DOHA: The Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H E Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabor Al Thani has said that the GCC states were not immune to popular revolts but the relationship between the people and the rulers in these countries was stronger compared to other other countries in the region.
In an interview with Egyptian daily Akhbar-el-Yom, the Prime Minister said that the mass revolts in several Arab countries should be dealt with quick and serious reforms by their governments.
Asked if the GCC states were immune to the Arab revolutions, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim said, "My testimony would not be complete because I am part of the system in the Gulf countries. But I can't say that GCC countries are hundred per cent immune, The truth is that the GCC has always been flexibe. The relationships between the ruler and the citiznes in the region is different from other countries. There is keenness to preserve the traditions and customs and more communication and understanding between the top and the bottom," he added.
He attributed the Arab revolutions to the spread of new ideas in the Arab world that refuse to accept poltical repression.
It is possible to deal with these revolts if the Arab rulers started to implement the reforms in their countries quickly and seriously.
"In my opinion there is a need to hand over the flag to the young generation but regrettably this culture is lacking in the Arab countries. I cannot help condemning any ruler who kills his people in order to stick in power," said the Prime Minister.
Asked about the situation in Qatar, Sheikh Jassim bin Jabor said, "We don't have any political prisoners in our country and the human rights organisations are visiting our jails. There is great progress in education and health sectors and our interest is to develop our society."
He added that the recent hike in the salaries of Qatari government employees was to ensure a better distribution of the country's revenue among the citizens. This decision was not taken to ease any social or political pressure on the government.
Asked about the criticism that Qatar had been using Al Jazeera as a foreign policy tool, the Prime Minister said, "This is not true. Media freedom is part of the Emir's vision for the future road map for Qatar."
Regarding the situation in Syria, the Prime Minister said, "We dont have personal disagreement with the Syrian leadership. We demand the reforms demanded by the Syrian people."
He said Qatar was committed to fulfill its promised financial support to Egypt in the form of investments to the tune of $10bn but was not interested to interfere in the internal affairs of that country.
He denied allegations that Qatar was supporting some civil society groups and individuals in Egypt to influence the political future of that country.
There is no preferred candidate for Qatar to the Egyptian presidency. "We don't have any links with any of the candidates. This matter is left to the Egyptian public and we will not interfere," said the Prime Minister.
He said the Libyan crisis embodied the first positive co-operation between the West and the Arab countries.
The Arab states sought foreign intervention to impose a no-fly zone on Libya to prevent a total destruction of Benghazi and mass killing of Libyans as threatened by Saiful Islam Gaddafi.
The Prime Minister said Qatar was keen to continue its good relations with Iran.
"Iran is our immediate neighbour and it is a big country. We don't agree with all their policies and they don't agree will all our policies but we have agreed to have good relations."
"We are keen to maintain stability because any tension in the region will affect us directly," he added.
Asked if there was any plan for Qatar to host the political bureau of Hamas, the Prime Minister said Qatar had not yet discussed this matter.
© The Peninsula 2011
