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Middle East
Oman protesters call for reforms
While demanding better wages and an end to corruption, demonstrators also express support for their leader.
Last Modified: 05 Mar 2011 07:51 GMT

Protesters rallied in Oman on Friday, demanding political reform and better working conditions.
Rival demonstrations were also held in support of the country's ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
The anti-government sentiment in Oman differs from the rest of the region’s turmoil in two major ways – there has been much less violence and much more support for their leader.
"We are making this to support the Sultan, not to face against the Sultan. We are just facing the corruption here," Yousef al-Zadjali, a protest spokesman in the city of Sohar, said.
Demonstrators in the industrial city called for higher wages and a parliament elected by the people. They also urged the sultan to dismiss all government ministers dismissed and investigated for corruption.
Sultan Qaboos brought peace to Oman soon after taking power in a palace coup 41 years ago. He also delivered paved roads, a public health system and more women’s rights than other Gulf countries.

Protesters rallied in Oman on Friday, demanding political reforms and more jobs.

Rival demonstrations were also held in support of the country's ruler, Sultan Qaboos bin Said.

The anti-government sentiment in Oman differs from the rest of the region’s turmoil in two major ways – there has been much less violence and much more support for the country's leader.

"We are making this to support the sultan, not to face against the sultan. We are just facing the corruption here," Yousef al-Zadjali, a protest spokesman in the city of Sohar told Al Jazeera.

Demonstrators urged the sultan to dismiss all government ministers and have them investigated for corruption.

Sultan Qaboos brought peace to Oman soon after taking power in a palace coup 41 years ago. He also delivered a public health system, improved infrastructure and granted more rights for women than other Gulf countries.

This report is by an Al Jazeera correspondent, who can't be named for security reasons.

Source:
Al Jazeera
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