Permanent constitution to be enacted for Qatar

Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani has decided to draw a permanent constitution for the country and to establish an elected parliament.

Sheikh Hamad was quoted as saying on Monday during his inauguration of the new session of the Shoura council: "We have decided to form a committee of specialists to draw a permanent constitution for the country with one of its main items is to form an elected parliament through direct voting of people."

Sheikh Hamad continued that the elections of the central municipal council in February 1999 will be through direct people's voting, noting that citizens will be given the right of nomination and election so as to establish a foundation for democratic practices in the country's political and social life.

Sheikh Hamad said he had decided to form a committee comprised of experts to establish the permanent constitution for the country.