Qatar starts new era as emir steps down and hands power to his son
Source: Agencies |
June 26, 2013, Wednesday
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QATAR'S emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani handed power yesterday to his son Crown Prince Sheik Tamim, taking the rare step for a Gulf Arab ruler of voluntarily ceding power to try to ensure a smooth succession.
But the 61-year-old emir made no immediate mention of the public face of Qatar's assertive foreign policy, prime minister and foreign minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassim, a veteran politician who had been expected also to step down.
In a seven-minute speech aired on state television, the emir said it was time for a new generation to take over following his 18 years at the helm of the small, rich state.
"The time has come to open a new page in the journey of our nation that would have a new generation carry the responsibilities ... with their innovative ideas," said Sheik Hamad, reading a prepared text behind his desk, where Qatar's deep red and white flag was perched nearby.
"I address you today to inform you that I will transfer power to Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. I am fully confident that he is qualified for the responsibility and is trustworthy."
State television later showed streams of well wishers greeting the outgoing emir and Sheik Tamim at the royal court.
The emir did not specify when the change would take effect but a Qatari official had said the move, once announced, would take immediate effect.
On the eve of the power transfer, Sheik Hamad issued a decree extending the term of the advisory shura council, in effect indefinitely postponing elections that had been tentatively scheduled for the second half of the year.
The election would have been the first to the Shura Council, 30 of whose 45 members are meant to be elected, with the others appointed by the emir, under a constitution approved in 2003. All the body's current members are appointed.
Diplomats have said the emir, who overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, had long planned to abdicate in favor of 33-year-old Crown Prince Sheik Tamim.
Yesterday was a national holiday in the country of a one-family absolute monarchy that has ruled for more than 130 years. The royal court has invited Qataris to go to swear allegiance to Sheik Tamim yesterday and today.
Qatar is a small country of 2 million people but is a big exporter of natural gas, a global investment powerhouse and a financial backer of Arab Spring revolts.
In Tehran, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said: "Most definitely we will be watching these developments and waiting for more details ... The tranquility and stability in that country and elsewhere in the region is of high importance for the Islamic Republic of Iran."
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the dominant Gulf Arab power, congratulated Sheik Tamim on his accession, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.
British foreign secretary William Hague said in a statement he looked forward to even stronger ties to Qatar.
But the 61-year-old emir made no immediate mention of the public face of Qatar's assertive foreign policy, prime minister and foreign minister Sheik Hamad bin Jassim, a veteran politician who had been expected also to step down.
In a seven-minute speech aired on state television, the emir said it was time for a new generation to take over following his 18 years at the helm of the small, rich state.
"The time has come to open a new page in the journey of our nation that would have a new generation carry the responsibilities ... with their innovative ideas," said Sheik Hamad, reading a prepared text behind his desk, where Qatar's deep red and white flag was perched nearby.
"I address you today to inform you that I will transfer power to Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. I am fully confident that he is qualified for the responsibility and is trustworthy."
State television later showed streams of well wishers greeting the outgoing emir and Sheik Tamim at the royal court.
The emir did not specify when the change would take effect but a Qatari official had said the move, once announced, would take immediate effect.
On the eve of the power transfer, Sheik Hamad issued a decree extending the term of the advisory shura council, in effect indefinitely postponing elections that had been tentatively scheduled for the second half of the year.
The election would have been the first to the Shura Council, 30 of whose 45 members are meant to be elected, with the others appointed by the emir, under a constitution approved in 2003. All the body's current members are appointed.
Diplomats have said the emir, who overthrew his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, had long planned to abdicate in favor of 33-year-old Crown Prince Sheik Tamim.
Yesterday was a national holiday in the country of a one-family absolute monarchy that has ruled for more than 130 years. The royal court has invited Qataris to go to swear allegiance to Sheik Tamim yesterday and today.
Qatar is a small country of 2 million people but is a big exporter of natural gas, a global investment powerhouse and a financial backer of Arab Spring revolts.
In Tehran, an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said: "Most definitely we will be watching these developments and waiting for more details ... The tranquility and stability in that country and elsewhere in the region is of high importance for the Islamic Republic of Iran."
King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the dominant Gulf Arab power, congratulated Sheik Tamim on his accession, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.
British foreign secretary William Hague said in a statement he looked forward to even stronger ties to Qatar.
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