Oman's Reform Moves are Encouraging

Oman's reform moves are encouraging

The United States welcomed Monday moves that its Gulf ally Oman has taken to revamp its political system.

"We are encouraged by the recent steps toward reform taken by the government of Oman," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.






Sultan Qabous Mosque, Muscat, Oman, Middle East


Buy This Allposters.com




"And we strongly encourage the government to continue to implement reforms that increase economic opportunity and move toward greater inclusion and participation in the political process."

His comments came as Oman's Sultan Qaboos sacked his economy and interior ministers in a major cabinet reshuffle after weeks of anti-government protests in the strategic Gulf state, state television said.

The reshuffle had been expected after the longtime leader fired two other ministers in response to protesters' grievances, which include corruption and the slow pace of democratic reform.

More about Oman's Reform Moves Encouraging.