IN THE NAME OF GOD

THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL

Brothers,

 I have the pleasure to meet you on this significant occasion, namely the formation of and the start of activities by the ad hoc committee to draft a permanent constitution for the country. This is a noble task and honourable work and I am quite confident that you are well-qualified to carry it out, to shoulder its responsibilities and to deliver the mission assigned to you in the best manner. It is no easy job because the constitution is the basic document which embodies the substantial principles, which guide the state’s policy in political, economic, social and cultural affairs, defines public rights and duties and organizes the state’s authorities and the ruling system. Moreover, it mirrors the degree of progress attained by the country and shaped its future horizons.

 The constitutional evolution in the State of Qatar passed through successive phase reflecting the degrees of growth in our country. Qatar’s first provisional constitution was issued in 1970, before independence, in 1972, it was amended to cope with the demands and responsibilities of the then new phase and to keep pace with the natural course of evolution and progress.

 Since then about a quarter of a century had elapsed during which the outlines and objective of the state’s policy, its Gulf, Arab and Islamic affiliations were shaped out. The state’s different authorities and organs have acquired experience through an actual practice on both domestic and external levels, because Qatar has always been at the heart of our Gulf region’s events and a full partner in its Arab and Islamic causes and has never been isolated from global events or developments. So, our experience in these different spheres were rich and diverse.

 The legislative amendments introduce some provisions of the amended provisional constitution, relating to the executive authority and the provisions pertaining to the succession to the rule in the country in completion of the constitutional aspects organizing this issue, besides the issuance of the judicial authority law and other basic laws regulating civil and commercial dealing were also steps taken along the path of completing the build up of the state’s apparatus and laying the foundations of the state of institutions and law.

 It was necessary that our next step had to be the drafting of a permanent constitution for the state to conform with the achievements attained in the country to meet our aspirations and hopes as we are on the threshold of the 21st century and to broaden the base of popular participation through the setting up of an elected house of deputies.

 To achieve this goal, I have issued the Amiri decision providing for the formation of your esteemed committee. The committee for the drafting of a permanent constitution.

 Brothers, our permanent constitution should be based on the reality of our Gulf, Arab and Islamic belonging, our genuine Arab traditions and the true principles of our Islamic religion. It should meet our strategic objectives, while taking into consideration our own reality, the positive and negative sides of our experience accumulated over the past years, the hopes and aspirations of our people and the objectives we aspire to achieve both now and in the future.

 It is no longer enough to start where others left off. We must have our far-sighted vision towards exploring future horizons as features of the 21st century became visible.

 Lessons and advises of history provided evidence that the peoples who armed themselves with knowledge, fortified themselves with science and established democracy and human rights respect have been the ones who countered challenges, overcame difficulties and built a society guided by responsible freedom for self-construction and for the strengthening of its institutions.

 We want a solid and stable constitution that meets our needs and aspirations and helps advance and development rather than lethargy or rigidity. We want a constitution that deepens the sense of belonging to this homeland.

 This homeland, for the sake of which the honourable, the brace courageously fought, we promise you to follow their steps.

 May God help you.

 Aal-Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatu Allahi Wa Barakatuhu.