[Oman-l] Oman news from GulfWire #98 (28 May - 3 June)

[Joachim Duester]

Below find some recent news and links to news about Oman from
http://arabialink.com/GulfWire/GULFWIRE.htm


VISIT TO UAE
Sultan Qaboos bin Said returned to Oman on May 29 following a two-day
visit to UAE according to the Times of Oman.  The on-line edition noted
"the visit of His Majesty came within the context of the continuous policy
of consultation between His Majesty the Sultan and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan
on various issues of concern to the region and in order to realize their
shared aspirations in boosting stability and prosperity for all peoples."
Source: Times of Oman

OMAN COMMISSIONS UK BATTLE TANKS
The Sultanate of Oman has commissioned British-made Challengers-2
main battle tanks as part of its campaign to acquire the latest weaponry
for the Sultan's Armed Forces in order to safeguard the stability and
security of the country. The Sultanate of Oman has commissioned
British-made Challengers-2 main battle tanks as part of its campaign to
acquire the latest weaponry for the Sultan's Armed Forces in order to
safeguard the stability and security of the country.
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=17956

OMAN OFFERS FULL PENSIONS FOR EARLY RETIREMENT
"It allowed the government to inject new, educated, young blood into
the civil service to improve efficiency.".
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=18024

OMAN CONVICTS 16 IN LANDMARK FRAUD,
EMBEZZLEMENT CASE
In a major judgment involving senior Omani government officials and
well-placed expatriates, the Criminal Court, the country's highest, has
convicted 16 people for forgery, fraud and embezzlement, sentencing
them to various jail terms.
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=18022

OMAN AWARDS TWO CONTRACTS TO EXPAND
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Oman Telecommunications Co (Omantel) has awarded two contracts
worth a total $25.2 million to extend its GSM network.
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=18002

OMAN BANKS MAKE RECORD PROVISIONS AS LOAN
DEFAULTS RISE
The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has asked banks to furnish
details of personal loans which are turning bad.
http://www.gulf-news.com/Articles/news.asp?ArticleID=18001

GAS TRANSMISSION AGREEMENT
[Oman News Agency] Muscat, May 30 (ONA)- Dr. Mohammed bin
Hamad Al Rumhi, Oil and Gas Minister, Chairman of the Oman Gas
Company (OGC) Board today signed an agreement worth RO
8 million 689 thousand with the Canadian Energy Services company
(CES) for the operation and maintenance of Gas transmission
facilities. It is planned that the Canadian Company will take over this
mission as from the beginning of January 2002 as the gas transport
transmission facilities are currently being operated by the Petroleum
Development Company (PDO). The duration of the agreement is
5 years. As part of agreement the company shall embark on an
extensive training and Omanisation Program.
Source: Oman News Agency