December 17, 2004

THE SULTANATE OF OMAN CELEBRATES THE ARMED FORCES DAY. SULTAN QABOOS BIN SAID PATRONIZES THE CELEBRATION AND HOSTS A DINNER TO MARK THE OCCASION. STEADY PROGRESS ON THE PATH OF BUILDING THE ARMED FORCES AND THE SECURITY FORCES. Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, hosted a dinner at Al Alam Palace to mark the Armed Forces Day. The dinner was attended along with the Sultan by ministers, advisers, the inspector-general of police and customs, the chief of staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces, the head of internal security service, commanders of the Sultan's Armed Forces' corps and senior military and civil officers. The ceremony was a gesture from the Sultan to honour the armed forces with all its formations and units, in appreciation of its effective role in protecting the homeland and safeguarding its achievements and gains. The Royal Army of Oman (RAO), on the SAF Training Battalion grounds, organised a ceremony to mark the SAF and Pension Days under the auspices of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Zahir Al Hinai, minister of justice, in the presence of Major-General Said bin Nasser bin Sulaiman Al Salmi, commander of the Royal Army of Oman. The ceremony included a military parade, conferring of good conduct and long service medals, sport competitions and speeches. Lieutenant-General Ahmed bin Harith bin Nasir Al Nabhani, chief of staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces, attended the ceremony. The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAF), at the Seeb airbase, organised a ceremony to mark SAF and Pension Days under the auspices of Yahya bin Saud bin Mansour Al Sulaimi, minister of education, in the presence of Air Vice-Marshal Yahya bin Rasheed bin Rashid Al Juma'ah, commander of the RAFO. The ceremony included a military parade, music and parachuting. The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), at Said bin Sultan Naval Base, organised a ceremony to mark SAF and Pension Days under the auspices of Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidi, sports minister, in the presence of Rear Admiral Salim bin Abdullah bin Rashid Al Alawi, commander of the RNO. The ceremony included a military parade, conferring of medals and speeches. Major-General Khalifa bin Abdullah bin Said Al Junaibi, commander of the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO), at the Training Regiment at Halban, presided over the celebrations. The function was addressed by the senior staff in charge of pension affairs at the Royal Guard of Oman, who hailed the developments witnessed by the SAF and RGO. This was followed by a shooting competition and poetry recital. At the end of the function, the RGO commander gave a speech, in which he commended the efforts of the participants to whom he distributed appreciation prizes. The march of development and modernisation of the Royal Army of Oman (RAO) stems from the great missions and responsibilities shouldered by the RAO. In its quest to attain the highest standards of combat competence, organisation, planning, training and armament, the RAO derives inspiration from the wise directives of Sultan Qaboos, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who acclaimed the role of the brave men who hoisted high the banner of lawfulness and duty, saying "No country may enjoy peace and stability or relish in riches if it is not protected by a strong army which is capable of deterring its enemies and safeguarding its achievements. We hereby attach great importance to the development of the army." The personnel of the RAO have proved worthy of honouring the confidence of the Sultan by sacrificing everything dear towards protecting the glorious accomplishments of Oman's past and present. It is only by strong determination that the RAO transformed itself into a dynamic army, continuously adapting itself to the rapid development of military sciences around the world. Armed by knowledge, top training and high morale, Omani soldiers have become symbols of bravery, self-denial and competency. The infantry brigades, Firaq forces and combat support detachments with their foot soldiers, armoured units, parachutes and artillery men carry out the main missions of the army. These advanced weaponry and the specialist skills have greatly enhanced their capabilities. The administrative back-up units play an equally significant role. They undertake the responsibility of securing communication and logistic support to other army units, which they provide with foodstuff, water, fuel, ammunition and medical care. They also operate rescue, repair, evacuation and replacement missions. To help them carry out their duties more efficiently, the administrative support units recently received a set of new transport and telecommunication equipment. The training units deployed in RAO military camps, assume the role of manpower development. These units include the Sultan Qaboos Military College, the Officers Training School and the SAF Training Regiment. The Combat Training Centre at Al Jabal al Akhdar, with its unique topographical nature, provides an ideal setting for soldier recruit training. Since the start of the Omani Renaissance 34 years ago, the Royal Air Force of Oman (Rafo) has experienced a radical transformation from five light, single-engine aircraft using a simple runway at Bait al Falaj to a large, multifarious fleet of modern aircraft using more than 50 runways and managed by highly trained Omani personnel. The Rafo played a significant role in boosting infrastructure efforts at the outset of the renaissance. The Flying Doctor team, which still roams the remote and inaccessible areas of the Sultanate, has offered indispensable support to the citizens and to government programmes. Rafo helicopters also provides timely assistance to citizens in emergency cases and during accidents and natural disasters. Its search and rescue teams are known for their quick response upon receiving mayday calls. The Rafo works hard to keep abreast of the technological progress of military sciences. Recently, the Rafo obtained multi-purpose helicopters. It also introduced BC-90-M aircraft which has a set of smart officers assistance systems to meet the requirements of training. In addition, the Rafo revamped the systems of its existing aircraft. Various other programmes have been introduced to revolutionise the performance of the Rafo. These include a joint command and control system of linkage between air bases to co-ordinate efforts during operations. This comprehensive defence scheme (SDAI), which comes under the Hadaf project, is concerned with developing early warning radars and other telecommunication facilities within the air bases. In response to the directives of Sultan Qaboos, Musanaa Air Base, now in its first phase, is being constructed to enhance the capabilities of the Rafo. The Sultan's directives also lead to the emergence of a new project, the Military Technical College, which is aimed at providing the SAF, other security departments and the government and private sectors which highly specialised Omani staff who will have the extra privilege of military discipline. The new college will push forward the march of technical education in the Sultanate. The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has undergone steady modernisation during the years of the renaissance. The RNO has grown into a powerful naval force comprising a large flotilla of advanced fighter vessels. The RNO provides naval support to other SAF wings. It boasts hundreds of vessels, including frigates, rapid missile ships, artillery vessels, transport, landing and training ships. The RNO, inspired by the enlightened vision of the Sultan, attaches a lot of importance to training of national manpower on navigation, ship maintenance and administration. The RNO assumes its important role from the fact that the Sultanate's strategic location at the entrance of one of the world's most important water passages, the Strait of Hormuz. It also undertakes to protect Oman's 3,165-kilometres-long oceanfront, along with an economic zone of almost 500,000 square kilometres. The RNO has a multi-faceted mission to carry out. The RNO: Protects Oman's regional waters, secure navigation in the economic zone; Ensures the safety of Omani naval bases; Conducts hydrographic surveys of Omani beaches; Safeguards the maritime transport of the SAF units; Rescues stricken ships and helps control fire accidents on board ships along the Omani coast; Conducts search and rescue operations in the sea and assists citizens during natural disasters; Works to control smuggling along the Omani coast; Protects fisheries resources and other marine wealth; Operates friendly missions to other countries to strengthen ties of friendship; A central unit of the RNO is the Said bin Sultan Naval Base. Designed in accordance with the latest international standards, this base serves as a training, maintenance and logistic support centre for the RNO. The RNO conducts joint drills with other SAF wings and help unify and upgrade efforts. It also organises military exercises with the navies of other GCC states and friendly countries with a view to fostering co-operation and exchanging expertise. The Royal Guard of Oman, one of the most important military units in the Sultanate, has witnessed great development and rapid modernisation as a result of utmost care given by Sultan Qaboos, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. Like other units of the Sultanate's military sector, the Royal Guard of Oman is equipped with the most sophisticated weapons, artillery and equipment. The 11th of December is great occasion for SAF. The SAF, after 34 years of the blessed renaissance, is proud of the excellent cadres as well as the modern weapons it possesses. On this occasion, the SAF would like to renew the vow to be the protecting shield and the guard of Oman and its blessed achievements stemmed from its logo Loyalty to God Loyalty to the Sultan Defend the Country. The Royal Guard of Oman conducts several training courses throughout the year for the personnel at different levels. The Royal Guard of Oman Technical College plays a pivotal role in training its cadres who join military or civilian services. The Centre for Higher Studies awards a diploma equivalent to a university degree in general engineering. Defence In December 1996, following the promulgation of the Basic Statute of the State, the Defence Council was established by Royal decree. The Council is chaired by the Sultan and its members are the Minister of the Palace Office, who also heads the Office of the Supreme Commander, the Inspector General of Police and Customs, the Commanders of the three Services and the Royal Guard and the Head of Internal Security. According to the Basic Statute, Article 6, the Council has the duty of deciding the succession to the throne, should the Ruling Family Council not be able to reach an agreement. The Sultan's Armed Forces The Sultan's Armed Forces, with their high standard of training and modern equipment, have become a formidable defensive shield for the peace, security and stability of the Sultanate. Under the inspiration of Sultan Qaboos the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, their professionalism and dedication to the task of defending their country has gained them the respect and confidence of the Omani people and their brother States of the GCC. Armed Forces Day In December each year, SAF celebrates Armed Forces Day, which commemorates their success in bringing the conflict in the south to an end in 1975 after a long and arduous struggle against externally supported dissident elements. On Armed Forces Day, sports competitions, which form an integral part of military training, and other displays are held in all units. There is no compulsory military service in Oman and there is stiff competition to join the Armed Services. The training and skills offered to the serviceman stand him in good stead for civilian life later on. Both in uniform and in retirement, he and his family are well cared for and are proud of the service they have rendered to their country. The Veterans' Day is another annual event attended by about 300 former servicemen and their guests. The history and development of the Armed Forces is vividly presented in the SAF Museum at Bait al-Falaj. The building was once the permanent Headquarters of SAF but in 1978, the Ministry of Defence was established in a new camp at Muaskar al-Murtafa'a near Seeb Airport and work began on the concept of creating a Museum in the old building. The Museum was inaugurated by the Sultan in 1988. The Royal Army of Oman (RAO) The Royal Army of Oman consists of three arms: infantry, armour, and artillery with supporting services. The infantry arm consists of the Muscat Regiment, the Northern Frontier Regiment, the Desert Regiment, the Mountain Regiment, the Oman Coastal regiment, the South Oman Regiment and the Western Frontier Regiment. It also has a Parachute Regiment, equipped with reconnaissance vehicles, the Special Forces and the Firqat Forces which were originally formed as irregulars during the war in the south. Since 1975 the Firqat Forces have been integrated into the RAO as reconnaissance and rural security units. The artillery and armoured regiments are equipped with the latest heavy and medium field guns, tracked vehicles, radar and an advanced air defence capability. Both arms have their own training establishments. In November 1997, an agreement was signed for the supply of 20 Challenger II main battle tanks with ancillary equipment and facilities. In September 1999, the first of a new consignment of Challenger-2 tanks was handed over by the British manufacturers. Giving close support are the Engineers, who are trained to clear minefields and other obstacles from the battlefield. They are equipped with mechanical troop transporters, armoured engineer reconnaissance vehicles, the latest detection and warning equipment for weapons of mass destruction and poison gases, decontamination and chemical warfare equipment. The Engineers have also contributed to the development of the country by building roads in remote areas and helping rural communities with construction projects. The Signals units and the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers play a vital role in modern warfare, providing the communications and technical back-up without which a modern army cannot function. The Royal Army of Oman also has its own medical services, which make a valuable contribution to the health of the nation. In 1993, the military hospital at al-Khoudh was acclaimed by UNICEF as one of the leading hospitals in the world offering special care to children. Officer cadets are trained at the Sultan Qaboos Military Academy before being commissioned into their regiments. In December 1999, the Sultan took the salute at the passing out parade of Commissioning Course No.39. Courses run concurrently and are of two years' duration. Senior officers attend the Sultan's Armed Forces Command and Staff College. The 12th training course started in September 1998 and included officers from all branches of the services, as well as officers from the AGCC armed forces and for the first time participants from the Yemeni armed forces. Senior Omani officers from all three Services also attend overseas defence colleges as part of their advanced training. High priority is given to training and cooperation with other friendly forces. The annual AGCC Exercise Peninsula Shield was held in February 2000 at Hafr al-Batin in Saudi Arabia. Other important training exercises included live firing demonstrations and tactical manoeuvres, including Exercise Fajr 70, which took place in al-Wusta region during October and November 1999. It was a joint services exercise involving nearly all units of the Sultan's Armed Forces, which culminated in a firepower demonstration in the presence of Sultan Qaboos the Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces. In September 1998, the band of the Royal Army of Oman took part in the International NATO Military parade held in Australia. International Competitions In 1998, the National Shooting Team participated in international events held in Spain, Argentina and the United Kingdom. In July 1999 the team produced outstanding results in the British Army's Central Skill-at-Arms Meeting at Bisley. The results were even better than the previous year's excellent performance. The team won ten team first place trophies; eight individual first place trophies and numerous medals for first, second and third places in 33 competitions. At the Ninth Arab Games held in Amman in August 1999, the National Shooting Team won three gold, four silver and six bronze medals. With consistently good results over the last few years, the team is looking forward to participating in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. In August 1999, the National Free Fall Team achieved good results in competition with 39 other countries at the second Military Olympiad held in Croatia. In December 1999, the team took second place in a friendly competition with eight other Arab states held in Dubai. The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) The Royal Air Force of Oman is equipped with Hawk (100 and 200 series)and Jaguar fighters, and Strikemaster ground attack aircraft, as well as helicopters and C130 transport aircraft. During 1999, the first four Pilatus PC-9s were delivered as the new training aircraft to replace the Strikemasters which have been in service for many years. In September 1997, an agreement was signed to upgrade the Jaguar fighter aircraft to the Jaguar 97 standard and to extend their operational lives. The RAFO has the Rapier missile system for air defence and operates an early warning and control system over the whole of Oman's air space. In May 1999 an agreement was signed for the 'Hadaf' project to modernise the communications and command system. As part of the agreement, the equipment supplier will set up a training school for air traffic controllers, which will train not only the airforce but also the civil aviation staff. Joint fighter and helicopter exercises are carried out with AGCC air forces and RAFO has also taken part in other air exercises with Arab and other friendly countries. In September 1999, RAFO participated in Saqr a-Jazirah 1, the first of two AGCC exercises in the Musandam area. Exercise Saqr al-Jazirah 2 was the deployment of a squadron of Hawk aircraft from Masirah Island to Kuwait. This was followed by Exercise Fajr 70, in which RAFO provided air cover for the ground forces and airborne assaults with helicopters, as well as dropping parachutists from C-130s. In 1986, The Sultan Qaboos Air Academy on Masirah Island was inaugurated under the auspices of the Sultan for the training of officers and aircrew. There is also a Technical Air College which trains the technicians in the skills needed to maintain sophisticated radar and aircraft equipment, as well as numerous specialised schools. Apart from its defensive role, the RAFO helps communities in remote areas with delivery of food and vital supplies and operates a flying doctor service. In conjunction with the ROP, RAO and RNO, the RAFO plays an important role in land and air sea rescue. It patrols over the sea to assist the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and the Environment combat the threat of marine pollution and support is also given to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in locust control operations and to monitor fishing vessels from the air. Internationally, the RAFO has participated at Air Tattoos and has flown urgent relief supplies for earthquake victims in Baluchistan and Iran. In June 1999, the first consignment of humanitarian aid was dispatched for the Kosovo refugees aboard a C130. The consignment included food and medicines to be distributed by UN relief agencies. The relief effort was arranged through several ministries, the Oman Charitable Organisation and other private contributions. In August 1999, the Sultan ordered relief supplies to be flown to Turkey in response to the widespread destruction and suffering caused by an earthquake. In December 1999, two shipments of relief aid were flown to Yemen. The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) The naval base in Muscat harbour, which was established in the early seventies, had no room to expand. The decision was therefore taken to construct the Said bin Sultan naval base at Wudam on the Batinah coast to accommodate an expanding fleet and provide the necessary administration, technical, accommodation, training and fleet support facilities. In October 1995, two new fast gunboats, RNOV al-Bushra and RNOV al-Mansour arrived in Oman to join the fleet as replacements for older vessels. In early 1996, the fast patrol boat RNOV al-Najah was launched in France to join the fleet in June, replacing RNOV Fulk, one of the original fast patrol boats which had been in service for 19 years. In September 1996, the first corvette to join the RNO, RNOV Qaher al-Amwaj built in Southampton was commissioned as part of the programme to upgrade Oman's naval capability. A second corvette, RNOV al-Muazzar, joined the fleet in April 1997. The RNO also operates a Landing Craft Mechnanised Squadron. The four ships - RNOVs Al-Neemran, Saba al-Bahr, al-Dhogas and al-Temsah - provide support for SAF amphibious exercises and are tasked for a variety of logistic operations. The annual fleet Exercise Asad al-Bahr was held in May 1999 in Oman's territorial waters. An important task carried out by the RNO is hydrographic survey work, which is essential for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and Oman's international waters. The National Hydrographic Office (NHO) has published seven of a planned series of 50 charts to cover the entire coast of Oman. The third annual edition (1999) of the National Tide Tables, produced by the Hydrographic Office has also been very well received. The RNO has been called on to assist vessels in distress, like the Ukrainian yacht adrift off the coast of Dhofar during the monsoon in 1998. The RNOV al-Bushra on routine patrol towed the yacht with a crew of eight on board into the safety of Port Salalah. The RNOV Shabab Oman is not only a sail training ship, but also a roving ambassador for the Sultanate and a reminder of Oman's maritime heritage. She has visited many countries, including the United States, Great Britain and France. In 1997 the RNOV Shabab Oman set sail for Japan on her eighth international voyage to take part in the centenary celebrations of the port of Osaka in April, where she was awarded the Cutty Sark Trophy for the second time, in addition to a silver shield. No other nation has won the trophy twice since the inception of the International Sail Training Association. In May 1999 RNOV Shabab Oman came to the rescue of the crew of a commercial vessel in distress close to al-Halaniyat islands. Dubai - Muscat Race The President's Cup Regatta, a yacht race from Dubai to Muscat has become an annual event each March. The RNO Sailing Association is both the organiser and main contributor to the race, which was won by an Abu Dhabi yacht in the record time of two days, three hours, 52 minutes and 31 seconds. Two RNO yachts came second and third in division one. Besides the long distance passage race from Dubai, the RNO Sailing Association arranges competitions for Lasers, Catamarans and traditional Omani craft as part of the Regatta. The RNO, like the RAO and RAFO has its own band of musicians and other services associated with a modern navy. The band performs at national and RNO celebrations and other religious and public festivities. Royal Yacht Squadron In March 2000, the Royal Yacht Squadron celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its foundation in the presence of Sultan Qaboos. The Royal Yacht Squadron comes under the administration of the Diwan of the Royal Court and operates several vessels, the most important of which are the Royal Yacht, Al Said and the Royal Support Ship, Fulk al-Salama. The Royal Guard of Oman (RGO) The Royal Guard Regiment was formed in 1973 to protect and escort Sultan Qaboos, as well as to guard Royal property and visiting personages. It is a corps d'elite, which is trained as both a combat and ceremonial unit. Exercises are held on a regular basis and the RGO competes with other units of the armed forces in sporting and military events. In 1981, the RGO was expanded from a regiment to brigade strength and in 1985, received its Royal Standard from Sultan Qaboos. On 1st November 1987, the title was changed to the Royal Guard of Oman. This date is celebrated annually as RGO day. The Royal Guard has four line regiments and a support regiment, as well as mounted troops, a motorcycle display team, a free-fall parachute display team and three military bands, one of which is mounted. The bands have earned a high reputation for their performances not only in Oman, but also at events overseas like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and Sydney International Tattoo. In February 2000, the massed bands of the Sultan's Armed Forces and Royal Oman Police took part in 'The World of Music', a fund-raising event in aid of disabled children in Oman. In November 1976, the Royal Guard was asked by Sultan Qaboos to establish a school to provide technical education to sons of its serving members. The school has over 200 students and follows a curriculum with the emphasis on engineering and technology. There is an entry examination in Arabic subjects, but English is taught as part of the technical syllabus. There is intense competition for the 30 places each year due to the excellent results achieved, which lead to good career prospects in technical fields. Security and the Police Oman is a notably law abiding country and there is no organised crime. This is due to the strong influence of Islamic principles, close family ties and Omani customs and traditions. Since 1974 when Sultan Qaboos conferred the title Royal Oman Police on the newly formed force, its expansion and achievements throughout the country have been one of the most impressive developments seen in Oman. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) adopts a high media profile and aims to create a climate of public awareness of the work done by the Force. Emphasis is placed on the prevention of crime, traffic accidents and the hazards of natural disasters, such as fire and flood. In 1991, the Royal Oman Police established an Omanisation plan and by the end of 1999, the ROP had achieved nearly 99% Omanisation. Expatriates provide certain specialist skills, but as part of the plan, are training Omanis to take over from them in the medical services, aviation engineering, computer programming, police dog handling, forensic medicine, laboratory analysis, fire prevention and fingerprinting. The turnout, bearing and smart appearance of the Royal Oman Police demonstrate the pride and motivation of all ranks in the Force. For the 27th National Day, a new design of headgear was introduced. A black headband embroidered with silver geometric patterns, based on a traditional Omani motif, replaced the chequered headband worn with the first police uniforms. Organisation The Headquarters of the Royal Oman Police are in Qurum with eight Regional headquarters, which control police divisions within the Governorates and wilayats. There are also Directorates-General with special responsibilities. In 1998, a new headquarters building was opened in the Sharqiyah. New police stations have been constructed in Birka and Sinaw, as well as a new vehicle inspection and licensing complex in Ibra. In 1998, the final stage of the new office complex for the Dhofar Governorate Police Command was completed and in 1999 new border posts at Tiban and Sarfait became operational. In May 1999, the new police headquarters in Sur was opened. In January 2000, a new headquarters was opened in Salalah and in February, a new training institute was opened in al-Wattayah. During 2000, three new police buildings at the border crossing points with the UAE at al-Wajaja, al-Jizzi and Hafit will be constructed. Police posts will be established shortly at al-Kuhl and Mahut to provide services to isolated fishing communities. The unity of design in the architecture of police buildings is an impressive feature of the Oman landscape; moreover it combines modern working and living accommodation with the traditional style of building found in Oman. In February 2000, the Inspector-General of Police & Customs announced that annual cash prizes would be awarded for the best police station and the best policeman of the year. Other prizes will be awarded for the best case investigations. Directorate-General of Operations The Directorate-General of Operations is responsible for maintaining general law and order, the security of public buildings and vulnerable installations as well as policing special events and ceremonies. Directorate-General of Criminal Investigation Equipped with modern techniques for detecting crime, the Directorate has branches attached to police headquarters. The law prescribes the death penalty for pre-meditated murder, but this is seldom carried out and executions, when they do occur, are not a public spectacle. In April 1999, a new narcotics law issued by Royal Decree 17/99 prescribed a variety of penalties for drug offences. In extreme cases, such as those involving minors in the commission of drug offences, the death sentence may be imposed. Serious crime, whether committed by Omanis or expatriates, is always reported in the local press. In March 1997, the Penal Code was amended by Royal Decree stipulating tougher penalties for adultery, gambling and alcohol abuse. In June 1996, measures were announced to clamp down on the illegal possession of firearms, which can only be licensed to Omanis, aged 25 years or over. Although the law covers such serious offences, the most common cases investigated by the ROP are financial and property offences such as cheque fraud and petty theft. Directorate-General of Immigration & Passports In December 1997, a new type of passport for Omanis was issued. An important feature of the new passport is that it can be read electronically and contains a number of security precautions against forgery. At the same time, the Omani Passport Law was promulgated by Royal Decree providing, amongst other regulations, for stringent penalties to be imposed on anyone obtaining a passport by fraudulent means. With effect from February 2000, an Omani holding the old type of passport was able to exchange it for a new digital one, which makes it easier and quicker for the holder to pass through immigration. Immigration cards no longer have to be completed by travellers arriving in or leaving the Sultanate. The ROP is continually examining ways of speeding up formalities without loss of security. From January 1998, simpler entry procedures made it easier for tourists and businessmen resident in any of the GCC countries to enter the Sultanate. They are now able to obtain a two week visitor's visa at Seeb Airport or the al-Wajajah border post. With the importance attached to the development of the private sector, it is hoped that this measure will encourage tourism and business. In 1998, a reciprocal agreement was reached with the eight European states, which are signatories to the Schengen Agreement, for a one-year multi-entry visa. Omani business men can also obtain a two-year multi-entry to the UK and USA under a similar reciprocal agreement. In January 1999, the transit visa period at Seeb International Airport was extended from 24 to 72 hours to encourage business travellers to break their journey and familiarise themselves with the facilities offered by the Sultanate. In June, a new 72-hour express visa was introduced for which citizens from 18 countries can apply at Seeb International Airport. In May 1999, more flexible arrangements were introduced for ships' crews and airline crews to enter Omani territory for short visits. In recent years, the ROP has made it progressively easier for visitors, especially for business or tourism, to enter the country while still safeguarding its security. (For further updates, please see 'Useful Information') Already, agreement has been reached with other GCC countries, namely the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait to allow citizens to travel on identity cards between each other's countries. It is hoped that similar agreement will soon be reached with Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. High level meetings are held between the ROP and their opposite numbers in neighbouring countries to discuss mutual concerns over borders and immigration. In April 1997, a new border post at al-Mazyounah on the frontier with Yemen was opened. This police post will play an increasingly important role as trade develops with the Yemen. Directorate-General of Traffic New vehicle registrations decreased from 46,495 in 1998 to 42,799 in 1999. However, the increase in traffic in recent years has posed a serious problem for the Royal Oman Police and a great deal of police time is spent on dealing with traffic accidents. ROP statistics released for 1999 show that the total number of accidents went up slightly. There were 8,947 accidents in 1999 compared with 8,049 in the previous year. There are still too many deaths on the roads. Statistics show that most fatal accidents tend to occur at the weekend. About 80% of fatalities are male, mainly in the 20-50 years age group. Speeding and careless driving are the main causes of accidents. The ROP have recently announced that only 'hands free' use of mobile phones will be permitted in vehicles to prevent drivers from losing concentration and driving without due care and attention. In March 2000, the Traffic Department announced that only authorised driver training schools can give driving lessons with the aim of improving the standard of driving instruction. The National Committee for Road Safety was established by Royal Decree in October 1997. The ROP strategy to reduce the high cost to society of traffic accidents is two-fold. First, strict enforcement of regulations, such as speed limits, and secondly, raising public awareness of road safety. Besides conducting a high profile continuous campaign in the media, the ROP participates annually in the GCC Traffic week. Quite apart from the human cost of accidents, the material costs are giving cause for concern. The ROP has proposed measures for simplifying procedures in accidents where no human loss or major damage has been caused by settling disputes through the insurance companies concerned and without the involvement of the traffic police. With effect from January 1999, drivers of non-Omani registered vehicles were compelled to take out insurance cover at border crossing points, if they had no cover for Oman. Insurance companies have been encouraged to open offices at the border to issue cover notes. The import or registration of vehicles, which do not comply with GCC specifications, was banned from 1st June 1999. Temporary entry of such vehicles for tourist purposes is limited to a 90-day visit. During 1999, the ROP introduced electronic safety inspection of vehicles on a trial basis. When the study is completed and the system implemented, it will not only speed up inspections, but also detect faults that may not be evident to the naked eye. In November 1999, the Police Patrol Administration was inaugurated to increase the capability of the Police to cover the main highways, particularly the road from Adam to Salalah which is seeing increasing traffic volumes especially during the Kharif season. The ROP has welcomed a private sector initiative, the Arabian Automobile Alliance (AAA) established in 1999, to provide an on-road emergency service for the benefit of motorists. Directorate-General of Customs Import and export of goods are rigorously controlled by customs officers, who also remain vigilant in the fight against drugs and other forbidden items. Oman does not have a serious drug problem, but is not complacent when facing an international issue of such magnitude. The ROP has appealed to the public through the media for cooperation in dealing with this problem. The ROP work closely with their UAE counterparts and have been successful in breaking up international drug rings. In February 2000, armed drugs smugglers were intercepted by the ROP on the beach near Sohar and arrested after shots had been exchanged and two of the smugglers killed. With its long borders, the Sultanate has to be alert to the problem of illegal immigrants. In December 1999, five Ethiopians and two Yemenis were arrested coming from Yemen, and in Musandam 26 Afghans, six Iranians, two Iraqis and three Pakistanis were detained for entering the country illegally. Directorate-General of Civil Defence On 1st March each year, International Civil Defence Day is observed by the Sultanate of Oman and other GCC states. The ROP operates a fire and rescue service for dealing with emergencies, either man-made or natural disasters. The ROP believe that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, much of the civil defence time and effort is spent on public awareness campaigns, as well as visits and inspections to sites in order to explain the hazards and dangers to which citizens may be exposed, either at work or in the home. Shop owners have been urged to comply with safety regulations after a serious fire swept through a Ruwi shopping complex in 1997. A committee was formed to investigate the causes of fires and recommend safety measures to be taken. In fact there have been very few fires in Oman in recent years. In 1999, there were 1,136 fires compared with 1,246 in 1998. Since many of these fires occurred in vehicles, the ROP has reminded the public about Article 17 of the Traffic Law, which requires fire extinguishers to be fitted at all times. Vehicle fires reported in 1999 were 343, compared with 357 in the previous year. In December 1999, the ROP warned the public about the dangers of mishandling fireworks, drawing attention to the need to protect children in particular. Directorate-General of Civil Status Royal Decree 66/99, promulgated in October 1999, defines the Civil Statute Law under which a Directorate-General of Civil Status is to be established by the ROP. The new department will, amongst other duties, act as registrar for births, marriages and deaths and issue identity cards and residency permits. It is hoped to establish the new Directorate in the near future. ROP Academy Nizwa The Police Academy was inaugurated by the Sultan on 5th January 1980, which is celebrated annually as Royal Oman Police Day. This annual event is an opportunity for the ROP to open their facilities to the public and to give lectures and seminars at sports clubs, colleges and other institutions. There is no shortage of young Omanis wanting to join the Police. They are trained to a high standard at the Academy, which has helped to achieve a remarkably high level of Omanisation with 190 courses, held between 1995 and 1998. In April 1999, a computer institute was opened at the Academy to increase the skills' level of recruits. Women are increasingly recruited to take on specialist tasks as well as policing of a general nature. Supporting Divisions The Royal Oman Police is a self-contained organisation with several supporting divisions, such as Medical Services, the Air Wing, the Coastguard, the Oil Installation Division, the Special Task force for the protection of diplomatic missions, the Mounted Division, the Dog Unit and the Musicians who have displayed their talents on many ceremonial occasions, like the Royal Oman Police Tattoo. Sports and marksmanship are a vital part of police training. The ROP participates in regional and international competitions and has won a number of gold medals and awards. The Royal Oman Police Public Relations Department publishes its own magazine "al-Ain al-Sahira" which is distributed widely within the force itself as well as to Government departments and neighbouring police forces free of charge. Mention must also be made of the uniformed security guards employed by private sector companies who relieve the police from the burden of guarding non-vital government buildings and commercial premises. They also work for the Muscat Municipality as traffic wardens. A Tribute to the Royal Oman Police Over the years the ROP has established an excellent reputation within the community for its social responsibility and rescue services. Many people have been rescued by helicopter or by the coastguard. At the end of 1995, a party of 14 German tourists were stranded in Wadi Dhayqah by flash floods following heavy rains which submerged their vehicles and trapped them for nearly 24 hours before they could be found and rescued by helicopter. The Coastguard has been called upon to rescue injured people at sea and also to cope with accidents on private fishing boats and incidents to do with the increasing use of the sea for water sports and leisure activities. From time to time, campers stranded with broken down vehicles in remote desert locations have had to be rescued. All those who have been through such experiences have praised their rescuers saying: "The Royal Oman Police is an organisation of which the Sultanate should be justly proud."