Oman’s Diplomatic Ties With Moscow Linked to South Yemen

ABU DHABI — Oman’s decision to establish diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union may have been prompted by Muscat’s rapprochement with the Soviet-backed government in South Yemen, diplomats in the region say.

South Yemen, Moscow’s closest Middle East ally, backed a 10-year rebellion in Oman’s southern Dhofar province that ended in 1976.

Diplomats said Muscat’s agreement to establish ties with Moscow, announced Sept. 26, followed a long process of reconciliation between Oman and South Yemen, culminating in the exchange of ambassadors this summer.

Oman’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Youssef Bin Alawi, told the newspaper Oman that Moscow had “undoubtedly helped the sultanate by improving relations between states of the Arabian peninsula.” He did not specify which states.

Oman’s announcement surprised observers because of the conservative sultanate’s close ties with the United States. Oman, Somalia and Sudan were the only predominantly Arab nations not to break relations with Egypt after Cairo signed its U.S.-sponsored peace treaty with Israel in 1979.

Oman also allows the United States use of its military facilities for routine logistical functions.

Oman has traditionally followed an independent line in foreign policy. It coordinates closely with the other five members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, but has not hesitated to act alone. The council, established in 1981 as a defense and economic grouping, comprises Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Kuwaitis the only Gulf council member currently with an embassy in Moscow. Kuwait, Oman and the Emirates also have diplomatic relations with China, which is also eager to expand its ties in the Persian Gulf.

The Omani minister of state for foreign affairs told reporters in New York, where he met Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard A. Shevardnazde, that the establishment of ties with Moscow was not connected to future moves by other Gulf Cooperation Council states. However, diplomats said the Omani move was bound to encourage others, led by Saudi Arabia, to follow suit. The Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar often follow the lead of the Saudis.