June 17, 2003	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 16, 1424

ABU DHABI-CAIRO, June 16: The succession to the throne of the Arab emirate of Ras al-Khaimah appeared on Monday to be an open dispute within the ruling family.

Khalid bin Saqr al-Qasimi, who was removed as crown prince by his father Sheikh Saqr bin Muhammad al-Qasimi last weekend, left for Oman Monday, according to sources in Ras al-Khaimah.

The United Arab Emirates government had sent troops backed by tanks to the small sheikhdom to contain any unrest after the appointment of Sheikh Saud as crown prince rather than his brother. Head of state Sheikh Saqr has yet officially to give a reason for his decision to switch the succession.—dpa