Oman expresses concern over situation in Egypt

Muscat: Oman has expressed concern at the continuing turmoil in Egypt as protests against President Hosni Mubarak refused to ebb even after two weeks.

Shaikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al Issa'ee, Chairman of the Majlis Asshura in Oman, told the 17th Arab Parliamentary Union in Qatar on Monday that Oman was anxious for the stability of Egypt in the backdrop of rapid incidents taking place in the country.

"Oman's concern for Egypt stems from the Sultanate's awareness about the status occupied by Egypt," he said.

Shaikh Al Issa'ee, according to a report by ONA, said that Egypt defines and draws out the Arab policy and makes strategic balance in the region due to the country's political, historical and demographical weight.

In his speech, the senior Omani parliamentarian underlined Egypt's key geographical location and the country's reputation for giving support to the Arab cause and safeguarding Arab rights.

"Egypt is the house of Arabs and the home of their aspirations and its stability imparts security and stability in the Arab world," Shaikh Al Issa'ee underlined.

"We hope that Egypt will overcome its crisis and include all in tackling the current developments, that it will introduce the reform that the people call for," he hoped.

Al Issa'ee also expressed the hope that the incidents in Tunisia will lead to the restructuring of the state and all that would guarantee the stability of the country.