Oman Eases Some Business Restrictions, Seals off Tourist Areas

Tourists stand in front of the Royal Opera House in Omani capital Muscat. (AFP)
Tourists stand in front of the Royal Opera House in Omani capital Muscat. (AFP)
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Oman Eases Some Business Restrictions, Seals off Tourist Areas

Tourists stand in front of the Royal Opera House in Omani capital Muscat. (AFP)
Tourists stand in front of the Royal Opera House in Omani capital Muscat. (AFP)

Oman will further ease its coronavirus containment measures on Wednesday, allowing several businesses and shops to reopen, but will close off some popular tourist areas from Saturday until July 3, the state news agency reported.

The Sultanate’s easing of measures will include various stores from clothing to furniture, the agency said in a tweet.

The easing of restrictions will not include facilities in the Al Wadi Al Kabir industrial area in Muscat governorate, an area where many low income migrant workers live which was sealed off in early May to combat the spread of the virus.

It will also not include shops in malls, or in Muttrah town, which has also previously been sealed off, the statement said.

The Sultanate will close off several popular leisure areas including Jabal Akhdar, Jabal Shams, Masirah and Dhofar governorate from June 13 until July 3 and ban any gatherings or tourist activities in those areas during that period.



GCC Secretary-General Welcomes Omani Initiative on Strait of Hormuz, Condemns Iranian Threats

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Welcomes Omani Initiative on Strait of Hormuz, Condemns Iranian Threats

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, welcomed Oman's announcement, made in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to establish a temporary maritime corridor for vessels to facilitate the evacuation of more than 11,000 stranded seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.

The initiative enhances freedom of navigation in the Strait in accordance with international law and the Law of the Sea.

The secretary-general praised this initiative, which embodies the wise approach pursued by the Sultanate of Oman in supporting regional security and stability, enhancing maritime safety and security, and consolidating the principles of international law, thereby contributing to ensuring the smooth flow of regional and international trade.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's rejection and condemnation of the claims issued by Iran and its threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz following the announcement.

He affirmed that the Omani step contributes to evacuating stranded seafarers and bolstering supply chains for both regional and global economies and reflects the GCC countries' support for all regional and international efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security, consolidating security and stability, and de-escalating tensions in the region.


Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Jordanian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Jordanian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Friday from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Safadi, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the two officials discussed the latest regional developments and ongoing bilateral coordination and consultation on related matters.


Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Sudan's Unity, Political Solution to End Crisis

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed that supporting stability in Sudan, securing a ceasefire, and preserving the country's territorial integrity and state institutions remain its top priorities.(SPA)
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed that supporting stability in Sudan, securing a ceasefire, and preserving the country's territorial integrity and state institutions remain its top priorities.(SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Support for Sudan's Unity, Political Solution to End Crisis

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed that supporting stability in Sudan, securing a ceasefire, and preserving the country's territorial integrity and state institutions remain its top priorities.(SPA)
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed that supporting stability in Sudan, securing a ceasefire, and preserving the country's territorial integrity and state institutions remain its top priorities.(SPA)

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed that supporting stability in Sudan, securing a ceasefire, and preserving the country's territorial integrity and state institutions remain its top priorities. It emphasized that resolving the crisis ultimately requires a Sudanese-led political solution, the Saudi Press Agency said on Saturday.

The remarks were made by Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Dr. Abdulaziz Alwasil, during a UN Security Council session on Sudan.

Alwasil said that the continued conflict, deteriorating security situation, and failure to implement the commitments made under the Jeddah Platform and the relevant UN Security Council resolutions have contributed to worsening the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

He stressed Saudi Arabia's commitment to ending the conflict, bringing the Sudanese parties closer together, and resuming political dialogue based on the Jeddah Declaration.

The Saudi permanent representative to the United Nations also condemned the targeting of humanitarian aid convoys and the crimes committed in the city of El-Fasher, expressing the Kingdom's concern over the human and humanitarian losses resulting from the continued conflict.

He reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of any measures that undermine Sudan's unity or its institutions, welcomed regional and international efforts aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire, and affirmed Saudi Arabia's continued humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people.