The Omani ruler on Sunday granted lawmaking powers to politicians outside the ruling family. The decree by Sultan Qaboos bin Said comes in order to appease protesters.
Based on Sunday's decree, two current advisory councils will receive powers to make laws and regulations within 30 days after a special commission decides how to amend the state statutes. The Omani leader also boosted state pensions and payments for families receiving state social security.
Before the announcement, unknown arsonists burned a government office and the home of a clan leader in Ebri, some 350 kilometers northwest of the capital Muscat. No injuries were reported.
