'Turkey safe, secure for tourists from Oman'

Muscat: Many tourists, including the majority of Omanis in Turkey, are continuing their holidays, while the 17 million residents of Istanbul are going about their daily lives as the country returns to normal, according to Turkey’s Ambassador Uğur Doğan.
While briefing journalists recently, he said, “I can also assure you, from my first-hand experience, that the situation in Turkey is normal and quiet and everyone is going about their own business. In terms of security for our own citizens and those visiting Turkey at this time, the situation is completely secure and everything is under control.”
When asked if the embassy was aware of any incidents affecting Omanis during the attempted coup, Doğan said he was not aware of any problems.
“I think the people in Oman are quietly watching what is happening in Turkey and they are not alarmed. They have not come to us with any demands or requests.
“I think the Omanis remaining in Turkey, as it was reported, are continuing with their vacations because, as I said, if you go to Turkey you will be amazed to see how normal everything is, the ambassador said.
“There was a select group that tried to take over the government, but it was a very futile event and people did not take it seriously. Unfortunately we lost many lives,” added Doğan.
Ambassador Doğan also said that, although a state of emergency remains in place, the decree has been ordered to protect the nation and its people.
“The state of emergency has been a response to this latest coup, and the main reason is to conduct a more effective struggle against the already existing terrorist elements, and to counter any other possible undertakings by the current elements,who are being foiled and brought to justice.”
Doğan reiterated that the country might have to suffer the short-term consequences from the latest coup, in terms of fewer tourists visiting, after which things would return to normal. “This is to make it clear that the situation returned to its normal conditions, though I am sure it may have an adverse effect for a very short period of time, but after that I think it will be normal,” said Doğan.