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Oman's Sultan Shifts Lawmaking Powers Amid Unrest

   VOA News  March 13, 2011
   Oman leader Sultan Qaboos in Muscat (File Photo)

Photo: AP

   Oman leader Sultan Qaboos in Muscat (File Photo)

   The  sultan  of  Oman  has  granted  lawmaking powers to councils that
   previously had only a consultative role.
   The  move  follows demonstrations by people seeking jobs and a greater
   public role in politics.
   The  decree Sunday gives the abilities to make laws and regulations to
   two councils - one elected -the Majlis Ash-Shura, and one appointed by
   the sultan - the Council of State. It was not immediately clear if the
   monarch will retain veto power.
   Earlier,  Sultan  Qaboos  bin  Sa'id  responded to demonstrations that
   began  last  last  month  by  shaking  up  his  Cabinet  and promising
   thousands of new civil service jobs. Â Â  Â
   Oman's  protests  have been limited compared with the political unrest
   in regional neighbors Yemen and Bahrain

   Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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