Prosperous present, bright future: Oman marks 43rd National Day

Source: Middle East Online (Read full story)

On November 18, 2013, the Omani people celebrate the 43rd National Day… Over the years of the Sultanate’s modern renaissance, the Omani citizen constituted the cornerstone and the moving force for progress at all levels. The deep confidence and Royal patronage of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos formed a solid foundation for national development. This was made clear in His Majesty’s speech on November 12, 2012 on the occasion of opening of the 5th Term of Majlis Oman (Council of Oman), which coincided with the opening of the Majlis’s building in the area of Al Bustan, Muscat. On this occasion, His Majesty said, “We have directed the government to focus in its future development plans on social development (particularly in aspects related to citizens’ livelihood) by providing more employment opportunities and training programmes, and by raising the volume of productivity. We are following up the steps being taken and this matter will also be the focus of attention of the Supreme Council for Planning.”

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Jordan to replace Saudi Arabia on UN council: Diplomat

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

Jordan will replace Saudi Arabia on the Security Council for a two-year term starting in January after the Saudis’ unprecedented rejection of the seat hours after they were elected, a UN diplomat said on Thursday.  The diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal was made privately, said Jordan’s UN Ambassador Prince Zeid Al Hussein was flying to Amman on Thursday night to discuss Jordan’s new role on the UN’s most powerful body.  Earlier this week, Jordan dropped its bid for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, leaving Saudi Arabia a clear path in the now uncontested election next Tuesday.

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Kuwait ready for Security Council seat if necessary

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal arrived in Kuwait yesterday for talks that focused on topics that will be discussed in the upcoming Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Kuwait, but did not address the Kingdom’s rejection of a United Nations Security Council seat. This was reported by a Kuwaiti daily yesterday quoting diplomatic sources who indicated that “Saudi Arabia is still a Security Council member practically, technically and realistically as the kingdom is yet to officially announce its withdrawal”. While indicating that Saudi Arabia is ‘unlikely’ to change its position, the sources were asked about Kuwait being a possible replacement should that happen. “If Riyadh officially withdraws, Kuwait is considered the most qualified country for the post,” said the sources who spoke to Al-Qabas on the condition of anonymity.

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‘Unconditional’ Syria talks flayed by Doha

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

Qatar’s emir criticized Tuesday what he claimed were unconditional terms for a proposed peace conference on Syria, saying the talks would lead nowhere and should focus on “achieving justice” for Syria’s people.  Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, whose country has been a main backer of the Syrian rebellion, criticized “attempts by some to substitute achieving justice for the (Syrian) people, who have paid the heaviest price … with unconditional negotiations that lack a timeframe and lead nowhere.”  His remarks come as Washington, Moscow and the United Nations are trying to fix a date for the so-called Geneva II talks bringing all sides together to discuss a political solution to the Syrian conflict.  Speaking at the opening of a new term of the Shoura (consultative) Council in Doha, Sheikh Tamim said talks must “reach a political solution that recognizes the Syrian people’s legitimate demands and is based on a timetable.”

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Saudi-US ties enduring: Kerry

Source: Saudi Gazette (Read full story)

The Kingdom and the United States reiterated here on Monday that they would continue to work together, with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal saying “our two friendly countries” are busy dealing jointly with troublesome issues like Syria, Iran and the Mideast peace process.  “There is no room for emotion and anger here, but rather for policies of commonsense and level-headedness,” Prince Saud said at a joint press conference with Kerry.  “The fact of the matter is that the historic relationship between the two countries has always been based on independence, mutual respect and constructive cooperation,” he said.  He said that “the Kingdom’s declination of membership in the Security Council in no way shape or form amounts to the withdrawing from the United Nations.” He also lamented the international organization’s “failure to make the Middle East a nuclear-free zone.”

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For his part, Kerry said: “This is a deep relationship and it has endured for 75 years and it will endure well into the future […] Our relationship is strategic, it is enduring and it covers a wide range” of issues, Kerry told reporters as he wound up a visit, including a two-hour meeting with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.

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