legally. The recommendations highlighted the importance of continuing the awareness of the negative impact of employment of absconded manpower on both individuals and society.

It highlighted the need to develop annual plans to decrease the number of illegal manpower and infiltrators. It recommended conducting more scientific studies on the nature of illegal manpower so that decisions taken will be based on accurate and factual data. The sessions of the symposium included a number of workshops to discuss the recommendations of the working papers covered during the first day of the symposium to reach the final recommendations for the symposium activities. — ONA

HM meets with Al Batinah, Musandam shaikhs, dignitaries. Self-inflicted disability incurs personal, social burdens. Make awareness about road safety an issue in daily discussions. Road accidents, a tax of progress, should be considered seriously. Authorities concerned instructed to intensify road safety efforts. Goal of comprehensive development will continue. Ministers directed to study citizens’ requirements

SOHAR — His Majesty Sultan Qaboos met at Seeh al Makarim in the Wilayat of Sohar yesterday with shaikhs and dignitaries from the wilayats of Al Batinah region and Musandam Governorate as part of the Royal meet-the-people tour.  During his meeting with citizens, His Majesty the Sultan touched on a number of issues of concern to Oman and its citizens. Giving thanks and praise to the Almighty, His Majesty the Sultan gave a Royal speech on road accidents and their impact on social life. His Majesty said that misuse of vehicles is an irritating habit and a cause of many deaths.

His Majesty said, “While we believe that life and death are destined by Allah, we know that the Almighty has ordained that people should not cast themselves on perils. While some may die in these accidents, others who survive may be disabled and a burden for themselves, their families and their society. Therefore, we should join hands and beware of this issue.”

During his speech to the citizens, His Majesty the Sultan urged everyone to make this issue the subject of talk with families. Road safety should be discussed and public awareness should be stressed in order to limit the phenomenon (road accidents), which is a tax for what is called progress, growth and civilization (modernisation), said His Majesty. “Each thing has a tax, but this kind of tax should be seriously considered”, His Majesty added.

His Majesty the Sultan affirmed in his speech to the citizens that the authorities concerned, especially the Royal Oman Police, are carrying out their duties and raising public awareness. They will do more as they have instructions to intensify efforts for addressing this undesired phenomenon (road accidents), which should be limited as much as possible.

His Majesty said in this respect, “These issues (road accidents) may be attributed to a number of reasons, but the human factor is the main contributor. It may be negligence in maintaining one’s vehicle or a desire to reach one’s destination as fast as possible. But it is better to reach safe than on a stretcher or ending up at the emergency department in hospitals.”

His Majesty, underscoring the importance of road safety, said, “I put this issue in this way and advise everyone to attach great importance to it. It is no doubt that all sectors of the Omani society are listening to what I am saying from this blessed place. This is one of the issues that the Omani society is still suffering from.”

Summing up his speech, His Majesty the Sultan thanked Allah and stressed the fact that the Omani society has a great deal of awareness, culture and knowledge of the different issues and that Oman proceeds with steady strides towards growth, progress and prosperity. His Majesty the Sultan pleaded to the Almighty to grant everyone pardon and health.

After delivering his Royal speech, His Majesty the Sultan listened to the needs of the citizens who spoke about the requirement of their wilayats for development. In this unique kind of open dialogue between the leader and the people, His Majesty the Sultan affirmed that the goal of comprehensive development will continue to be achieved in the Sultanate for the welfare and prosperity of the Omani citizens.

His Majesty the Sultan gave his Royal directives to the ministers accompanying him during the current annual meet-the-people tour to study the requirements and work accordingly.  His Majesty the Sultan later listened to a poem by one of the poets who expressed gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty the Sultan. The poem highlighted the achievements made in the Sultanate in the blessed reign of His Majesty the Sultan.  The public meeting with His Majesty the Sultan was attended by ministers, advisers and walis of the Al Batinah region and Musandam Governorate. — ONA

Road accidents statistics at a glance

2009 (as of October 17)
Deaths 788
Injuries 7,998
Number of accidents 5,895

2008
Deaths 951
Injuries 8,120
Number of accidents 6,103

2007
Deaths 798
Injuries 8,531
Number of accidents 8,816