Sultan running Oman from hospital bed in Munich

Special to WorldTribune.com

LONDON — Oman’s Sultan Qaboos Bin Said has sought is handling several government portfolios from a hospital in Germany.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrive sin Munich. / Reuters
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrive sin Munich. / Reuters

The 74-year-old sultan has undergoing treatment for cancer in Germany since July 2014. Qaboos, who holds virtually every key Cabinet position, has issued statements and decrees from his hospital bed in Munich in an effort to show that he remains in control after 44 years in power.

“Qaboos will not let anybody else speak for Oman,” a Western diplomat said.

On Jan. 10, Qaboos, who ordered a crackdown against dissidents, met U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry for a 90-minute private meeting in Munich, their first since May 2013.

Journalists who accompanied by Kerry were barred from photographing Qaboos, last seen in a video in November 2014.

The sultan has hosted talks between Iran and the United States. Qaboos, who does not have children or brothers, is the prime minister, defense minister, finance minister, foreign minister and interior minister.

“The visit was requested by Qaboos who wanted to show those at home that he is still in charge,” the diplomat said.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki refused to provide details of the sultan’s health. Ms. Psaki said Kerry’s visit demonstrated his “strong personal relationship” with Oman’s ruler.

“I expect this will be more of a personal meeting than a policy meeting,” Ms. Psaki said before the meeting.

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