DOHA: With a slew of reforms having been launched setting the process of democratisation in motion since the Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani took over reins of the country, Qatar is expected to remain trouble-free.
The country is closely monitoring the situation in Bahrain and Oman and is appreciative of the response of the governments there to the demands of the protesters, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani said yesterday.
The government of Bahrain has started talks with the protesters. "Dialogue is the ideal way to find a solution," the Premier said.
"In Oman, I think Sultan Qaboos has immediately taken important decisions mainly with respect to the economy to meet the demands of the protesters," he added.
The Premier was addressing a joint press conference with his visiting Spanish counterpart José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero at the Emiri Diwan yesterday.
Responding to a question about developments in neighbouring Bahrain and Oman from a journalist, he said the steps taken by the governments to address the problems were praiseworthy.
Asked about Qatar, he said in some key areas the country has introduced reforms. "Many reforms have been launched during the era of the Emir, mainly with regard to media and press freedom, municipal council elections, women's rights as a way for democracy," the Prime Minister said.
"Qatar has achieved a lot and it will continue to do so as it's an ideal way to establish a country where the people's participation is important." The Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero appreciated the role played by Qatar in the Middle East and the international arena.
"Qatar is working on reform and innovation in the Arab world and this is a matter of pleasure," said Zapatero. Both Prime Ministers were also asked about the situation in Libya. The premier recalling the statement made by the Emir at the press conference held with the German President on Sunday, said: "This is time for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to take a brave decision to avoid more bloodshed and destruction in Libya. The international community has said its word on this issue."
"If it is true that the people's committees in Libya have a right to take decisions as has been said by Colonel Gaddafi several times, people of Libya have said their words now. We hope the conflict in Libya to end as fast as possible and the bloodshed to end," he added.
In his response, Zapatero said, "The civil society does not accept Colonel Gaddafi's practices against his people; the civil society will support any action taken by the Libyan people."
© The Peninsula 2011
