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US report lauds religious freedom in Oman

MUSCAT - An annual report published by the US Department of State has praised religious freedom in Oman, underlining the positive steps and progress made by the country “for cementing the values of dialogue, tolerance and moderation between religions and cultures.”

The ‘Annual Report on International Religious Freedom 2010’ highlighted the role of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said in this regard and the setting up of a ‘Sultan Qaboos Chair of Religions and Joint Values’ at the Cambridge University.

It also underlined the Oman government’s role in promoting religious and cultural dialogue by hosting international intellectuals and scholars to give lectures and seminars, in addition to offering them opportunities to conduct researches about Islam in the sultanate.

The report said there had been no abuse or discrimination in the country in terms of religion, belief or tradition, pointing out that “not less than one million people are living side by side with Omanis despite their different religious beliefs without any noticeable troubles.”

Oman’s Basic Law of the State, it further said, ensured the freedom of religion, practice of rituals and rites and prevented any form of religious oppression or abuse.

ravindranath@khaleejtimes.com