Qatar emir hands over power to son

Qatar emir hands over power to son
Mon Jun 24, 2013 10:55:10

Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani of Qatar has renounced the throne in favor of his son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

In a speech broadcasted on Qatar’s state television, Sheikh Hamad said it was time for a new generation to take over. He made no direct mention of the prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, who had been widely expected to step down as well. 

Sheikh Hamad has been in power since 1995.

The tiny country is the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas.

Diplomats said this month that the emir was considering a smooth transfer of power that would probably begin with the departure of the prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani.

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