tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49315971102787593952024-03-08T22:16:47.433+04:00mintybintmintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-53051375489205170002023-04-25T21:00:00.021+04:002023-04-28T10:08:15.940+04:00Goodbye Harry Belafonte...<p>Another star from the Golden Age had passed away, taking with him a small whiff of nostalgia...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f_Th-MyXxvOKmNs_yY6rZQ5BsbulqlQwrfQEVJ-4sKlXvy7WGDcWAtcxia2QovGb7R8q9anag3gSi24qkk4gscolmEC06lIGCprsTIL9fE-ZUxVT5ChlXNWFR82fXBWiKsBHfmJkqv4TVmz1yd3meASIrpToNxTY8jjXnlWLd258kr1AnM99ycsp5g/s850/harry-belafonte-obituary.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="850" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2f_Th-MyXxvOKmNs_yY6rZQ5BsbulqlQwrfQEVJ-4sKlXvy7WGDcWAtcxia2QovGb7R8q9anag3gSi24qkk4gscolmEC06lIGCprsTIL9fE-ZUxVT5ChlXNWFR82fXBWiKsBHfmJkqv4TVmz1yd3meASIrpToNxTY8jjXnlWLd258kr1AnM99ycsp5g/w640-h344/harry-belafonte-obituary.webp" width="640" /></a></div><p>Harry Belafonte was best known for his Calypso music, most notably the song "Day-O", 1955. But for me, the song, although famous even in my time, did not make him known to me. Actually, I just knew the song, not the singer. In fact, I only found out he was a singer, after I came across an episode of "What's My line", 1955:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mm92bgXrrQA" width="487" youtube-src-id="mm92bgXrrQA"></iframe></div><br /><p>A few years ago, after watching him on one of the best films of the 1950s, "The World, The Flesh And The Devil", 1959, I started searching more about him, hoping I'd find more films he was in, which by chance lead me to finally find out that he was behind "Day-O" hehe</p>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="152" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/4fHDlIntTsRGSyTg5UYZYC?utm_source=generator&theme=0" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe> <div>A day before Belafonte passed away, I came across a video of "We Are The World", 1985, where some of the musicians began singing that song as a tribute. It's very strange that whenever I see a video of someone I haven't seen in a long time, I hear of their passing the following day...</div><div><p>It's creepy...</p><p>Anyway, as always I don't really know how to give tribute to stars other then remember their work, so what was your favourite film of Belafonte's?</p><p>Mine is the one I had already mentioned as it was the only one I had watched him in. Well actually, <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Rasha</a> and I attempted to watch another film of his; "Odds Against Tomorrow", 1959, but couldn't bear finishing it, because the cast was bad and the acting worse, plus the direction bored us to death.</p><p>I do want to watch; "Bright Road", 1953 and "Carmen Jones", 1954, both starring alongside Dorothy Dandridge as well as "Island In The Sun", 1957, starring James Mason, Joan Fontaine and again Dorothy Dandridge.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQASIr4r0PLYzEdxTYQBxYcGe5G8A-68Yqn6U4EqpRZ_tW3sV6UedM_BJxx3-l1lRHSwLdNdkQA3DrCy53KdI64WwWkrrPIaX49R1jUJ9MQrQ80BDDcbfaWDcbR-UieWX7C1qo8wjf9dQlhdS0xR0srO0Mdfz08-NmwZbs2SNqLpj8DPaO-9DOWhbqZg/s600/street-scene-world-flesh-and-devil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="600" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQASIr4r0PLYzEdxTYQBxYcGe5G8A-68Yqn6U4EqpRZ_tW3sV6UedM_BJxx3-l1lRHSwLdNdkQA3DrCy53KdI64WwWkrrPIaX49R1jUJ9MQrQ80BDDcbfaWDcbR-UieWX7C1qo8wjf9dQlhdS0xR0srO0Mdfz08-NmwZbs2SNqLpj8DPaO-9DOWhbqZg/w640-h290/street-scene-world-flesh-and-devil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Although they don't sound as great as "The World, The Flesh And The Devil", they still sound interesting.<p></p><br /><p><br /></p></div>mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-80655082048100924222020-09-20T10:31:00.001+04:002021-07-14T18:29:28.051+04:00ETIQUETTE & MANNERS 101: Don't Powder In Public<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span title="Edited">Believe it or not, people like that exist...</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><a href="https://imgur.com/MQnTofP"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/MQnTofP.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="395" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span title="Edited">Some people, no matter how many times you tell them that using a toothpick or putting on lipstick at the table, is rude, they still continue with the excuse that no one's looking. But it's not just about that. These are disgusting habits and if it bothers those around, one should stop out of respect.</span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-10464416176039959752020-08-16T11:47:00.001+04:002020-08-29T14:16:15.124+04:00August Releases (Dump Month)<p><span class="" title="Edited">As I was scrolling down my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/queenoftheclassics/">Instagram</a> feed, I found out
that many of the films <a href="https://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> and I had watched this week like, “<i>A Place In The
Sun</i>” and “<i>Life With Father</i>”, we actually watched on the day they were
released and we also watched “<i>Rear Window</i>” on Alfred Hitchcock’s birthday...</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn7J9oMzrFA/X0op5mSE3jI/AAAAAAAAEUU/yc_Px-nc3P02e3GFWVkqsMZEBuYTgcyeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1707/343443.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1707" height="405" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sn7J9oMzrFA/X0op5mSE3jI/AAAAAAAAEUU/yc_Px-nc3P02e3GFWVkqsMZEBuYTgcyeQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h405/343443.png" width="640" /></a><span class="" title="Edited"> </span><span class="" title="Edited"> </span></div><span class="" title="Edited"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="" title="Edited">Isn't it strange that they've all premiered the same day we decided to watch...</span><br /></div><span class="" title="Edited"></span></div></span><p></p><p><span class="" title="Edited"><br />This actually happens to us a lot - maybe even always hehe</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">Spooky! or maybe I'm just truly The Queen of the classics hehehe</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">Anyway,
after finding out, I tried to search for 1930s, 1940s, 1950s and 1960s releases in <i>August </i>and learned
that <i>August </i>- along with <i>January</i>, <i>February </i>and <i>September </i>- is known in
Hollywood as one of the “<i>Dump Months</i>”, because most of the films
released then have low box-office expectations. It is thought to be the
best time to release such films as less people frequent the theatres
during those months.<br /><br />Surprisingly though, a lot of big name films were released and rather had great receptions.<br /><br />I was actually quite surprised when I learned about this as many of the films are among my favourites, so I guess to me it’s just like any other month.<br /><br />I don’t believe all films released in those months were expected to be less profitable though. For instance I feel films like:<br /><i><b><span class="" title="Edited"></span></b></i></span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited"><i><b><span class="" title="Edited">• </span>Sunset Boulevard</b></i> (1950)</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">• <i><b>A Place in The Sun</b></i> (1951)</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">• <i><b>From Here To Eternity</b></i> (1953)</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">• <i><b>Roman Holiday</b></i> (1953)<br /><br />among others, where
all stories happen during the summer or in hot climates, <i>August </i>probably seemed
to be the most suitable time to release them, especially if they wanted
people to feel the picture.</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">Plus a film like; <i>Mary Poppins</i>, 1964, was probably purposely released on this month to stand out or maybe because <i>Disney </i>usually has no competition. Who knows!</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">Other films like <i>War and Peace</i>, 1956, had a big list of stars that surely it wouldn't hurt them.</span></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">Of course films like <i>The Quiet Man</i>, 1952, I'd expect to be released in the dump. It was truly the most boring film I had ever seen...</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="" title="Edited">Did you find any of your favourites released this month and do you agree that these productions deserved to be part of the dump?</span></span></b></p><p><span class="" title="Edited">P.S There were a lot more released obviously than the ones I have posted, but I just decided to post those I loved or liked.<br /></span></p>mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-55053640792556556312020-07-27T11:01:00.005+04:002020-08-30T13:22:39.282+04:00Farewell Olivia de Havilland...<p><span title="Edited">It is with great sadness that I have the misfortune to write about the passing of one of Hollywood's legends; Olivia de Havilland.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_xYhHypGEs/X0oG8uuY3AI/AAAAAAAAET8/bk_wqgD59BAnXPZ22aOk7d15E-V7RVLUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1022/116439056_286118265948226_7426551443111658900_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="1022" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_xYhHypGEs/X0oG8uuY3AI/AAAAAAAAET8/bk_wqgD59BAnXPZ22aOk7d15E-V7RVLUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/116439056_286118265948226_7426551443111658900_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span title="Edited">I know death is inevitable, but this year has been filled with many such
tragic news, that it feels difficult to go back to posting on this
page, yet I could not go along without acknowledging the life of such a great actress.</span></p><p><span title="Edited">Even if she was not among my favourites, I still always thought she deserved the praise she had received for her work. She had starred in some of the highest earning films and lived up to them.<br /></span></p><p><span title="Edited">As
a classic film enthusiast, I cannot deny that she is one of the
greatest and that she is among those who had a vital role in making old
Hollywood what it is today.</span></p><p><span title="Edited">If you have followed my blog or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/queenoftheclassics/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you would know that one of my dreams was to meet living old Hollywood actors and she was on the top of that list.</span></p><p><span title="Edited">Unfortunately, just as so many others I had missed, this is no longer possible... </span></p><p><span title="Edited">Alas, let us remember her legacy through her wonderful work.</span></p><p><span title="Edited"><b><span style="color: #990000;">What Are Your Favourite Olivia De Havilland Films?</span></b><br /><br />My favourites are:</span></p><p><span title="Edited">• <b><i>Gone With The Wind</i></b> (1939)<br />• <b><i>The Dark Mirror</i></b> (1946)<br />• <b><i>The Heiress</i></b> (1949)<br />• <b><i>My Cousin Rachel</i></b> (1952)<br />• <b><i>Hush, Hush Sweet Charlotte</i></b> (1964)<br /><br />But, <i>The Heiress</i> is my very favourite. </span></p><p><span title="Edited">I should very much like to watch more of her films, because it feels as though I hadn't seen enough, but I think it would be very hard to watch any of them at the moment, as my heart is still heavy.</span></p><p><span title="Edited"><span title="Edited">Farewell Dame Olivia, you will be sorely missed...</span></span></p>mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-60489186564433382872020-07-20T01:24:00.000+04:002021-01-03T17:15:57.731+04:00ETIQUETTE & MANNERS 101: Common Vulgarisms of Speech<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just noticed I haven't posted some etiquette tutorials in a while, so here's a new one about slang.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/x3zq8wv"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/x3zq8wv.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
I occasionally use slang words and agree with the article in that it depends on the use. If used to express something entirely different from the meaning, I think it's quite silly.<br />
<br />
My use of slang used to be much more frequent simply because I found it rather funny, never because I found it "cool", and most of the time I'd be quoting lines from films or television. I didn't use it to an extent where it came naturally. Still, I felt I needed to stop, because I'm in my thirties hehehe.<br />
<br />
I don't see a problem of course if you use a lot of it, but it's also nice to actually listen to a conversation - or just a sentence - using proper English.</div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-23746779660891390852020-07-19T12:30:00.003+04:002020-08-29T10:56:53.537+04:00International Ice Cream DayThe weather is too hot here, especially that global warming has become heavily noticeable in these past few years. Oh well, at least our winters are colder and last longer hehe<br /><br />Anyway, with hot weather come ice creams and ice lollies, so I'm not complaining.<br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">Today happens to be <b>International Ice Cream Day</b>. It was proclaimed by President <i>Ronald Reagan</i> in 1984, to celebrate a treat enjoyed by most of the population. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span title="Edited"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SFJu5yFXth4" width="260" youtube-src-id="SFJu5yFXth4"></iframe></div><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">
That ice cream looks so good!!!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span title="Edited"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span title="Edited"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>What Is Your Favourite Ice Cream Flavour?</b></span><br /><br />Mine's Vanilla, but after getting sick last summer straight after eating one, I started loving Chocolate more hehe. Coffee or Toffee flavoured are also among my favourites, but depends where I get them. I love Strawberry too, but I get it as a milkshake mostly.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br /></span>
<span title="Edited">My favourite ice lollies are orange flavoured and sometimes strawberry. And I love raspberry sorbet!</span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-57589595268679623912020-05-21T11:00:00.000+04:002020-05-21T11:00:15.947+04:00POLL: Which Bogie & Bacall Film Is Your Favourite?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">On this day - 21st May - in 1945,<i> </i></span></span><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><i>Humphrey Bogart</i> and <i>Lauren Bacall</i> tied the knot. They made four films together and through the first one <i>Bacall</i>'s career was launched.</span></span><br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><br />
</span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><a href="https://imgur.com/fekIr9k"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/fekIr9k.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></span></span><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"></span></span></div>
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><br />
Their combo made these amazing film noirs:</span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><i>To Have And Have Not</i>, 1944</span></span></li>
<li><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><i>The Big Sleep</i>, 1946</span></span></li>
<li><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><i>Dark Passage</i>, 1947</span></span></li>
<li><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><i>Key Largo</i>, 1948</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Which is your favourite?</b></span> </span></span><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"> </span></span><br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">I watched only half of <i>To Have And Have Not</i> and I don't remember much of <i>The Big Sleep</i>, so I don't really know how I can answer this hehehe</span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">All I remember is that <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> and I watched all four in sequence. I can say that I instantly loved <i>Key Largo</i> and loved the concept behind <i>Dark Passage</i> - don't remember if I loved the film though.</span></span><br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">Therefore I choose <i>Key Largo</i> out of the four!<br />
<br />
I always imagined that back in the 1950s, Bogart and Bacall considered making a comeback with an amazing film noir had Bogart not passed away...</span></span><br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">That would've been perfection!</span></span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-76531657975097567812020-05-07T23:19:00.000+04:002020-05-07T23:19:17.894+04:00ETIQUETTE & MANNERS 101: Be Agreeable Always<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/ogdKZZo"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/ogdKZZo.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="424" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
I wouldn't really be kind to people for my own good, rather out of respect. Although this article has a positive message, I didn't like that it also showed what one would gain from being kind.<br />
<br />
A beautiful quote I had read somewhere best describes how manners should be seen;<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"<i>Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use</i>"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______ </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by unknown</div>
</div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-49096730961314152692020-04-23T11:30:00.000+04:002020-04-23T11:30:00.179+04:00POLL: Which Olivier Shakepeare Performance is Your Favourite?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span title="Edited">Today is also <i>William Shakespeare</i>'s birthday, so I decided to post a question since I haven't in a very very very long time and I miss these sort of things.<br /> </span><br />
<span title="Edited">Around three years ago, <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> and I watched these three of <i>Olivier</i>'s <i>Shakespeare </i>adaptations and we loved every one of them.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/ofksZUc"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/ofksZUc.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
With <i>Laurence Olivier</i>'s exquisite acting, it is very hard to really choose one, but I guess if I have to I'd go with <i>Richard III</i>, 1955...I think hehehe<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Which film do you prefer?</b></span><br />
<br />
<i>Olivier</i> also did <i>Othello</i> in 1965, but we still haven't watched that one besides it is the only <i>Shakespeare </i>adaptation he starred in that he didn't direct, so I didn't add it to this list.<br />
<br />
I read that it's one of his best <i>Shakespeare </i>performances, but I cannot imagine he could exceed any of his other performances.</div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-80537892951246918252020-04-23T10:30:00.000+04:002020-04-23T10:30:00.674+04:00Shirley Temple's 92nd Birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://imgur.com/lei20sX" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/lei20sX.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="229" /></a>Today would have been Shirley Temple's 92nd birthday had she still been alive.<br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">I had watched many of her films as a child and my favourite used to be <i>The Little Princess</i>, 1939. I don't know if I'd feel the same way about it today though as I have been disappointed so many times rewatching my childhood favourites hehe.<br />
</span><br />
<span title="Edited">I do recommend you watch <i>Heidi</i>, 1937, </span><span title="Edited"><span title="Edited">if you haven't watched any of her films yet</span>.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br />
</span><span title="Edited">I would like to recommend some of the films she had done as a teenager, but her acting at that age really got on my nerves, so I omitted it from my post hehe.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">She was cute as a child and for the sort of films she did back then, her acting didn't seem bad, actually I take that back because it seemed really good, especially whenever she cried...</span><br />
<span title="Edited">But when the cuteness faded, her acting went along with it. </span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">Anyway if you want to watch her teenage films maybe try </span><span title="Edited"><i>I'll Be Seeing You</i>, 1944 or </span><span title="Edited"><i>The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer</i>, 1947.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>What are your favourite Temple films?</b></span></span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-36122243105622078672020-04-07T11:00:00.000+04:002020-04-07T11:00:01.309+04:00ETIQUETTE & MANNERS: Dos And Don'ts About Napkins<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know these etiquettes are simple and to most of us, come naturally, but I can't tell you how many times I've seen people either use the napkins the wrong way or never use them at all.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><a href="https://imgur.com/A3Gpi5c"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/A3Gpi5c.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="414" /></a> </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">This lesson actually reminds of this one time, in <i>Salzburg</i>, when <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> and I went to a Pizzeria in <i>Alstadt </i>and there was this head waiter, who was so obnoxious, he made everyone nervous.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">Whilst we were having our meal, we observed him - actually we couldn't help but hear his every word, because he was so loud haha - and noticed that, for some reason, he picked a victim from each table, then proceeded to belittle and embarrass them.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">In our table, he chose me...</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">When we finished our meal and asked for the bill, he told me that if I knew any etiquette, I would know to place my napkin on the plate...</span><br />
<span title="Edited">Of course, I knew he was wrong. Even children know that, but we were so shocked that neither of us knew what to say. Besides, how do you react to uncultured boorish personalities?</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">Anyway, when he brought the bill, he said "<i>the tip's not included in the bill</i>", and I replied "<i>and it won't</i>" hehehe.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">I felt very uncomfortable at the time, but now as I am writing about the incident, I find it hilarious!</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">The funny thing about him was - other than being imbecilic - that he wasn't aware he was working in an inexpensive pizzeria rather than a five-star hotel. Even when we spotted him sitting in a bus, his head was raised high as though everything was beneath him. I think he thought he was in a limo hahhaha.</span><br />
<span title="Edited">He lives in his own little world, where he rules with bizzare etiquette.</span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-53591013633970774622020-04-04T18:00:00.000+04:002020-04-04T18:00:01.743+04:00Bette Davis's Birthday Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/cxubALf"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/cxubALf.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="259" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/vZgr6Px"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/vZgr6Px.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />
Today isn't Bette Davis's birthday, but they celebrated it a day earlier on the <i>Payment on Demand</i> set back in 1950.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/kIvWQFM"><img height="206" src="https://i.imgur.com/kIvWQFM.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/ZFsNDFz"><img height="206" src="https://i.imgur.com/ZFsNDFz.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/TLa9xSd"><img height="206" src="https://i.imgur.com/TLa9xSd.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/tkMmQmD"><img height="206" src="https://i.imgur.com/tkMmQmD.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's cute to see Bette's face light up when she opens up her presents, she seemed genuinely excited.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/sIBjuDx"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/sIBjuDxs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/MnVZkbh"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/MnVZkbhs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/IVsVNui"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IVsVNuis.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/ZoZxrir"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ZoZxrirs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/8fVeB6a"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8fVeB6as.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/Tp4Shnw"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Tp4Shnws.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a><br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/99LUrHZ"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/99LUrHZs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/oUAMOze"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/oUAMOzes.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/Pm5Gxe5"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Pm5Gxe5s.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/k1C3ViY"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/k1C3ViYs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/poyiO12"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/poyiO12s.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/Kxbk902"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/Kxbk902s.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a><br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/qZSEUMa"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/qZSEUMas.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/IwLVm6h"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IwLVm6hs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/JdzZOaC"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/JdzZOaCs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/MnnTbSH"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/MnnTbSHs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/ELcyJQl"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ELcyJQls.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/nlo5p5P"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/nlo5p5Ps.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a><br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/cOEoMjI"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/cOEoMjIs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/8sYlULn"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/8sYlULns.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/wTMxqWd"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/wTMxqWds.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/6oc69Gs"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/6oc69Gss.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/WOxZK0b"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/WOxZK0bs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/yujoYjw"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/yujoYjws.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a><br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/AKzYRqY"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/AKzYRqYs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/giKdm8g"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/giKdm8gs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/xVluyLw"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/xVluyLws.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/hE0sHqe"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/hE0sHqes.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/tDHH6OA"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/tDHH6OAs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/VqjUelc"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/VqjUelcs.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Photography by: <i>J R Eyerman</i> for <i>Life Magazine</i></span></div>
</div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-84797144441278449842020-03-25T17:00:00.000+04:002020-03-27T08:37:44.408+04:00Tea Is Served<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span title="Edited">It is finally tea time; my favourite time of the day.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">I think about tea time all day long and after I have my tea, I think about it some more!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><a href="https://imgur.com/EHfL52a"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/EHfL52a.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="546" /></a></span></div>
<span title="Edited"><br />Lately though, <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> and I stopped having tea in the afternoon, because for some reason we can't sleep at night even if we had consumed it earlier. So we only have it with our breakfast these days, but yesterday and today we decided to renew our friendship with tea time, though I know from yesterday's rough night, it won't last.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br /></span>
<span title="Edited">Anyway, I'll enjoy it for now...</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">Meanwhile, observe <i>Gene Tierney</i> enjoying some tea in her beautiful set.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">P.S This is one of my favourite photographs, because it has Gene and tea hehe</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">Ciao bellos! </span><br />
<br /></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-30707574674707244382020-03-21T10:10:00.003+04:002020-08-30T13:15:51.154+04:00Happy Mother's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span title="Edited">Today is mother's day, so I thought I'd post a video that reminds me of my mother the most hahahaha </span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">We always seemed to drive her mad!</span><br />
<span title="Edited"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k-4shtCkXeQ?controls=0" width="500"></iframe>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited">_______________________<br />
<b>Show:</b> <i>I Love Lucy</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><b>Title:</b> <i>Ricky's Movie Offer</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><b>Season:</b> <i>04</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><b>Episode:</b> <i>06</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span title="Edited">I know everyone says this about their own mother, but I truly believe I have the best mother in the world, even though I might not show it as much at times - because I'm a brat.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">She is a superwoman for putting up with all of us. Though she was a very young mother, to her, we always came first. She always put us before herself and never complained.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">I think in my twenties I complained a lot about silly things I thought she should've done when I was a child, as though I was perfect myself, but after seeing some mothers today, I appreciate every "mistake" she ever did.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br />
</span> <span title="Edited">She is God Almighty's biggest blessing and I thank him for it everyday.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">I hope I can be as great a mother as she is someday, though I don't know how I could ever amount to her.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br />
</span> <span title="Edited">Thank God Almighty for my mother and for everything always.</span></div>mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-29914121965713912432020-03-21T09:27:00.000+04:002020-03-21T09:27:01.916+04:00Good Morning Fellow Isolators!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span title="Edited">Good morning everyone!</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br />
I have breakfast with my sister <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> everyday and this photograph reminds me of us somehow hehe</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><a href="https://imgur.com/TesEC0y"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/TesEC0y.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="491" /></a></span><span title="Edited"> </span></div>
<br />
<span title="Edited"><span title="Edited"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>What Are You Having For Breakfast?</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">These days, our breakfast is more <i>Indian</i> - or what I think an <i>Indian</i> breakfast is. We have <i>Chapati</i> (a savoury pancake bread) with cream cheese - and somethimes egg - along with milk tea.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">I know we should be eating healthier in these here corona days, but I love my milk tea, plus I don't like supermarket bread and our cook never made bread other than this and that other healthy one I mentioned before, which I think only tastes good with Feta cheese and I don't want to send the driver everyday to get us fresh cheese for our breakfast, because it would be a little selfish.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">I do miss our Kaiser sesame bread and Ciabatta rolls with butter, fresh strawberries and tea breakfast though...hmm</span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-86568047602910499722020-03-07T02:14:00.000+04:002020-03-07T02:14:10.733+04:00ETIQUETTE & MANNERS 101: How To Open A New Book<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you have a library at home, this is a great way to take care of your books.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/w9smbDX"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/w9smbDX.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Our library has tons of books with hard covers and I had noticed that papers in some books had fallen off. I didn't know there was a sort of protocol for opening books before using the them hehe. I'll take better care of my books from now on!<br />
<br />
Hope this helped you as it has with me.</div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-21465705325873173912020-03-06T10:30:00.000+04:002020-03-06T10:30:06.222+04:00POLL: Which Little Women Do You Prefer?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Louisa May Alcott</i>'s died 132 years ago today, in 1888, so I decided to post a poll about her most popular story; <i>Little Women</i>.</span></div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://imgur.com/hY7rFGg"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/hY7rFGg.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </span></div>
<div class="firstHeading" id="firstHeading" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div>
<span title="Edited"><a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> and I had watched the 1949 version over a decade ago and I loved it. Years later, we decided to watch the older version for comparison and I fell in love with the story all over again.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br />
The script was the same obviously - since it was based on the book - but it felt different coming from different actors. Some lines were expressed better in one version than the other and vice versa.</span><br />
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span title="Edited"><b>The Characters: </b></span></h4>
<h4>
<span title="Edited"></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><span class="mw-headline" id="Josephine_"Jo"_March"><i>Josephine March (</i></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Josephine_"Jo"_March"><i><span class="mw-headline" id="Josephine_"Jo"_March"><i><b>Jo</b>)</i></span></i>:</span></u></div>
<span class="mw-headline" id="Josephine_"Jo"_March"></span><span title="Edited">I didn't like <i>June Allyson</i> as Jo - come to think of it I didn't like her as anyone - her acting always felt like...well...acting. The way she portrayed Jo, made her seem very fake at the beginning and when her character developed over time, she neither matured gradually nor suddenly, but rather turned into another character all together.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited">On the other hand, when I saw Jo through <i>Katharine Hepburn</i>, she felt real and alive, so when she started growing in the film, she gradually matured. Even when faced with hardships, <i>Hepburn</i>'s Jo hid it like a real person would and like her character should, while <i>Allyson</i>'s Jo felt sorry for herself. <i>Allyson </i>turned her into a clone, with no natural feelings</span><span title="Edited"><span data-dobid="hdw">.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited"><span data-dobid="hdw"><i>Hepburn</i>'s Jo </span></span><span title="Edited"><span data-dobid="hdw"><span title="Edited">didn't act manlier than the men, just as a tomboy like she was supposed to, unlike <i>Allyson</i>'s Jo. She made Laurie seem a bit soft.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited"><i><u>Margaret March (<b>Meg</b>):</u> </i></span><br />
<span title="Edited">I like Meg in the 1949 version, but in the 1933 version she seemed nicer. I also loved the relationship between Jo and Meg in the 1933. It made more sense to me why Jo was so upset that Meg was drifting away, while in the other version it felt like she was just being selfish.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"></span><br />
<span title="Edited"><span title="Edited"><u><i>Elizabeth March (<b>Beth</b>):</i></u><br />
Beth oh Beth I disliked her in both films. In the 1933 version though, she wasn't as annoying as the other.</span></span><br />
<span title="Edited">In the last conversation between Beth and Jo, the 1949 version portrayed by <i>Margaret O'Brien</i> was far moving, yet I prefered the older version because Beth didn't once make me feel she held Jo in a higher regard than her other sisters.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited"><u><i>Amy March:</i></u></span><br />
<span title="Edited">Amy was good in both versions, but <i>Elizabeth Taylor</i> was made for the part. <i>Joan Bennett</i> didn't seem spoiled nor ambitious enough to be a gentlewoman. Still I liked her relationship with Jo and the rest of her family, as she seemed more attached to them than Taylor's version.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br />
</span> <span title="Edited"><i><u>Marmie:</u></i></span><br />
<span title="Edited">Mrs March was better in the older version. </span><span title="Edited"><span title="Edited"><i>Spring Byington</i> - like <i>Hepburn </i>- did a good job in portraying a mother hiding her emotions and putting a happy front for her daughters.</span> In the 1949 though, the mother acted too manly and didn't express any realistic emotions.</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited"><u><i><span title="Edited">Theodore Laurence </span></i><span title="Edited"><span title="Edited"><i>(<b>Laurie</b>)</i>:</span></span></u></span><br />
<span title="Edited">I didn't like Laurie in the 1949 version, but it didn't bother me as much as Jo did. I loved Laurie's character in the 1933 one, because in this one you understand why him and Jo were friends in the first place. They were so much alike.</span><br />
<br />
<u><i>Professor Friedrich Bhaer:</i></u><br />
While both versions are great, I prefered the older version as he seemed nicer and genuinly concerned for Jo.<br />
<br />
<span title="Edited"><span title="Edited"><span data-dobid="hdw"><span title="Edited"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Which version is better? </b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span title="Edited"><span title="Edited"><span data-dobid="hdw"><span title="Edited">It was hard to believe the sisters - in the 1949 version - got along , because they were so different. In the 1933 version, they were just different enough to be unique from eachother, but not different enough not to get along, the way sisters usually are</span></span></span>. They were all genuinely concerned for eachother and had an apparent attachment to the family.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br />
</span> <span title="Edited">There were some parts I liked in one version more than the other, but overall I think the script and performance of the 1933 version was superior.<span title="Edited"> So, after reading my own thoughts I believe I prefer the older version, even though the 1949 has <i>Elizabeth Taylor</i> in it hehe</span></span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-45471296507292615152020-03-04T14:30:00.000+04:002020-03-04T14:30:02.484+04:00Hairstyles From 1958<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span title="Edited"><span class="tBJ dyH iFc SMy MF7 pBj DrD IZT swG">Today we look at Instructions to four pin curl tutorials from 1958.</span><br />
<br />Most of the classic hairstyles I find are for short hair and I have mid-length hair, so these posts are kind of useless to me hehe</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><a href="https://imgur.com/FO6PxcA"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/FO6PxcA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="536" /></a> </span></div>
<span title="Edited"><br />
</span><span title="Edited"><span title="Edited">I guess maybe it's time to chop of the ol' bush hahhaha or I could just try to incorporate the style for my length. </span>Whenever I start making my own hair though nothing turns out right for them, because I always get bored in the middle of doing it hehe I've got to have patience!</span><br />
<br />
<span title="Edited"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>What is your favourite one out of the lot?</b></span> </span><br />
<span title="Edited">I love Golden Girl and Softstyle. Even though they're very short, they still look feminine and the waves are perfection.</span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-50639455022403923162020-02-27T12:00:00.000+04:002020-03-01T13:54:49.675+04:00POLL: Which Johnson Taylor Films Are Your Favourite?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is <i>Elizabeth Taylor</i>’s birthday. I initially wanted to write a short biography about Elizabeth as a birthday celebration, but I found that I am still not in the mood for anything new, so instead I decided to revive another old Instagram poll, so we can discuss them or just because I wanted to transfer my junk.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/GwXVL6j"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/GwXVL6j.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">Van Johnson and Elizabeth Taylor made two films together:</span></span></span></span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><b><i>The Big Hangover</i></b>, 1950</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><i><b>The Last Time I Saw Paris</b></i>, 1954</span></span></span></span></li>
</ol>
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Which Van & Liz films are your favourite? </b></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">I prefer the first one even though til this day I cannot comprehend the reasoning behind casting Van opposite Elizabeth... (my review <a href="https://mintybint.blogspot.com/2018/09/review-big-hangover-1950.html">here</a>)</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">The second one I watched a long time ago and hated it so much that I felt it could be used as a torture mechanism in times of war!</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">Elizabeth's character was so hideous that it made me appreciate myself more. I only watched it because I heard so much about it and thought it was a romantic comedy - plus <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha </a>and I wanted to watch more of Elizabeth's films as always. All I can say is </span></span></span></span><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">I won't be reviewing it anytime, because I forgot most of it and won't inflict myself with any more pain by rewatching it. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="react-root"><span title="Edited">There was one thing I loved about the film though, and that was Elizabeth's style and hair. She was so beautiful in it!</span></span><span id="react-root"><span title="Edited"> </span></span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-63499780965628032612020-02-25T07:30:00.000+04:002020-02-25T17:28:19.702+04:00National Pancake Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today is <i>National Pancake Day</i>, so <i>Ava Gardner</i> is busy making pancakes!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/p2VCbKA"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/p2VCbKA.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="255" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/o3K076G"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/o3K076G.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="269" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ava Gardner cooking at home, 28th October 1952 </i></span></span></div>
<br />
She got her recipe from her mother and swears by it, so I thought maybe I could try to make them to celebrate. Her recipe consists of:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
DRY INGREDIENTS </div>
<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://imgur.com/g9WGxnL" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="160" src="https://i.imgur.com/g9WGxnL.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="200" /></a>
<li><i>3 Cups of Flour</i></li>
<li><i>1 Teaspoon of Salt</i></li>
<li><i>3 Teaspoons of Baking Powder</i></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
WET INGREDIENTS</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>3 Eggs</i></li>
<li><i>3 Cups of Milk</i></li>
<li><i>1 Tablespoon of Melted Butter</i></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Do you have any special recipe?</b></span><br />
<br />
I sure don't, mine always turn out tasting like flour hahahha<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/Q5MAGZZ"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/Q5MAGZZ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="517" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-5606304858127368242020-02-24T12:30:00.000+04:002020-02-24T17:26:07.663+04:00Uneasy Lies The Head That Wears A Crown<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
After writing about the late Sultan <i>Qaboos</i> a few days ago, I thought it disrespectful not to congratulate the new Sultan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Although it might be extremely hard for <i>Omanis </i>to get over the loss, it must be a hundred times worse for him.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______________</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shakespeare's Henry IV - </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Act 3, Scene 1</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sultan <i>Haitham </i>was only 15/16 years old, when Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>ascended the throne. He not only witnessed the modernisation of <i>Oman</i>, but he experienced it firsthand being Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>'s first cousin.<br />
<br />
And now... he has to look after an orphaned nation...</div>
<br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/UBL9enH"><img height="413" src="https://i.imgur.com/UBL9enH.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Of course, it goes without saying, that nobody could ever replace Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>, but I have great confidence in Sultan <i>Haitham</i>, that he is worthy of the honour of following such a great - and rare - leader.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Shakespeare's Twelfth Night - Act 2 Scene 5</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>was born great and achieved greatness that he has thrust greatness into Sultan <i>Haitham</i>'s path, and God willing, we will see equal - or more if possible - greatness from Sultan <i>Haitham</i>, as he most evidently had shown in his work for the <i>Ministry of Heritage and Culture</i>.<br />
<br />
I want his Majesty to know that we will be by his side, for we are Omanis and if Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>has taught us anything at all, he has taught us patience and loyalty above everything else.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Omanis are a nation bound together by the Islamic fundamental ideology, by the friendly social ties and loyalty to the country"</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sultan Qaboos Speech, 1974</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And to my fellow <i>Omanis</i>, I say:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"We must cherish and preserve this beautiful land that God has given us and protect it from wanton destruction. This we are determined to do, but it is a task that is the responsibility of every one of us."</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
_______________</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sultan Qaboos Speech, 1980</span> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-19327544984260047982020-02-21T21:00:00.000+04:002020-03-14T07:38:57.737+04:00When Sorrows Come, Condolences Follow In Battalions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
During our time of grief, we found great solace in reading the kind messages of condolences from all around the world.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMlixd2WRg4/Xk6N8Zp7BwI/AAAAAAAAEQE/CjKImGblcnYyYvauihvFlWXR0frXwRKRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="1122" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dMlixd2WRg4/Xk6N8Zp7BwI/AAAAAAAAEQE/CjKImGblcnYyYvauihvFlWXR0frXwRKRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Image.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While there were a lot of warm and comforting messages from normal folks, I thought it would be good to collect whatever official or unofficial messages I find from world leaders for archiving purposes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>NOTE: I will probably need to update this post as there must be a lot more messages I had missed and I don't want to leave any one nation/person out, because we highly appreciate it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
</b></span> <span style="color: #990000;"><b>You can check out the list of delegations His Majesty Sultan Haitham received for the funeral <a href="https://www.oman.de/fileadmin/pdf/Death_Qaboos_OmanObserver_13-01-20.pdf">here</a></b></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i>________________________</i> </h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Middle East & North Africa</h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
United Arab Emirates</h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Cn-Qc-Kg-PXEAUa-Smy" border="0" height="401" src="https://i.ibb.co/wWFtymc/Cn-Qc-Kg-PXEAUa-Smy.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<u><b>Ruler, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed</b></u><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“We express our sincere condolences to the Omani royal family and the people of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman on the death of the great late Sultan Qaboos.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>And we express our full confidence that the people of Oman and its leadership will continue his blessed march serving the causes of the nation and advance the Arab joint action.</i><br />
<br />
<i>I pray to Allah Almighty to bless the soul of the late Sultan Qaboos with mercy in Paradise.”</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
<u><b>Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid</b></u><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“The Sultan of loyalty, love, and wisdom is gone. May his soul rest in peace.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Our condolences to our brothers in Oman and to all people connected with Oman's culture and history, the resting place of the leader of the Omani Renaissance.”</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<u><b>Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed</b></u> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“Oman and the Arab and Islamic world have lost a wise leader, and an important historic figure.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>We lost a dear brother and the companion in the journey of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”</i></div>
<i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Anwar Gargash</b></u><i> </i> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“We lost a high profile historical figure with the death of Sultan Qaboos.</i><i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>[He was] a wise and inspiring leader, who led the revival of Oman for over 50 years and worked wholeheartedly for the good of his country and people.</i><i>”</i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*</b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Three-day national mourning</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*National flags of royal and government buildings - and citizens houses - were flown at half-mast </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*Mosques all over the country prayed for the soul of Sultan Qaboos.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
</b></span> <span style="color: #990000;"><b>*Singer Hussein Al-Jasmi composed a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Vb1xtBaPc/">song</a> in tribute.</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: black;">Kuwait</span></b></span></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: black;">Ruler, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah</span></b></span></u><br />
<br />
<i>“</i><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">The Sultanate of Oman, the Gulf family and the Arab and Islamic nations lost a wise leader, who dedicated his life to the causes of the region.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;">The Kuwaiti people will never forget Sultan Qaboos's strong stance in support of Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion and Oman's participation in the liberation of Kuwait.</span></span></i><i><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><i>”</i></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*Three-day national mourning</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*</b></span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Named a major road in the country after Sultan Qaboos</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span> <span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*A charity called "Kuwait bil Qimma" donated water in his name</b></span></span></span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Qatar</b></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani</b></u></span></div>
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“Sultan Qaboos bin Said was a great leader who had wisdom, moderation, balance and foresight.</i></div>
<i>He devoted his life in serving his country and he called for dialogue and rejected violence and extremism.”</i><br />
<br />
<div class="text-wrap tlid-copy-target">
<div class="result-shield-container tlid-copy-target" tabindex="0">
<span class="tlid-translation translation" lang="en"><span class="" title=""><u><b>Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani</b></u></span></span></div>
<div class="result-shield-container tlid-copy-target" tabindex="0">
<br />
<i><span class="tlid-translation translation" lang="en"><span class="" title="">“May God have mercy on His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the wise leader who devoted his time and effort to serving his country and nation.</span></span></i></div>
<div class="result-shield-container tlid-copy-target" tabindex="0">
</div>
<div class="result-shield-container tlid-copy-target" tabindex="0">
<i><span class="tlid-translation translation" lang="en"><span class="" title="">Our condolences to the brotherly Omani people and the Arab and Islamic nation.</span> <span title="">We ask God to grant the late great man his mercy and forgiveness</span></span>”</i><span class="tlid-translation-gender-indicator translation-gender-indicator"></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*Three-day national mourning</b></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: black;">Kingdom of Bahrain</span></b></span></span></span></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*Three-day national mourning</b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*National flags of royal and government buildings were flown at half-mast</b></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Kingdom of Saudi Arabia</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: black;">Al-Waleed bin Talal</span></b></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>I offer my deepest condolences to my brother Sultan Haitham Al Said, may Allah protect him, and the brotherly people of </span><span class="r-18u37iz">Oman</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> on the death of His Majesty Sultan </span><span class="r-18u37iz">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">And I congratulate my brother Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said in leading the Sultanate of Oman, that is dear to our hearts.</span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">And we wish much success and growth to our second home; Sultante of Oman.</span></i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>”</i> </span></i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Kingdom of Jordan</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/PjdaT8p"><img height="458" src="https://i.imgur.com/PjdaT8p.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><b>King Abdullah II</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span>We have lost a wise leader in my brother His Majesty Sultan </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">bin</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Said</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> of Oman, a dear friend of my father the late King Hussein and supporter of Jordan in defending Arab and Islamic causes.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">May God rest his soul in peace and grant the people of Oman patience and fortitude.</span>”</i></div>
<i> </i> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Queen Noor</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></span>Saddened by the news of the death of </span><span class="r-18u37iz">Sultan Qaboos,</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> who was a dear friend of my late husband </span><span class="r-18u37iz">King Hussein</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> and an enlightened leader, who played a valuable mediating role in a turbulent, fractious region. RIP.</span>”</i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Three-day national mourning</b></span></span></span></span></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*National flags of royal and government buildings were flown at half-mast</b></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3>
<b>Lebanon</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><b>President Michel Aoun</b></u> <br />
<br />
<i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></span></span></i>Sultan Qaboos was a brother and friend of Lebanon in all stages and the difficult circumstances it passed through supporting its rightful issues, stability, security and the aspirations of the people.</i><br />
<br />
<i>With the passing of Sultan Qaboos, the Arab world loses the man of dialogue, wisdom and peace who has long worked for Arab reunification and the promotion of its solidarity.</i><i><i>”</i> </i><br />
<i><i><br />
</i></i> <i><i><b><u>Prime Minister Saad Hariri</u></b></i></i><br />
<i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><br />
</span></span></span></span></i></i> <i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></span></span></i></i><i>With the absence of Sultan Qaboos, a glorious chapter among the chapters of the Arabian Gulf has ended.</i><br />
<div dir="ltr">
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div>
<i>Sultan Qaboos, who devoted his life to serving the Sultanate of Oman and its people and was a man of dialogue, moderation and openness, had served the Arab causes calmly and responsibly for fifty years.</i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i>We extend our deepest condolences to the Omani people, led by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, we hope that the Omanis continue the march of progress and openness.</i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<i>I pray to God Almighty to have mercy on the great deceased and to support Sultan Haitham in the stability and development of the Sultanate of Oman.</i><i><i>”</i></i></div>
<br />
<u><b>Speaker of the Parliament, </b><b>Nabih Berri </b></u><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></span></span></i>With deep sadness, we received news of the demise of the Architect of renaissance of the sisterly Sultanate of Oman; the late Sultan Qaboos.</i><br />
<br />
<i>While we miss him as a dear friend to Lebanon, the nation and the world miss him as a leader of a good speech and as a title for dialogue.</i><i><i>” </i></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
</b></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*</b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Three-day national mourning</b></span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*National flags of royal and government buildings were flown at half-mast</b></span></i></div>
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Palestine</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><b>President Mahmoud Abbass</b></u><br />
<br />
<i><i><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></span></span></i></i>Our Arab and Islamic nation lost today, a leader and leader of its finest men</i></i><br />
<br />
<i><i>Sultan Qaboos devoted his life to serving his country and people and the issues of the Arab and Islamic nations with wisdom and balance</i></i><i><i><i><i>” </i></i></i></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></i></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Three-day national mourning</b></span></span></span></span></i></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><br />
</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><span style="color: #990000;"><b>*National flags of royal and government buildings were flown at half-mast</b></span></i></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Turkey</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President Erdogen</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> <i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span>I wish Allah's mercy on Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said al Said, who was a key figure for Oman's welfare and development with his efforts as well as for the politics in our region.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlut Cavusoglu</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span>Heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of Oman who lost a visionary leader, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>May his soul rest in eternal peace.”</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="https://imgur.com/joqihB6"><img height="291" src="https://i.imgur.com/joqihB6.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/ehfSsfF"><img height="291" src="https://i.imgur.com/ehfSsfF.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="320" /></a></i></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Egypt</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><b>President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi</b></u><br />
<br />
<i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></i>With so much sadness and sorrow, I extend my condolences to the Arab nation and the people of Oman for the death of His Majesty late Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who was a constant supporter of Arab and Islamic causes.</i><br />
<br />
<i>He was a wise leader who devoted his life to his homeland and Arab nation.</i><br />
<br />
<i>History will register that he has been a symbol of the strength and unity of the Sultanate of Oman over half a century.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Egypt and its people will not forget his fraternal and strong stances.</i><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>May Allah grant [Sultan Qaboos] heaven and grant his family patience.”</i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*Three-day national mourning </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*State television displayed a black ribbon on screens of different affiliated channels </b></span><i><br />
</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i>________________________</i></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Europe</h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>United Kingdom</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="image" border="0" height="359" src="https://i.ibb.co/8N2SrNG/image.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Queen Elizabeth</b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His devotion to Oman, to its development and to the care of his people was an inspiration.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>He will be remembered for his wise leadership and his commitment to peace and understanding between nations and between faiths.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>He was a good friend of my family and of the United Kingdom, and we are thankful for all he did to further strengthen the bond of friendship between our countries. My State Visit to Oman in 2010 remains a cherished memory.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Omani people. May the long history of loyal friendship between our two countries continue.”</i></div>
<i><i></i></i><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Prince William</b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I was truly honoured to spend time with His Majesty during my visit to Oman last month. It was clear from all those I met that he will be remembered with great affection.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His Majesty was unwavering in his commitment to improve the lives of his people, and in his resolve to work towards regional stability. I am thankful for His Majesty’s many years of friendship with my family and the UK.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Omani people, and wish to send a personal message of friendship as Oman mourns the death of His Majesty.”</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Prime Minister Boris Johnson </b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>He was an exceptionally wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously. He will be remembered for his devotion to the development of Oman into a stable and prosperous nation, and as the father of the nation who sought to improve the lives of the Omani people.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and was struck by his commitment to peace and understanding between nations and between faiths. He leaves a profound legacy, not only in Oman but across the region too.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The UK is a proud friend and enduring partner of Oman, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Omani people.”</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>The Chief of the General Staff Office</b></u><u><b><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn"><span class="e24Kjd"></span></span> </b></u></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>“</i>Remembering HM Qaboos bin Said Al Said Sultan of Oman, a true friend and ally of the British Army.</span></i> <i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">RMAS graduate, who served with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in the 1960s. Renowned for his wisdom, compassion and selfless efforts to develop Oman and promote peace.</span></i><i>”</i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State MP Dominic Raab</span></b></u></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>Saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sultan </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">bin</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Said</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> al Said.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">He was widely respected and worked hard to promote peace and stability in Oman and the wider region.</span>”</i></div>
<i> </i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Former MP Catherine Hoey</b></u></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>A most beautiful country, which has been led by an enlightened and cultured monarch Sultan </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">bin</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Said</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> al Said.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i> </div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Privileged to have chaired the All Party Parliamentary Oman group and visited many times.</span></i></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Sadness for the Omani people, but also the death of a true friend of the UK.</span>”</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer</b></u></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>I offer my deepest condolences to the people of </span><span class="r-18u37iz">Oman</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> on the death of His Majesty Sultan </span><span class="r-18u37iz">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"></span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">bin</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Said</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">We mourn a great man whose strong leadership transformed Oman and the </span><span class="r-18u37iz">Middle East</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> for the better.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">A true friend to the </span><span class="r-18u37iz">UK</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> who will be sorely missed.</span>”</i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*National flags of royal and government buildings - in the UK and abroad - were flown at half-mast</b></span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3>
<b>France</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><b>President Emmanuel Macaron</b></u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></i></span></i></i></i>His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was well-known for developing and modernising his country while at the same time respecting its traditions and values.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>The Omani people lost a high-spirited, cultural conscious man, who is also deeply linked to his Omani roots at the same time open to the world, particularly France, which he knew very well.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>In times of troubles, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was able to rise to the expectations of his people.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>He was a man of peace, he worked tirelessly for resolving regional disputes and alleviating tensions and he never stopped promoting principles of reconciliation and mutual tolerance.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>I extend to the family of Sultan Qaboos and to the Omani authorities and Omani people my deep sympathy and I shall maintain my own friendship and the friendship of the French people with the Omani people.</i><i>”</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Spain</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><b>King Felipe VI</b></u><br />
<br />
<i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></i>Sultan Qaboos successfully pushed through the modernisation, opening up and economic development of his country during his reign.<br />
<br />
He was highly appreciated on the international stage for his valuable role in moderating and facilitating the resolution of conflicts that blighted the Middle East region.<br />
<br />
On behalf of the Government of Spain I congradulate the new sultan, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, wishing him prosperity and success for the people of Oman and trusting that he will continue to consolidate the excellent relations between the two countries in this new era.</i><i><i>”</i></i><br />
<br />
<u><b>Opera Singer Placido Domingo</b></u><br />
<br />
<i><span class=""><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></i></i>I was very saddened to read about the recent passing of His Majesty Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said Al Said.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="">Since the opening of the magnificent Royal Ópera House in Muscat on October 12th, 2011, where I conducted “Turandot”, I had the privilege to perform and conduct in several concerts, opera and zarzuela performances until February 10th last year.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="">His Majesty was always very kind to all of us and loved our unique Art form.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class=""><i><br />
Thank you to this magnificent country and Opera house that have always been so kind to me.</i></span><i><i>”</i></i><i><i> </i> </i></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><h3 _ngcontent-c2="" class="ecl-heading ecl-heading--h1 ecl-u-color-white" style="text-align: left;">
<b>European Union</b> </h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div _ngcontent-c2="" class="ecl-heading ecl-heading--h1 ecl-u-color-white" style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President of the European Council and President of the European Commission</b></u></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>Today we learnt with sadness of the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>We would like to express our deepest condolences to his family, to the people and to the Government of Oman.</i> <i>Under His Majesty's leadership, Oman embarked on an unprecedented era of reforms that improved the living standards for the Omani people.</i><br />
<br />
<i>His vision steered a foreign policy that placed Oman among the European Union's closest partners, in a region mired in conflict and gripped by tensions.</i><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>His Majesty's sense of pragmatism and his unparalleled savoir-faire have distinguished Oman's diplomacy for decades.</i><br />
<br />
<i>His loss will be mourned for years to come.</i> <i>The European Union will continue to work towards consolidating a strong and enduring partnership with the Sultanate of Oman and its people.”</i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Russian Federation</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President Vladimir Putin</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></i></span></i>I offer my sincere condolences to His Majesty the Sultan, the Royal family and the Omani people on this immense loss.</i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i>Sultan Qaboos' regime and the social and economic development witnessed in the Oman during his era is commended.</i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i>He made great personal contributions in enhancing the friendship relations between the two countries.</i></i><i><i>”</i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Ukraine</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><b>President Volodymyr Zelensky</b></u> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></i>Saddened to learn of the death of a modern visionary and extraordinary statesman, Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said Al Said.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">The epoch of the rise and prosperity of the state is his lasting legacy.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Sincere condolences to the Sultan's family and the people of Oman.</span></i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>”</i></span> </i><i></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b>*Dedicated an industrial park - that they will start building by the end of the year - in his honour</b></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i>________________________ </i> </h2>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Asia</b></h2>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Republic of India</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;"></ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Prime Minister Narendra Modi</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“I am deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of His Majesty Sultan </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">bin</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Said</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> al Said.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">He was a visionary leader and statesman, who transformed Oman into a modern and prosperous nation.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">He was a beacon of peace for our region and the world.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Sultan Qaboos was a true friend of India and provided strong leadership for developing a vibrant strategic partnership between India and Oman.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></span></i></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">I will always cherish the warmth and affection I received from him. May his soul rest in peace.</span></span></i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">”</span></i></span></div>
<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>House of Parliament (Lok Sabha)</b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“Honorable members, I want to inform the House about the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was a visionary leader, whose twin policies of modernisation and mediation in addressing international issues won him praise and respect across the globe.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Under his leadership, the Sultanate of Oman achieved spectacular progress and prosperity.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>As a friend of India, under his leadership, our mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership strengthened and reached new heights.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The presence of large expatriate community of Indians in Oman, has also strengthened the friendly relations between both countries.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This House stands in solidarity with the leadership and people of Oman in this hour of irreparable loss and grief.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I request member to stand in silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed souls.”</i></div>
<i> </i><i> </i> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>House of Parliament ( Rajya Sabha)</u></b> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“Honorable members, I refer with profound sorrow to the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said, Sultan of Oman, on the 10th January 2020.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His Majesty Sultan Qaboos was a visionary leader, whose twin policies of modernisation and mediation in addressing international issues won him praise and respect across the globe.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Under his leadership, the Sultanate of Oman achieved spectacular progress and prosperity.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>We, in India, will always remember him as a dear friend. Under his guidance, our mutually beneficial comprehensive partnership strengthened and scaled newer heights. Those bonds have been underpinned in the presence presence of large expatriate community of Indians in Oman.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His demise is an irreparable loss to the Sultanate of Oman and its people.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This House joins the ruling family of Oman, the Government and people of Sultanate of Oman, in mourning the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and conveys its heartfelt condolences in their hour of grief.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I request members to rise in their respective places and observe silence as a mark of respect to the memory of the departed.”</i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*</b></span><span style="color: #990000;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>One-day national mourning</b></span></span></span> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*National flags of royal and government buildings - in India and abroad - were flown at half-mast</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*All official entertainment was halted for a day</b></span> </div>
<ul>
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Republic of Sri Lanka</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President Gotabaya Rajapaksa</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“It is with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing away of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>On behalf of the Government, the People of Sri Lanka and my own behalf, I convey our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty [Sultan Haitham], through you to the members of the Royal Family, the Government and the People of Oman.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Oman had been transformed into a progressive and peaceful nation for the last 50 years under the visionary leadership of His Majesty.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>In his passing, Oman and the world have lost a sagacious and dedicated national leader. Sri Lanka has lost a cherished friend and will always value His Majesty’s contribution to the strengthening of the close relationship between Sri Lanka and Oman.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, Government and the People of the Sultanate of Oman at this time of grief and sorrow.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest consideration.”</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“I was deeply saddened to learn of the demise of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>During his long reign and under his stewardship, Oman had made commendable progress and our two countries became closer through much greater interaction.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His Majesty will be remembered for his contribution to the people of Sri Lanka, and the people of Oman as well as those of the rest of the world.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The people of Sri Lanka, who have long admired his charismatic personality, share the grief of the people of Oman.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Please accept my heartfelt condolences for this monumental loss.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>With deepest sympathies to the members of the Royal family, and with the assurances of my highest consideration.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Islamic Repubic of Pakistan</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Prime Minister Imran Khan</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></span>I extend our deepest condolences to people of Oman on the passing of His Majesty Sultan </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">bin</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Said</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> al Said.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">He was a visionary and transformed Oman into a vibrant, modern state.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Oman has lost a beloved leader and Pakistan a close, trusted friend. May his soul rest in eternal peace.</span>” </i> </div>
<ul>
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Republic of Maldives</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih</b></u></div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>Saddened to hear of the passing of Oman’s HM Sultan </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Bin</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Said</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> a visionary statesman, who brought not only progress and prosperity to Oman, but also made important contributions to peace in the Gulf region and the world.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><i></i></i></span></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">May Allah (SWT) grant His Majesty eternal paradise.</span>”</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/FvSV10N"><img height="408" src="https://i.imgur.com/FvSV10N.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Japan</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><b>President Shinzo Abe</b></u><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></i>The death of Sultan Qaboos, who was a great leader enjoying wisdom and far-sighted vision, represents a great loss not only for the Omani people, but also for the whole international community. </i><br />
<br />
<i>I would like to express solidarity of Japan with the Omani people to overcome these very sad moments.</i><i><i>”</i></i><br />
<i><i><br />
</i></i> <i><i>Emperor Naruhito</i></i><br />
<i><i><br />
</i></i> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“I express my heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy to His Majesty the Sultan and the Omani People.</span></span></i></i></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><br />
</span></span></i></i></span></i> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">During [my] visit to the Sultanate of Oman in 1994, [I met] Sultan Qaboos and was recieved with a warm welcome.</span></span></i></i></span></i><i><i>”</i></i><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>People's Republic of China</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<u><b>President Xi Jinping</b></u><br />
<br />
<i><i><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></i></i>On behalf of the government and the people of China, I give my sincere condolences and sympathy to His Majesty the Sultan, the Royal family and the Omani people on the demise of the late Sultan.</i></i><br />
<br />
<i><i>His Late Majesty Sultan Qaboos was a wise leader to the Sultanate, who remarkably contributed in the nation-building and had a major role in maintaining security and stability of the Middle East and the Gulf.</i></i><br />
<br />
<i><i>The late Sultan was an old friend of the Chinese people as he contributed in pushing the strategic partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Sultanate, enhancing the scientific cooperation between the two countries in various spheres and cementing friendship between the two countries’ people.</i></i><br />
<br />
<i><i>I express, on behalf of the government and the people of China, the gratitude of this friendship and we have complete confidence maintaining the development of strategic partnership between the two countries.</i></i><i><i><i><i>”</i></i></i></i><br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i>________________________</i></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Australia</b></h2>
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>*National flags of royal and government buildings were flown at half-mast</b></span><i> </i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i>________________________</i></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>America</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--c-GzTJxcwY/Xk_XDw5G7kI/AAAAAAAAEQg/1SIf4IKbBPATRgvxo64W4hls-aEZryeOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/thumbnail_Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="360" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--c-GzTJxcwY/Xk_XDw5G7kI/AAAAAAAAEQg/1SIf4IKbBPATRgvxo64W4hls-aEZryeOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/thumbnail_Image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>United States of America </b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;"></ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President Donald Trump</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i>“</i>As the longest-serving leader in the Middle East, Sultan Qaboos brought peace and prosperity to his country and was a friend to all.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His unprecedented efforts to engage in dialogue and achieve peace in the region showed us the importance of listening to all viewpoints.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Sultan Qaboos was a true partner and friend to the United States, working with nine different American presidents.</i><i>”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div>
</div>
<i> </i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Former President George W. Bush<i> </i></b></u><i> </i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i><i>“</i></i>Laura and I are saddened by the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, the Sultan of Oman. He was a stable force in the Middle East and a strong U.S. ally.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His Majesty had a vision for a modern, prosperous, and peaceful Oman, and he willed that vision into reality.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Laura and I are fortunate to have visited him in Muscat last fall. We enjoyed his grand hospitality, and we saw how his able leadership improved education, healthcare, and the arts throughout the beautiful country of Oman.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>We send our sincere condolences to the Omani people on this mournful day</i><i>”</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Former President Jimmy Carter</b></u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“His voice for peace and tolerance in the Middle East will be missed. He was a wise counsel and ally to me in the White House.” </i></div>
<i> </i> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Secretary of State Michael Pompeo</b></u></div>
<br />
<i>“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.</i> <i>I came to know and admire His Majesty personally and he loved the Omani people and the Omani-American friendship.</i><br />
<br />
<i>We extend our sincere condolences to his family and the people of Oman.</i> <i>His vision and determination shaped Oman into the prosperous and modern state it is today, and his rule over the last half century has resulted in lasting and positive change in the Sultanate and the entire Middle East region.</i><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>Sultan Qaboos was a revered leader and a friend to all nations. The United States deeply valued His Majesty’s strong partnership in promoting regional stability and security. We especially appreciated his efforts at the onset of the Yemeni conflict to secure safe passage of all U.S. Embassy personnel from Yemen.</i><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>We honor his legacy and remain committed to our strong partnership and friendship with Oman.”</i><br />
<i> </i> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Senator Hillary Clinton</b></u></div>
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>“</i>My thoughts are with the people of Oman as they mourn the passing of Sultan Qaboos.</span></i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">He led his country with wisdom and provided safe harbor for diplomacy.</span></i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span></i><br />
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">I’ll always be grateful for all he did to help secure the release from Iran of three American hikers in 2011.</span></i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>”</i></span> </i> <br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i>________________________</i></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Africa </b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhBG4uuR1-I/Xk_Z8HBDyzI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/u0oA0jJFd6kUsGaySe-Y-Lwen9jzYReQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/thumbnail_Image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="839" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhBG4uuR1-I/Xk_Z8HBDyzI/AAAAAAAAEQ4/u0oA0jJFd6kUsGaySe-Y-Lwen9jzYReQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/thumbnail_Image-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>South Africa</b></li>
</ul>
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><u>President Cyril Ramaphosa</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>“Sultan Qaboos will be remembered for the creation of a united, modern, progressive and prosperous Oman 49 years ago, which South Africa regards as a key international and regional partner.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>South Africa and Oman established diplomatic relations in October 1995, and during the last 25 years, several high-level visits between the two countries have taken place – including two state visits by late President Nelson Mandela in 1999 and 2004.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The South Africa-Oman Partnership Forum has become the main vehicle for driving relations between the two countries in various areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, agriculture and higher education.</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Several bilateral agreements have also been concluded, including a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation and a trade cooperation agreement.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Trade has increased dramatically since the conclusion of this agreement in 2006, reaching a record high in 2018 of US$1.2 billion.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His Majesty Sultan Qaboos's support to South Africa in terms of its own political and economic development priorities, [will be highly regarded].</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Oman had played an important and positive role in the Middle East under the leadership of Sultan Qaboos as a regional mediator.</i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>”</i></span></i></div>
<ul>
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Republic of Tanzania</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President Dr John Magufuli</b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>“</i>It is with deep sorrow that I received the news about the demise of the Leader of Oman Sultanate, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">During his leadership, our two nations enjoyed strong and close bilateral relations.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">We convey our profound condolences to all the people of Oman.</span></i><i>” </i> </div>
<div class="css-901oao r-hkyrab r-1qd0xha r-a023e6 r-16dba41 r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-bnwqim r-qvutc0" dir="auto" id="tweet-text" lang="en" style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Republic of Kenya</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President Uhuru Kenyatta</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span></span>Sultan Qaboos was a great leader, who was devoted to improving the well-being of his fellow countrymen.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>He was also committed to international peace and worked hard towards promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>May the Almighty God comfort the people of Oman as they mourn this great leader. We will forever cherish his contribution to human development through his generosity whose fruits are enjoyed by many in the international community.”</i></div>
<ul>
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Republic of Somaliland </b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>President Muse Bihi Abdi</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span></span>On behalf of the people and government of Somaliland, we are deeply saddened to learn the death of His Majesty Sultan </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Qaboos</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">bin</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"> </span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-vw2c0b r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">Said</span><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">, the Sultan of Oman.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">The region lost a great statesman and peace-maker. Our condolences and sympathy go to the people and government of Oman.</span>” </i></div>
</div>
<h2>
<i>________________________</i></h2>
<h2>
World Organisations</h2>
<a href="https://imgur.com/yq7tnYr"><img height="432" src="https://i.imgur.com/yq7tnYr.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>UNESCO</b></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<ul style="text-align: left;"></ul>
<u><b>Director-General, Audrey Azoulay</b></u> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>“</i></span></i>I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.</i><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>He will be remembered for his wisdom and vision of peace and development for his country and his endeavors in building a more sustainable planet.</i><i> </i><br />
<br />
<i>His commitment for biodiversity and nature conservation, encapsulated in the UNESCO – Qaboos Prize established some 30 years ago, remains as a legacy for today’s generations and those to come.</i><i>”</i></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>United Nations </b><i><b><br />
</b></i></h3>
</li>
</ul>
<ul></ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Secretary-General António Guterres</b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>Assalam alaikum.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Let me begin by extending my profound condolences to the Royal family and the Government and people of Oman on the passing of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Sultan Qaboos led Oman for nearly half a century and transformed it into the remarkable country it is today. Throughout his reign, His Majesty earned the respect of his people and those far beyond. He prioritized cooperation and multilateralism, and led Oman to join the United Nations, the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council.</i><br />
<br />
<i>With leadership and commitment, His Majesty worked to shape Oman as an active and responsible member of the international family.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Under his watch, Oman remained largely immune from the tensions and troubles of the region. Indeed, His Majesty was well regarded for spreading messages of peace, understanding and coexistence far beyond his country’s borders.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Oman has consistently played a critical role in ensuring lines of communication and dialogue among disputing parties. And within his beloved country, His Majesty’s vision for Oman saw levels of education for women and men rise exponentially – with a manifold increase in schools, hospitals, roads and so much other infrastructure.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Today, we remember and pay homage to the many roads he built – the road of dialogue, the road of understanding, the road of peace. I extend my best wishes to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, who while grieving the death of his cousin, has taken over the leadership of Oman. I have every hope that Oman’s enduring contributions to regional and international diplomacy will continue, building on the legacy of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.</i><br />
<br />
<i>The United Nations remains steadfast in supporting Oman’s continued efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. In this difficult time, I once again offer my deepest condolences on this heavy loss to the people of Oman, the region and far beyond.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Shukran.”</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>General Assembly President Tijjani Muhammad-Bande (Nigeria)</b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><i><i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>“</i></span></i></i>His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said will be remembered for his fundamental role in the modernisation and industrialisation of Oman, including the foresight to recognise that education has the potential to lift the whole of society.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>I hope that Member States will honour Sultan Qaboos Bin Said by emulating his efforts, which reflect the founding ideals of the United Nations.</i><i>”</i><br />
<i> </i><b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Kokou Kpayedo (Togo), speaking on behalf of the African States</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>Sultan Qaboos Bin Said was an emblematic figure on the global stage, and a visionary deeply committed to advancing his country and the well-being of his people. Oman ranked highest in the Middle East in the 2019 Human Development Report.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Sultan Qaboos Bin Said understood that friendship and cooperation are the highway to success.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Having made Oman a bridge between the Arab, Western and African worlds, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said forged the links between Oman and most African countries, organising conferences with Horn of Africa countries, and building hospitals and schools around the continent.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>An artisan of peace, a role in which he staked success on neutrality, the Sultan was a globally renowned mediator, having received the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in 2004.”</i><br />
<i> </i><b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Noor Qamar Sulaiman (Brunei), speaking on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Group</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>Sultan Qaboos’ reign spanned almost five decades, making him the longest-serving Arab leader.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>In that time, he led his country with wisdom and vision, guiding Oman through difficult challenges and laying the foundations for modernisation, developing its infrastructure, education and health-care systems, as well as its institutional frameworks.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>A lifelong devotion brought about remarkable social and economic progress that transformed Oman into one of the most stable and prosperous countries in the Middle East, while preserving its rich national heritage and culture.”<b> </b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Yashar Aliyev (Azerbaijan), speaking on behalf of the Eastern European States</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>Sultan Qaboos paved the way for Oman’s well-being and development.</i><br />
<br />
<i>A great leader and genuine statesmen, his lifelong contributions to international affairs and support for dialogue processes in the Middle East were critical to building trust in times of turmoil.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Sultan’s foreign policy is defined with clarity, as a hand building from within, and a hand offered in goodness, giving, continued participation in the world’s events and development.”</i><br />
<i> </i><b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Christine R. Bailey (Jamaica), speaking on behalf of Latin American and Caribbean States</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>The region has lost a leader and the father of the Omani renaissance.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>When he ascended to the throne in 1970, Oman was isolated, had six miles of paved roads, three public schools and minimal medical care. Since then, life expectancy climbed to 77 years from 50 years, literacy is at 96 per cent and Oman’s achievements include highways, public utilities, high-speed Internet and world-class sports and cultural centres.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>An advocate for gender equality, he leaves behind an enduring legacy in foreign policy, based on moderation and dialogue.”<b> </b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Martin Bille Hermann (Denmark), speaking on behalf of Western European</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>The Sultan’s approach to building bridges with external partners, shaped a foreign policy focused on fostering peace and stability.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Promoting the voice of reason throughout the Middle East, Sultan Qaboos’ passing is a loss to the region and beyond.”</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i> </i><b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Cherith Norman-Chalet (United States)</b></u> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>When the Sultan ascended to the throne in 1970, Oman, the region and the world were in much different places.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>His reign spanned nine United States presidents, multiple regional crises and global changes no one could have imagined. Throughout, the hallmarks of his reign were wisdom and vision — virtues he relied upon to steer Oman towards stability and prosperity.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Sultan Qaboos was the embodiment of a modern statesman, demonstrating unflagging commitment to dialogue and to promoting peaceful engagement across the troubled region in which Oman and its neighbours exist.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>He was also a great Omani leader who loved his country and his people. The United States mourns with the people of Oman and honours the Sultan’s legacy.”<b> </b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><b>Hassan Abu Obaida (Sudan), speaking on behalf of the Arab States</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<i><span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0">“</span>A symbol of friendship and wisdom, he was a principled man whose loss will be felt across and beyond the region.</i><br />
<i><i><i></i></i></i><br />
<div>
</div>
<i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>He strengthened governance and the Arab identity with a view to undoing various conflicts. At the same time, he modernised Oman, which is now characterized by stability, education, economic growth and advocacy for women’s rights.”</i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;">*United Nations' flags of its offices around the world were flown at half-mast</span></b><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Arab League</b></li>
</ul>
</h3>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><u><b>Secretary-General Ahmed Abul Gheit</b></u></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><u><b><br />
</b></u></span></b> <span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>“I offer my sincere condolences to Arab and Islamic world for the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who passed away on 11th January. I also express my sincere condolences to the people of Oman who have lost a man, who played the greatest role in the renaissence of his country.</i></span><br />
<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><br />
</i></span> <span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>The Arab world had lost a unique leader. During his reign, he adopted a distinctive path for his country that was surrounded by a region of many crises and conflicts.</i></span><br />
<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><br />
</i></span> <span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>Since 1970 and through his determination to spread modernisation and development in his country, he succeeded and transformed it into a stable and prosper nation , open to the world.</i></span><br />
<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><br />
</i></span> <span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i>I join the Omani people in their sadness for losing Sultan Qaboos, as I know their love for him.</i></span><br />
<span class="css-901oao css-16my406 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0"><i><br />
</i></span> <i>Sultan Qaboos was respected by all world leaders. He had played a crucial position in spread positivity in Arab relations with the world.”</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">*United Nations' flags of its office were flown at half-mast for three days</span></b></span></i><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<i>________________________</i> </h2>
I think the best condolence the <i>Omani </i>people recieved during these tough times, was a blessing from the sky.<br />
<br />
<i>Oman </i>had seen showers, it hasn't in as along as I can remember. The brown mountain terrains turned green and pictuerusque, rainbows bloomed everywhere and the country had never looked as beautiful as it did in our worst days.<br />
<br />
We were blessed when he was born, we were blessed when he lived and we were blessed when he <i>died...</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> Thank God Almighty for everything and on every occasion!<br />
<i></i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-40875813490705975542020-02-20T10:00:00.000+04:002020-02-25T16:37:10.285+04:00The Sultan And I<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
After writing about the Sultan's life on the previous post, I thought maybe I could now share a little about what he meant to me throughout my life.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Baba Qaboos بابا قابوس </b></h3>
<a href="https://imgur.com/0o9AlpP" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/0o9AlpP.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="311" /></a>Growing up, people in <i>Oman </i>- as anywhere else in the world - typically had family photographs around the house, but there wasn't a single house in Oman, that didn't proudly hang Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>'s portrait at least in one part of their house.<br />
Usually they were hung at the entrance hall - as ours was - to be the first thing seen upon entering the house. Come to think of it, even people who didn't have family photographs around, would still have a few of the Sultan's hung or set on tables. <br />
It wasn't only because we were patriotic, but it was and still is, because he is part of our family.<br />
<br />
He was a father to everyone. That is why, we call him <i>Baba Qaboos</i>.<br />
<br />
I think as a child, no one could've loved Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>more than I.<br />
I also think every child in <i>Oman</i> felt that way.<br />
Even though I never met him in person, I just felt no one could love him more. Much like how you'd think you love your family more than your other family members, because you can't imagine anyone loving them more than you.<br />
Maybe that's why we were always defensive about him. Our love for him was pure and that is only a reflection of his noble heart.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/XZBQaeY" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/XZBQaeYt.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>All school textbooks in <i>Oman </i>had a portrait of Sultan <i>Qaboos</i> on the front page. It was a great inspiration for us to see his face, everytime we opened a book. <br />
And although I used to fill my books with blue-inked scribbles hehe, I never disrespected the Sultan by touching his page. His page was always clean and uncreased, much like his kind heart.<br />
<br />
All Omani currency has a portrait of His Majesty on them, so there's not a day that goes by without us seeing his face.<br />
<br />
A week after his death I think - or maybe two, <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> was sending the driver to get something, so she had to handle money for the first time since...<br />
She couldn't contain herself and started weeping. We then realised that we will no longer see that beautiful angelic face in our world again and maybe not on money either. Although I hope that is not the case. Instead, we should now have the current Sultan as well as all the past Sultans' faces on each currency to honour them, but most importantly, so we don't lose Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b> Rejoice! Qaboos Has Come أبشري قابوس جاء</b></h3>
Thinking about my school days - in relation to the Sultan - remains the hardest so far.<br />
I remember, everyday during assembly, we stood before the flag and sang the <i>National Anthem</i> with great pride:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5v5vXTzJcE"><img height="357" src="https://i.imgur.com/VLmVW7m.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
I didn't really sing as much as I mimed the lyrics, but my heart was in it anyway hehehe.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/eoEhIJS"><img height="299" src="https://i.imgur.com/eoEhIJS.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
</div>
Long after finishing school, when schools surrounding our house played it every morning, I still felt a sense of strength and it still gave me goosebumps. <br />
<br />
<div>
Of course, it would be much more difficult to listen to now...<br />
<br />
A musician posted a beautiful yet dismal rendition of the song on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nibras90/"><i>Instagram</i></a>, after his passing.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amncHur_sf4"><img height="357" src="https://i.imgur.com/xRwi5Ix.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
When the Sultan was alive, the <i>National Anthem</i> was a source of strength and pride and now - as the artist accurately expresses - it reflects the forlornness of the people. It truly feels, as they say; the death of a nation.<br />
<br />
Being born in 1982, channels didn't run a 24-hour broadcasting as they do today, so whenever <i>Oman Television</i> went on air, the <i>National Anthem</i> played.<br />
Every morning, my siblings and I would eagerly await that moment, and as soon as we see the flag on screen, we stand up straight, salute and sing with all our hearts. I don't think there ever was a time when any of us sat down whilst the anthem was playing; it was considered taboo in our household.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>One Blood, One Race دم واحد عرق واحد</b></h3>
<div class="text-wrap tlid-copy-target">
<div class="result-shield-container tlid-copy-target result-rtl" tabindex="0">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/WegRNt7" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/WegRNt7.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>'s leadership played a great role in dispelling racism, because growing up, I truly didn't see colour.<br />
<br />
Although <i>Oman </i>has a diverse culture, I don't remember ever feeling different from anyone else in school. Of course, I knew about different tribes and ancestors, but none of us ever clashed.<br />
In fact, it only added to our closeness.<br />
<br />
<br />
If <i>Oman </i>had only one race, one background, or even one religious sect, life surely would've been monotonous hehe<br />
<br />
I remember the time, when I suddenly realised that people with a <i>Zanzibari </i>background, were actually black, I was surprised.<br />
To me, black people were either from the <i>African </i>continent or the <i>USA</i> - hehe obviously I watched a lot of American films.<br />
I don't know how to explain it, but I really just saw Omanis as <i>Omanis </i>- of course - but never as "black" <i>Omanis or whatever</i> as <i>Americans </i>like to label their people. Maybe that's why I really never noticed...<br />
<br />
Even religous sects were never an issue, because nobody around ever addressed them.<br />
Those who were <i>Muslims </i>had to take the same religion class, no matter what sect they belonged to.<br />
The only time, as I recall, sects were ever addressed, was when we were taken to the school prayer room in one of the lessons and everybody started performing the prayer differently. Nobody saw it as a bad thing, because we were taught not to offend eachother by trying to prove which of us was doing it right. Instead, we indirectly agreed, that we were the same difference.<br />
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos</i> put great emphasis in upholding our traditions, but at the same time, he let us take pride in what we add to the <i>Omani </i>culture. Each person can be proud of their background and celebrate it and also be proud and celebrate our joint culture; the Omani multiculturalism. Without judgement.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>And In Your Reign, O Qaboos, People Are Respected وَبِعَهْدِكَ يَا قَابُوسُ عَزَّ الإنْسَانُ</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I never thought the subject of women's rights would be so important to mention, as the rights of all Omanis were respected and preserved by <i>Sultan Qaboos</i> from day one.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As a child, I never felt different from my brothers, my male classmates or anyone, because I had the same rights and opportunities. Actually, just as race to me, gender was never mentioned, because equality seemed like human nature to us. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Sultan Qaboos</i> provided women with equal opportunities as men, it was just up to us to accept them.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“I congratulate myself for some things, such as the progress women have made.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I never said you must do this or you can't do that. I offered services, such as education, and let the families decide. And more of them than I expected chose to accept schools for girls from the beginning.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>So we have been able to make progress and safeguard tradition.”</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><i>______________</i> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sultan Qaboos's Interview with Foreign Affairs - 1997</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Only recently, and after this women's rights wave the world has been experiencing, did I realise how blessed Omani women were/are for having a leader who had a high regard for human rights.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>A Voice for Renaissance صَوْتٌ لِلنَهْضَةِ</b></h3>
<i>National Day</i> celebrations were among my favourite days of the year, because we used to celebrate both in school and at the parade.<br />
<br />
For school, we got to wear our national clothes.<br />
Every year, my sisters and I would each decide on a region in <i>Oman </i>and dress in clothes belonging to it. That way, we never matched and never wore the same thing twice hehe.<br />
I loved dressing up and wearing traditional jewellery, because other than traditional weddings, I had no other place to wear them.<br />
<br />
Classes were pretty much the same as I recall, with a few short celebrations inbetween, but the atmosphere was friendlier than usual.<br />
<br />
I remember I used to join a group of girls every year for <i>National Day</i> and form a dancing team. We usually performed either during school hours for parents, or at an evening celebration for everyone. It was such great fun!<br />
When I was in grade 4, we performed <span style="font-weight: normal;">أزهار الخمائل - which means <i>Flower Shrubs?</i> -</span> for parents during the day. My mum and <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> - who didn't go to our school back then because she was still in KG - came to see my sister and I perform the dance. I love that song and I always felt my heart ache with pride and absolute admiration, at the point where we mentioned Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>.<br />
Our teachers loved our performance so much, they entered us in a national school competition. Many schools competed and we probably didn't win, because I don't remember hahahaha, but the experience was one of the best I had as a child and to see other girls proudly holding the Sultan's photograph was just heart-warming, even at the time.<br />
<br />
There used to be <i>National Day</i> parade floats in the early 1990s I think, or maybe late 1980s, but they stopped doing them a long time ago. I remember My sister and I, once while dropping our private tutor to her house - because we were curious what it looked like hehe - we got stuck in traffic, but it sure was the least boring traffic I was ever in hahaha<br />
<br />
The main festivities took place in the <i>Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex</i> every year, with dance performances by children from schools around Oman.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I remember in 1995, when <i>Oman </i>was celebrating it's <i>Silver Jubilee</i>, we we attended almost every event. As I'm overly sentimental, I kept the personal invitations hehe<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/5wSgUl2"><img height="496" src="https://i.imgur.com/5wSgUl2.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There were four main events; <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGUNy49iV6A&t=11s"><i>The Students' Show</i></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c10LwFFKvsk"><i>The Tattoo Display</i></a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I19wjySrk4&t=18s"><i>The Military Parade</i></a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrDxsql1v8k&t=28s"><i>The Folklore Festival</i></a>.<br />
<br />
I remember how excited we felt just getting ready to go. It was like a fun trip with the family. If we didn’t have school that day, we’d still wake up early, shower, pick our favourite clothes - or whatever our mum made us wear hehehe - and wait by the door until it was time for us to go , which meant hours hahaha. As soon as our mother says it’s fine to go, we’d gallop to the car and head straight for the stadium for the <i>Students' Show</i>. The roads were overflowing with colourful LED lighting, as they do every year around this time, but I think much more intensely.<br />
<br />
I cannot describe the feeling upon entering the stadium. Just looking back it feels as though it were another world, and maybe so. People were much nicer then and loved much more than they do now, so whatever I remember would probably be a thousand times better than how we experienced it then.<br />
<br />
As we entered, we saw families walking in an orderly manner and respecting people around them. Nobody pushed or shoved or yelled or had any negative attitude and everybody was generous with their smiles and greetings. It was a beautiful sight. Afterall, we were all meeting our father.<br />
<br />
After finding our seats, everybody around us greeted us and offered us snacks and we reciprocated. We usually sent the driver to buy us snacks from the vendors and he comes back with enough snacks for us to offer others.<br />
<br />
As soon as the Sultan arrived, the national anthem begins playing. We all stand straight and some children even salute, then we all sing in unison.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/iMv8fFg"><img height="264" src="https://i.imgur.com/iMv8fFg.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
The shows every year exceeded our expectations. I remember my favourite part was the many group formations dancing into shapes with accurate synchronisation to the music. It must've been hard work, but it felt relaxing to watch.<br />
<br />
At some point during the celebration - or maybe at the beginning - a few children, who are chosen before-hand, present the Sultan with a bouquet. They were the envy of every child in the stadium and back home watching the show on television hehehe.<br />
<br />
The most awaited part of the show though, was when the Sultan gave his speech. We would all clap as hard as we could until our palms turn sore, because it never sounded loud enough. Even in the years where we didn't go and watched the show at home instead, we still stood and clapped. We loved him so much!<br />
<br />
I loved the <i>Tattoo Show</i>, because it was fun watching the exhibition drills, but I think my favourite out of the four was the <i>Folklore Festival</i>, because I loved learning about traditional <i>Omani </i>music, dance and even games children used to play in the olden days. I remember my mum told us about some prior, so it was especially nice to finally see the game in action. There was a lot of comedy in it too, so we got to see a lot of laughs from the Sultan, which was gratifying. <br />
<br />
I think although the shows were very entertaining to watch, our eyes were always focusing on the Sultan's reactions, to check if it was to his satisfaction. We always wanted to please him as he did us.</div>
<div class="result-shield-container tlid-copy-target result-rtl" tabindex="0">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Gift of Speech نعمة الخطاب</b></h3>
Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>'s speeches are unparalleled. He gave the most motivating speeches every <i>National Day</i>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“Extremism, under whatever guise, fanaticism of whatever kind, factionalism of whatever persuasion would be hateful poisonous plants in the soil of our country</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>which will not be allowed to flourish.”</i></b><br />
<b><i><i>______________</i></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sultan Qaboos's National Day Speech - 18th November 1994 (<i>originally in Arabic</i>)</span></div>
<br />
His speeches were said with great eloquence and brevity, simultaneously, and with equal locution in both <i>Arabic </i>and <i>English</i>, which is a rare gift.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/MyKV0Su"><img height="443" src="https://i.imgur.com/MyKV0Su.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>“I and my people who have, ourselves, fought through many bitter years of struggle to maintain our country's freedom -- and will do so again should the need ever arise -- are deeply conscious of this, for we know from our own experience that peace must go hand in hand with dignity and freedom; that life, if it is to be worth living, can only be founded on justice and respect for humanity and that these prizes are not easily won or preserved”</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><i>______________</i> </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sultan Qaboos's USA Welcoming Ceremony Speech - 12th April 1983</span></div>
<br />
In every speech, Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>would carefully select a <i>Quranic </i>verse that reflected his purpose and some of those were quoted to:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Encourage us to put immigrants/refugees before us</li>
</ul>
<div class="text-left text-translation times-new" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>“but give [them] preference over themselves, even though they are in privation”</b></i></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="text-left text-translation times-new" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="st"><span class="st"><i><b><i>______________</i></b></i> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="text-left text-translation times-new" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="st"><span class="st">The Holy Quran, Chapter 59 Verse <a href="https://quran.com/59/9">9</a></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Make peace first</li>
</ul>
<div class="text-left text-translation times-new" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah”</i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="st"><span class="st"><i><b><i>______________</i></b></i> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="st"><span class="st">The Holy Quran, Chapter 8 Verse <a href="https://quran.com/8/61">61</a></span></span> </span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Fulfill a promise</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>“So he who breaks his word only breaks it to the detriment of himself.</b><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b>And he who fulfills that which he has promised Allah - He will give him a great reward”</b></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span class="st"><i><b><i>______________</i></b></i> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="st">The Holy Quran, Chapter 48 Verse <a href="https://quran.com/48/10">10</a></span><a href="https://quran.com/48/10"> </a></span></span></div>
<span class="st"><span class="st"><span class="st"></span></span><span id="goog_1736499395"></span><br />
</span>This addition made his speeches that much more affective, because <i>Omanis </i>are a very religious people, and seeing our leader seek guidance from and praise <i>God Almighty</i> in everything he achieves, doubled our respect and appreciation for him. <br />
<div class="result-shield-container tlid-copy-target result-rtl" tabindex="0">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>The Peacemaker محب السلام</b></h3>
</div>
I was always proud of His Majesty and with great reason; he never waged wars, never took sides, never put us at risk and never looked away when he saw injustice.<br />
<br />
He was a proud pacifist and never wavered, even when attacked for his ethics. Instead, he continued to oppose wars and to promote justice and human rights in the region and the world.<br />
<br />
All the while, he made sure people understood that it was not a form of cowardice, but conscience that continuously kept him from accepting violence.<br />
And every now and then, he would reaffirm to the world, that though peace is his priority, he won't allow anyone to take advantage of his policy:<br />
<b><i><br />
</i></b> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“We wish only that we and all countries of the region should be left in A peace,</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>and to play our part in working for the peace of the world.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>But let no one be under any misapprehension: our desire for peace does not stem from weakness.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>If we should be attacked, we shall defend the sacred inviolability of our country</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>with all our strength and to the end”</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><i><b><i>______________</i></b></i></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sultan Qaboos's National Day Speech - 18th November 1980 </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(<i>originally in Arabic</i>)</span></span></div>
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>was very modest about his generous endeavours, that none of the kind services he had given, were ever mentioned by him. He never did anything for recognition nor for the sake of boasting. Infact, so many good deeds he had done, we only learned about after his death, when the people whom he had helped, started acknowledging his aid.<br />
<br />
I think this is probably why I feel in <i>Oman</i>, we are less arrogant. Nobody likes to show off here, and we are most of us content. We undoubtedly learned from a great teacher.<br />
<br />
Among his secret peaceful acts - that was misconstrued - was inviting both the <i>Palestinian </i>President and the <i>Israeli </i>Prime Minister for secret peace talks. Most of the corrupt media kept mentioning the <i>Israeli </i>side, as though it was just a friendly visit and not for purposeful reasons.<br />
<br />
When the <i>Israeli </i>Prime Minister came, there was no welcoming ceremony nor a show of flags in the roads, unlike the celebratory welcome the <i>Palestinian </i>President recieved, yet none of that was ever mentioned.<br />
<br />
After the talks were over and everyone had left, we were told through state television that the Sultan had instigated a peaceful meeting between the two countries. And I think the only reason the Sultan revealed the secret, was because he knew that there are malevolent people nearby, who might try to alter the intent behind it. Otherwise, he would've kept it undisclosed as all his other kind gestures.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Every Soul Will Taste Of Death</b><br />
<b><span class="st"><span dir="rtl">كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ <i><br />
</i></span></span></b></h3>
<u>The Health Scare: </u><br />
I remember when <i>His Majesty</i> left for a medical visit to <i>Germany </i>back in 2014, I felt temporarily incapacitated. We all did.<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
The only way I could explain it is that it was as though we were all children living in an abandoned city and our father left us home alone. And we didn’t know when he was coming back.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Strangely enough, I had never felt this way when he travelled for a political appointment or holiday in the past. I don't know why, but maybe it was the sudden realisation that he was only human, which meant, we might lose him someday...</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
For months, we waited for any kind of news to comfort us about his health, until <i>His Majesty</i> decided to grace our television screens on 5th November 2014, before our <i>National Day</i> (11th November) and address the nation with a heartwarming fatherly greeting.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6tszuLsDVU"><img height="357" src="https://i.imgur.com/cmXgIx8.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
He looked immensely frail and his voice, wispy. He changed so much in such a short amount of time, that it left us with an ambiguous feeling. Still, the happiness overpowered the anxiety and we were able to celebrate our <i>National day</i> with the most euphoric of feelings. In fact, our <i>National Day</i> turned into a <i>National Month</i>!<br />
<br />
Many people compared this happiness to that of the renaissance - the time Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>ascended the throne.<br />
<br />
<u>The Merry Return: </u></div>
On 23rd March 2015, and after a period of around nine months, Sultan <i>Qaboos</i> returns home.<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
My friend from school was visiting me for a few days, so <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a>, my sister-in-law and I took her out for Sushi, as soon as she arrived in <i>Muscat</i>.<br />
<br />
While we were eating, we suddenly received a text message that the Sultan would be arriving today. We were overcome with felicity. <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> and my sister-inlaw shocked my friend, by crying tears of joy and relief hehehe.<br />
<br />
Actually, long before this day, back when I noticed that I cried at weddings and funerals with equal intensity - even for those that have no relations to me - I decided to work on holding it in hehe. I think it is good to feel things so very deeply, but after looking at myself on a video of my brother's engagement, weeping as though I had just witnessed a murder, I vowed to never reach that level of demonstrative emotion. I failed on almost every occasion...</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
Surprisingly though, in the most affecting situations, just as this, I was able to.<br />
<br />
The feeling of merriment spread all around, that it was noticable even to my friend, who had never seen <i>Oman </i>before. She said that when she arrived, she didn't notice the gloominess in the people's faces and only realised it when she witnessed the transofmation after the good news broke out. <br />
<br />
Everyone seemed to want to talk to eachother. We all greeted eachother and because we hadn't smiled in ages, when we did, it seemed like we had just discovered a new expression. We all had the biggest comical smiles haha. Everywhere we went, they were giving out chocolates, cupcakes, flags and about anything they could give, just to express happiness.<br />
<br />
Oh how I miss that feeling...<br />
<br />
<u>The Final Chapter:</u><br />
<br />
On a gloomy day in December 2019, we recieved the news that the Sultan had left for a medical check up to <i>Belguim</i>. Everyone in the country was distressed, but still had hope.<br />
<br />
After less than a week though, the Sultan returned to Oman...<br />
<br />
There were many rumours about his health and everyone was saying there's probably no hope. I thought; how dare these people foretell his death, when we weren't given any official statement yet. As far as I was concerned, the less we knew, the more chance he had to live.<br />
<br />
I hated reading comments like "<i>Qaboos, please don't let go</i>" or "<i>What would we do without you!</i>", because I felt they were rushing his death somehow. I know it wouldn't really make a difference, but I couldn't handle it. Anyway, who says that about someone, if they still could live...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince:<br />
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>______________</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hamlet Act V Scene II </span><i> </i></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
At 4:00 in the morning of the 11th January 2020, it was finally announced; Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>had passed away...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL7A2unN8OI"><img height="357" src="https://i.imgur.com/iMpyeEn.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I was sound asleep at the time. At 5, <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> called me as usual, to wake me for morning prayer. I told her that I hadn't slept much, so I'll stay in bed for another half an hour. She said all right, but I sensed from her tone that something was bothering her. Still, I went on sleeping, thinking that it was all in my head.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I woke up at 5:30 and prayed, then continued on with the supplications.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Around 6:00, <a href="http://ohmypinkcheeks.blogspot.com/">Rasha</a> came to my room, looking depressed and asked if I was done. I realised that there was something wrong afterall, so I asked, but instead of answering, she asked me if I had seen the message.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
I knew there was something terrible, but it didn't cross my mind that it would be something about the Sultan, afterall, we had received news about his recovery just a few days ago.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Anyway, I didn't want to look at the message, so she had to tell me herself...</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
......</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<u>The Farewell: </u></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlE1zK9_jfE"><img height="357" src="https://i.imgur.com/E1KyXS0.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a><br />
</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlE1zK9_jfE"></a> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>bid us farewell in the most dignified way. He requested a simple State funeral only for his people to mourn.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br />
</span></span></span> <span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Throughout his reign, the Sultan made yearly tours around the country to meet with his people and listen to their needs. And on this day, he gave us the last tour, but we didn't get a chance to tell him, that all along, he was our only need...</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">We watched the funeral live on television. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">Thousands of people lined up by the roads waiting to see Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>for the last time. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>His flag-draped coffin was driven in the same car he had ridden, when he ascended the throne in 1970, symbolising his loyalty. And the Omani flag embracing his Majesty</span></span></span><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">, as he had in his life served the flag.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><a href="https://imgur.com/4KKatdk"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/4KKatdk.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="608" /></a> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">He was taken from his home to the <i>Grand Mosque</i>, then laid in front of the crowd, where a short prayer commenced. While the prayer was still happening, the <i>Royal Army</i> gave their last oath...</span></span></span><b><i><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"> </span></span></span></i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">We promise the country,</span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">We promise you,</span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">And we promise God,</span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">That we will be loyal,</span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd">By protecting this country,</span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><br />
</span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span class="ILfuVd"><span class="e24Kjd"><b><i>O our pride!</i></b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="st">His coffin was then taken to the Royal Family burial ground.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">I think it truly only sunk in, that Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>had passed away, when the new Sultan was announced, while they were praying over the coffin in the Mosque. I didn't know how to react. I was relieved that everything ran smoothly, but still felt overwhelmed. It was hard hearing someone else's name after "<i>His Majesty Sultan ...</i>". </span><br />
<br />
While we were waiting for the burial, we were shown all the proceedings that took place in announcing the new Sultan.<br />
<br />
I was so proud that the Royal court agreed to read Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>'s choice instead of voting themselves, although I never doubted they'd do. I would have sincerely been happy with any of them, but Sultan <i>Haitham </i>being chosen by Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>himself, was a great reassurance that he is undoubtedly the best choice for <i>Oman</i>.<br />
<br />
<span class="st">When Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>was ill, we were all waiting for him to give us another speech as he did in 2014, but we never got it. He just left without saying goodbye, I thought...</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">But when they read out his statement and his last quote from the <i>Holy Quran</i>: </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>“And dispute not [with one another] lest you falter and your strength departs from you”</b></i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="st"><span class="st"><i><b><i>______________</i></b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st" style="font-size: x-small;">The Holy Quran, Chapter 8 Verse <a href="https://quran.com/8/46?translations=20">46</a></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
I was completely satisfied. Even more so that the rest of the verse - that he didn't include - said:<br />
<div class="text-left text-translation times-new" data-reactid="1521" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="text-left text-translation times-new" data-reactid="1521" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”</b></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="st"><span class="st"><i><b><i>______________</i></b></i></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="st" style="font-size: x-small;">The Holy Quran, Chapter 8 Verse <a href="https://quran.com/8/46?translations=20">46</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I think there will always be a feeling of emptiness in every <i>Omani</i>, because we never could distinguish between <i>Qaboos </i>and <i>Oman</i>, to us, they are one and the same...<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<div style="text-align: left;">
And eventhough it’s hard to imagine life in <i>Oman </i>could go on without him, it is <i>God Almighty</i>’s will and we have to accept it.</div>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="ui_qtext_rendered_qtext">“Indeed! To Allah we belong and indeed, to Him we shall return</span></i>”</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>______________</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Holy Quran, Chapter 2, Verse <a href="https://quran.com/2/156">156</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, more than ever, we must go on. We must continue to live and prosper. We must make <i>Oman </i>as he intended; A peaceful harbour for all who seek it. A welcoming and accepting place for other religions and cultures. An economically developed country, that prides in tradition. A centre for intellectual development and accomplishment. A champion in the protection of animals and the environment. And many good attributes that Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>achieved to shape <i>Oman </i>into a loved and respected nation, by all who come across her.<br />
<br />
And Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>will remain until eternity infolded within every Omani's heart...</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/Tkxa0WG"><img height="484" src="https://i.imgur.com/Tkxa0WG.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
May <i>God Almighty</i> grant you a place in the highest heaven, our beloved.</div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-76871892714707701642020-02-20T09:45:00.000+04:002020-02-23T14:07:35.568+04:00Sultan Qaboos (A Short History)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
January 2020 started with great promise, until the news of our beloved Sultan's passing.<br />
Even though we had already known about his illness and that in the last month of 2019, it reached critical, the news of his death still came upon us like a bolt from the blue.<br />
<br />
It has been forty days since, yet the wound is still fresh... <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/k1arzkt"><img height="626" src="https://i.imgur.com/k1arzkt.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
I had planned to blog more this year, but after this tragedy, I feel it hard to.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o'er wrought heart and bids it break</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>_________</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shakespeare's Macbeth - Act 4 Scene 3 </span></span></div>
<br />
Yet nobody should stop life and even though blogging might not be as important as other things, it is to me a great way to express my grief, so I can see life through rose-coloured glasses again - as we all need to these days - and I hope this post would allow.<br />
<br />
Honouring <i>His Majesty</i>'s legacy through writing, is the only way I know how, but I'm finding it, by far, the hardest thing I ever had to talk about. Still, I'll rally, because I feel it necessary.<br />
<br />
Before I can go any further, I shall first talk a little about his life, because it's the only way anyone would be able to comprehend our intense love for <i>His late Majesty Sultan Qaboos</i>. Thus I have decided to post two parts; the first being a brief history, and the second his influence on his people's lives, so in the name of <i>God Almighty</i> we start...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>____________________ </b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sultan Qaboos (A Short History)</b></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Family: </b></h3>
The House of <i>Al-Said</i> has been the ruling royal family of <i>Oman </i>- formerly ruling <i>Oman</i> , <i>Gwadar</i> and <i>Zanzibar</i> - since 1744. It is one of the longest ruling dynasties in <i>Arabia </i>and the first to gain independence.<br />
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>is the 14th <i>Al-Said</i> ruler and father of modern <i>Oman</i>.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Birth:</b></h3>
<a href="https://imgur.com/461B6zY" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="200" src="https://i.imgur.com/461B6zY.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="189" /></a><i>Qaboos bin Said Al-Said</i> was born on 18th November 1940, in <i>Salalah</i>, <i>Oman</i>. He was the only son and had two half sisters, <i>Omaima</i> (died in 2002) and <i>Hujaija </i>(died in infancy).<br />
<br />
When he was born, his father, Sultan <i>Said bin Taimur</i> was already Sultan of <i>Oman</i>, after his father Sultan <i>Taimur bin Faisal</i> abdicated the throne, in 1932.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b> </b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Education:</b></h3>
<a href="https://imgur.com/fWdFwlo" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/fWdFwlo.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="244" /></a><i>Qaboos</i> recieved private primary and secondary education in <i>Salalah</i>, <i>Oman</i>, before his father sent him to <i>Bury St Edmunds</i>,<i> England</i>, at the age of 16, for two years, to be educated privately.<br />
<br />
In 1960, He entered the <i>Royal Military Academy</i>, <i>Sandhurst</i> and graduated in 1962, then joined <i>The Cameronians</i> (<i>Scottish Regiment</i>) in <i>Germany</i> for a year.<br />
<br />
He continued studying Politics and Goverment in <i>England</i>, then celebrated his graduation by touring the world.<br />
<br />
<i>Qaboos </i>returned to <i>Oman</i> in 1964 and studied Religion and History.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Rise To Power: </b></h3>
Sultan <i>Said </i>inherited <i>Oman </i>in 1932, during a period when the country was in great debt, but he still made appreciable changes to maintain stability, until an assasination attempt in 1966, that prompted signs of paranoia in the Sultan.<br />
<br />
<i>Oman </i>changed drastically. Many customs that were considered normal, had been forbidden, because everything seemed suspicious to him. And eventually, those changes grew bigger, until the country began a period of seclusion from the world.<br />
<br />
When <i>Qaboos </i>returned from <i>England</i>, he couldn't escape his father's fears and was immediately confined to the palace.<br />
<br />
After witnessing the backwardness state his father put upon <i>Oman </i>and how the legacy of his country was deteriorating, the young prince seeked the assistance of <i>Britain</i>, to overthrow his father.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/AAovIDI"><img height="409" src="https://i.imgur.com/AAovIDI.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And so, on 23rd July 1970, a peaceful revolution ensued and <i>Qaboos </i>was made Sultan of <i>Oman</i>.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Reign: </b></h3>
Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>'s reign is one of the longest in <i>Arabia</i>, spanning almost 50 years. He pulled <i>Oman</i> from the mud - his predecessor buried it in - and transformed it into a modern paradise.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><b><i>“</i></b>Yesterday it was complete darkness and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat, Oman and its people.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I PROMISE you to proceed forth within the process of creating a modern government. </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>My first act will be the immediate abolition of unnecessary restrictions on your lives and activities.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/wnuWVYW" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://i.imgur.com/wnuWVYW.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="371" /></a><b><i>My People,</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>I will proceed as quickly as possible to transform your life into a prosperous one with a bright future. Every one of you must play his part towards this goal.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Our country in the past was famous and strong. If we work in unity and co-operation, we will regenerate that glorious past and we will take a respectable place in the world.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>I call upon you to continue living as usual. I will be arriving in Muscat in the coming few days and then I will let you know of my future plans.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>My People,</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>I and my new government will work to achieve our general objective.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>My People, My Brothers,</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i> </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Yesterday it was complete darkness and with the help of God, tomorrow will be a new dawn on Muscat, Oman and its people.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>God bless us all, and may He grant our efforts, success.</i></b><b><i>” </i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>_________ </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sultan Qaboos bin Said's first public speech as Sultan, 1970</span></div>
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>began the transformations immediately after he ascended the throne.<br />
Among the very first decrees<i> </i>he enforced, was the abolishing of slavery.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/swGAm7H"><img height="373" src="https://i.imgur.com/swGAm7H.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
He used oil revenues to build schools, hospitals and overall infrastructure. Then established telecommunication networks and electricity, and built ports and airports.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/ilbFMaI"><img height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/ilbFMaI.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While he oversaw all that, Sultan <i>Qaboos</i> faught alongside the military against a rebellion that had begun before his reign. And in 1976, he succeeded. Oman was peaceful and united again - and remained so, throughout his reign.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/3Onbih3"><img height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/3Onbih3.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
<i>His Majesty</i>'s vision for <i>Oman </i>was to progress into a modern developed oasis, but steadily, because he believed gradual growth is the only way to preserve our values and identity.<br />
Education and constant improvement in living standards was also key to accepting progression. All of which he made sure were given to citizens and expatriates alike.<br />
<br />
During his reign, <i>Oman</i>:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://imgur.com/XrL4Gyp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="239" src="https://i.imgur.com/XrL4Gyp.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="320" /></a>
<li>Joined the<i> United Nations</i>, in 1971</li>
<li>Joined the<i> Arab League</i>, in 1971</li>
<li>Co-founded the <i>Gulf Cooperation Council</i>, in 1981</li>
<li>Ranked the most improved nation in the world in terms of development, by <i>UN </i></li>
<li>Ranked the safest country in the world by <span class="ILfuVd NA6bn c3biWd"><span class="e24Kjd"><i>World Economic Forum</i></span></span></li>
<li><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn c3biWd"><span class="e24Kjd">Ranked the friendliest country in the world by <i>InterNations</i></span></span></li>
<li><span class="ILfuVd NA6bn c3biWd"><span class="e24Kjd">Ranked among the most peaceful countries in th world by <i>Global Peace Index</i></span></span> </li>
<li>Ranked to have among the best road quality in the world, by <i>World Economic Forum</i></li>
<li>Ranked the least polluted country in the <i>Arab </i>world, by <i>World Health Organisation</i></li>
<li>The capital was named the best city to visit in the world by <i>Lonely Planet</i></li>
<li>Listed five <a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/statesparties/OM"><i>World Heritage Sites</i></a> with <i>UNESCO</i>, for:</li>
</ol>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/433">Bahla Fort</a><span class="mw-headline" id="Archaeological_Sites_of_Bat,_Al-Khutm_and_Al-Ayn"> (1987)</span></li>
<li><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/434"><span class="mw-headline" id="Archaeological_Sites_of_Bat,_Al-Khutm_and_Al-Ayn">Archaeological Sites of Bat, Al-Khutm and Al-Ayn</span></a><span class="mw-headline" id="Land_of_Frankincense"> (1988)</span></li>
<li><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1010"><span class="mw-headline" id="Land_of_Frankincense">Land of Frankincense</span></a><span class="mw-headline" id="Falaj_irrigation_systems"> (2000)</span></li>
<li><span class="mw-headline" id="Falaj_irrigation_systems"><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1207">Al-Falaj irrigation systems</a> (2006)</span></li>
<li><span class="mw-headline" id="Falaj_irrigation_systems"><a href="http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1537">Ancient City of Qalhat</a> (2018)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Politics:</b></h3>
As soon as the Sultan took over in 1970, he declared that the country will no longer be called <i>Muscat and Oman</i>, but the <i>Sultanate of Oman</i>. He also introduced the <i>Omani Rial</i> as an official currency.<br />
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>established an absolute monarchy as a political system for <i>Oman </i>and all legislation was made through Royal decrees. He was the <i>Head of Government</i>, the <i>Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces</i>, <i>Prime Minister</i> and <i>Minister of Defense</i>, <i>Foreign Affairs</i>, and <i>Finance</i>, while appointing a cabinat to assist him.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="https://imgur.com/HQdK2UB"><img height="200" src="https://i.imgur.com/HQdK2UB.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="176" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/0CTja7S"><img height="200" src="https://i.imgur.com/0CTja7S.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="176" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/kCrqi3K"><img height="200" src="https://i.imgur.com/kCrqi3K.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="177" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/jgymoaJ"><img height="200" src="https://i.imgur.com/jgymoaJ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="177" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/YuiCXnz"><img height="200" src="https://i.imgur.com/YuiCXnz.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="177" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/zFa8efH"><img height="200" src="https://i.imgur.com/zFa8efH.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="177" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7PFpYwJK-S/">Muscat Memes</a> </span> </i></span> </div>
<br />
In 1981, The <i>Consultative Assembly of Oman</i><span dir="ltr"> </span>was founded. It is a chamber of the parliament that is not appointed by the Sultan, but all members are elected democratically.<br />
<br />
In 1997, The <i>Council of State</i> was founded. It is the upper house of parliament and members are appointed by the Sultan.<br />
<br />
In terms of foriegn policy, Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>, maintained the country's neutrality, throughout his reign. He adopted the motto: “<b><i>Enemy to none, Friend to all</i></b>”.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/mWyHujr"><img height="385" src="https://i.imgur.com/mWyHujr.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
He also played as an intermediary between the <i>USA </i>and <i>Iran<b> </b></i>on many occasions and was an instigator of peace between <i>Palestine </i>and the <i>Israeli </i>government.<br />
In addition, he assested the <i>UN </i>in several problems, including solving <i>Somali </i>piracy in the <i>Indian Ocean</i>.<br />
<br />
Many political leaders' families took asylum in <i>Oman </i>after the <i>Arab Spring</i>. And whenever Oman had to take in refugees, they were treated as <i>Omani </i>citizens, with the same rights and benefits.<br />
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>never started any wars nor did he particpate in them. He never put his people at risk and remained a pacifist all his life.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Marriage:</b> </h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/mp97S1b"><img height="442" src="https://i.imgur.com/mp97S1b.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
He married his cousin <i>Kamila </i>- the current Sultan's half sister - in 1976 and divorced in 1979, producing no heir.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Death:</b></h3>
After recieving checkups in <i>Germany</i>, in 2014, the results indicated that the Sultan suffered from <i>Colon Cancer</i>. Consequently, he had multiple treatments over the years, until finally in December 2019, his condition turned for the worse.<br />
As soon as he was told his illness was terminal, he returned to Oman - from <i>Belgium</i>, where he had his final checkup - to be in his country, among his people, before his last breath.<br />
<br />
And so, in that dreary morning of Friday, 10th January 2020, he passed away. Thus ends his prosperous and eventful history.<br />
<br />
As a military man, the late Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>was given a military procession before he was buried at the <i>Al-Said</i> cemetary. <br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Succession:</b></h3>
As Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>had no direct heir, by law, the royal family should unanimously agree on a new Sultan within three days of his death. Instead, the family opted to open a sealed letter left for them by the late Sultan, containing his recommendation for the new Sultan.<br />
<br />
It was revealed that his cousin, <i>Haitham </i>was his choice for Sultan. After the smooth transition, Sultan <i>Haitham </i>took an oath infront of the Council and on live television, promising to uphold Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>'s policies.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>____________________ </b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Interests:</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I decided to add an "interests" section it to this post, because I believe the Sultan's interests had shaped the <i>Omani </i>personality you could come across today. He taught us everything from arts and culture to patriotism and we owe our good traits, if any, to him.<br />
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos</i>'s hobbies and interests were visible to Omanis, as he always made sure to share them with us. Some of those interests included:<br />
<ul>
<li><i><b>Literature</b></i></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://imgur.com/ltCfZl8" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://i.imgur.com/ltCfZl8.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="322" /></a>Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>loved reading books about History and Politics and he had an extensive collection of publications in various languages.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
In 1985, His Majesty instructed the composition of <i>Arabic </i>names into an Encyclopedia as a valuable addition to the prestigious <i>Arabic </i>library. Over 150 researchers from various <i>Arabian </i>countries were called in to compile the names.<br />
<br />
In 2011, the <i>Sultan Qaboos Award for Culture, Arts and Literature</i> was founded and supported by <i>UNESCO</i>. It was formed to reward intellectual accomplishments and to promote cultural awareness.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><i>The Arts</i></b></li>
</ul>
Sultan Qaboos was a huge supporter of the arts and encouraged artistic ventures. He himself enjoyed drawing landscape, whenever he could find time. Respectively, from that interest stemmed his appreciation for photography.<br />
<br />
His Majesty's love for classical music started back when he had his <i>British </i>education.<br />
In the 1970s, as Sultan, he occasionally flew in <i>British </i>orchestras to perform at his palace. But all along, his dream was to have an orchestra comprised of Omani-only musicians.<br />
<br />
The Sultan believed that the arts play a crucial part in bridging between cultures and could be a tool to promote diplomacy and understanding among nations.<br />
So in 1985, Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>founded the <i>Royal Oman Symphony Orchestra</i> and children were recruited as young as 8 and chosen through rigorous tests.<br />
<br />
In 2003, Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>commisioned composer <i>Lalo Schifrin</i> to write a musical piece, called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nEtJJKeq7ejOO7l_jVN9RNhFDX4l2JYlk"><i>Symphonic Impressions of Oman</i></a>. <br />
<br />
In the past, classical musical events were held in <i>The Bustan Palace Hotel</i>, but it was inevitable that <i>Oman </i>would have a special venue for it. So in 2001, the project for building one started and in 2011, His Majesty opened the first opera house in the <i>Middle East</i>; <i>The Royal Opera House Muscat</i>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/bWcKc9z"><img height="426" src="https://i.imgur.com/bWcKc9z.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>Photographer Khalid Al-Busaidi </i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“In Oman, we try to preserve our musical heritage.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I cannot give preference to just one direction or to separate works. I like the music of Andalucía, Turkish and Iranian music, a lot of Indian and African music.</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I hope that all these efforts to develop music will lead to the fulfilment of my goal—to raise the cultural level of the people in general and musical education in particular.” </i></b></div>
<br />
His Majesty also ensured the preservation of Omani folklore music, so in 1984, the <i>Oman Center for Traditional Music</i> was established and historical music, songs and dances were collected and stored. The project was then cited by <i>UNESCO</i> as a historical reference.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><i>Athletics</i></b></li>
</ul>
<a href="https://imgur.com/i9crnDz" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="196" src="https://i.imgur.com/i9crnDz.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="200" /></a>Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>first started horse riding at the age of 4 years and developed into a skilled horseman. <br />
<br />
<i>Oman </i>is considered to have among the finest breeders of Arabian horses in the World and that was due to the Sultan's love for horses, which also lead him to host yearly equestrian festivals and camel races.<br />
<br />
<br />
After recieving military training, target sports became one of His Majesty's hobbies, that he frequently practiced in the desert. He was an exceptional sharpshooter at that.<br />
From time to time, he loved trying out new weapons, but guns, pistols and even crossbows - used on targets rather than animals of course - remained his favourites.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/aCqVqrg"><img height="249" src="https://i.imgur.com/aCqVqrg.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
Walking on the beach, particularly before bed, was also one of his favourite pasttimes. He did not only find it good exercise, but as a way to relax and meditate.<br />
<br />
His favourite athletic sport was Tennis and he tried to play it whenever he had time. He also enjoyed watching Tennis matches and other sports on television.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><i>His People</i></b></li>
</ul>
Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>loved driving around the country. He had yearly tours around the Sultanate to meet with the citizens and hear their needs.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://imgur.com/4SvzZOp"><img height="444" src="https://i.imgur.com/4SvzZOp.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
He didn't build palaces in every village and town, and didn't stay at hotels when he was touring either, instead, he camped in the desert and slept in tents.<br />
Even when foreign dignitaries paid visits, while he was on tour, he would fly them in from the capital to whereever his tour had paused, because nothing and noone could keep him from his people.</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><i>The Planet</i></b></li>
</ul>
<a href="https://imgur.com/U9tWpDQ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/U9tWpDQ.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="272" /></a>Astronomy was one of His Majesty's favourite subjects. He enjoyed stargazing and learning about anything relating to the planet.<br />
<br />
Sultan <i>Qaboos </i>made efforts in preserving the environment and his love for the earth lead him, in 1989, to establish the internationally known <i>Sultan Qaboos Environment Prize</i>, backed by <i>UNESCO</i>.<br />
<br />
<i>Oman </i>is considered one of the least polluted countries and has the cleanest beaches, which is why thousands of turtles migrate to the Omani coastline each year. It is also one of the few countries that are visited by birds from three continents.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>____________________ </b></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4931597110278759395.post-61973406979317185872020-01-09T10:30:00.000+04:002020-01-22T16:26:33.110+04:00Exercising into the New Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span title="Edited">I've been very unhealthy lately - and for the past hundred years - so I decided, from now on, to set aside a little time every morning to exercise.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span title="Edited"><a href="https://imgur.com/2EBZFKg"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/2EBZFKg.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="249" /></a> <a href="https://imgur.com/u00gxR3"><img height="320" src="https://i.imgur.com/u00gxR3.jpg" title="source: imgur.com" width="249" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span title="Edited">And here's a little inspiration for me and for anyone striving for good health, Lucy and Ethel at the gym. I actually have the photograph on the left on my mood board hehe will be showing you that in a different post sometime.</span><br />
<span title="Edited"><br /></span>
Featured photographs from:<br />
<span title="Edited"><b>Show:</b> <i>I Love Lucy</i></span><br />
<span title="Edited"><b>Season:</b> <i>03</i></span><br />
<span title="Edited"><b>Episode:</b> <i>15</i></span><br />
<span title="Edited"><b>Title:</b> <i>The Charm School</i></span></div>
mintybinthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15435954043617499170noreply@blogger.com2