MUSCAT, Oman, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Protesters refused to end their blockade of roads in the Omani port city of Sohar Monday despite government moves to appease them, demonstrators said.
Intersections along the main highway linking Sohar with Muscat, the capital, were shut by protesters demanding better salaries, more jobs, an end to government corruption and resignation of the nation's leaders, the Financial Times reported.
"We are with the sultan, but against this government," one man told the newspaper.
Protesters called for demonstrations in Muscat Tuesday.
Witnesses told CNN there were no clashes Monday after a violent weekend, and the two sides were keeping apart.
After vandalism during the weekend, protesters organized to protect buildings and handle traffic, witnesses said.
Army vehicles ringed the city, but police remained in their barracks after Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said said Sunday security forces should refrain from attacking protesters. He also announced the creation of 50,000 more jobs for Omanis and monthly unemployment benefit of $390.
Tensions escalated Sunday between stone-throwing protesters and security forces using live ammunition and tear gas in Sohar. Several deaths were reported, but the health minister said there was only one.
Many businesses in Sohar were closed Monday as a precaution, the Financial Times reported.
