New permanent constitution for Qatar

Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khaleifa al-Thani has released a decree that provides for setting up a committee with the responsibility of preparing a permanent constitution for the country in preparation for holding the first parliamentary elections in Qatar.

The Qatar News Agency said the decree states that the 32 member committee, including six members of the ruling al-Thani family, will prepare the draft for the country's permanent constitution during a period not to exceed three years from the date of releasing this decree.

The ruler of Qatar announced at the end of 1998 his intention to form the committee under the conditions that one of its main provisions state to form a parliament elected directly by the people of Qatar.

The Qatari emir said the constitution must be based on Gulf, Arab and Islamic reality, as well as on original Arab traditions and the principles of the Islamic religion.