(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Residents of Muscat will get a chance to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela with the South African Embassy opening a condolence book on Sunday for the global peace icon who passed away on Thursday.
The Embassy is also observing a ten-day mourning period, and flew the South African flag at half-mast over the weekend, an official said.
With a memorial service for Mandela to be held in Johannesburg on Tuesday, residents of Muscat spoke of a 'world leader' who was 'without peer' and had a reputation that transcended national boundaries.
Dr Mohammed bin Ahmed al Habsi, an academician and advisor for council committees to the Majlis A'Shura chairman, said, ''Oman was fortunate to have relations of friendship and cooperation with South Africa and its people. After his 1999 visit to the sultanate during which he met His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, Mandela left a historic mark on bilateral ties. Death has immortalised a leader known for his courage, humanitarianism and moral tolerance.''
According to Saada al Namani, who was born and raised in Uganda, ''Nelson Mandela was a household name. I first heard about him and the time he spent imprisoned while I was in school in Uganda. His reputation travelled beyond nations. He was truly a world leader. As President, he guided South Africa during a crucial period.''
Others called Mandela the first 'universal figure' to come from Africa who helped establish an identity for the people of the continent. ''He reached the pinnacle after great sacrifice. He will be always fondly remembered by people around the world,'' said Omar al Musalmy, a private sector employee.
Tariq al Khabouri, a retired civil servant said, ''Nelson Mandela was a great leader and a universal figure who believed in non-violence
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