Emirate Sharjah Sheik Reported Out--by Ouster or Abdication

Sharjah’s state radio said today that Sheik Sultan ibn Mohammed al Kasimi has abdicated as the emirate’s ruler, but the government in neighboring Dubai indicated he was toppled.

Sharjah radio broadcast a statement, purportedly on behalf of sultan, saying he was stepping down in favor of his brother, Sheik Abdulaziz.

Two hours later, Dubai’s state-run radio and television stations interrupted programs and said the abdication statement masked an “unacceptable move to take over government by force.”

Sharjah is the third-largest and richest of the seven sheikdoms that make up the United Arab Emirates in the southern end of the Persian Gulf.

The UAE, formed in 1970, comprises Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajmaan, Fujairah, Umm al Qaiwain and Ras al Khaima. Abu Dhabi is the seat of the federal government.

The Dubai government statement insisted “Sheik Sultan is the legitimate ruler” and called on the federal government to “correct this situation and restore legitimacy.”

“Security of the federation in indivisible and basic procedure of succession is of concern to all (emirates). The situation should be handled with decisiveness and firmness,” the government statement said.

In the statement broadcast by Sharjah radio, the sultan was quoted as citing unspecified financial problems as the reason for his decision to step down after 15 years as ruler.