Qatari Papers Hails Historic Power Handover to HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Doha, June 26 (QNA) - Qatari Newspapers highlighted on Wednesday the historic transfer of power announced yesterday by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Arabic daily newspapers underlined that the handover of the reins of power represents an extraordinary event not only in Qatar, but in the whole region. They hailed the accomplishments achieved by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and his role in building and developing the modern State of Qatar, as well as supporting Arab, Islamic and international issues. The papers expressed full confidence that the State of Qatar under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will achieve more accomplishments in completion to the development process which has proved success at both internal and external levels. Arabic daily Arrayah welcomed HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and believed that HH Sheikh Tamim will lead the country to further progress and success thanks to the big experience he had acquired in managing the country's affairs under the leadership of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The paper hailed the great achievements of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and said that he HH Sheikh Hamad will always be an icon for his people and for the whole Arab and Islamic nation. Since HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa took the reins of power in June 1995, the State of Qatar has witnessed significant achievements in all fields, including: comprehensive development, democracy and popular practice, freedom of the media, security, prosperity, reforms, human rights, and full women's rights in education, employment, equality and political participation, in addition to strong and solid foreign relations and contribute to resolving crises and promoting international peace and security, the paper said. Meanwhile, Al-Sharq daily said that history and generations will not forget the role of HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani in building and developing the modern State of Qatar and his support for Arab and Islamic issues. The State of Qatar is entering a new era under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani who proved great success in local and foreign issues, the paper said. For its part, Al-Watan daily also underlined that the State of Qatar lived yesterday a historic event that will be remembered by coming generations. It said that the decision made by HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani reflected his confidence in the capabilities of Qatari youth to lead the development process in the country. Qatar's English-language newspaper Gulf Times highlighted the bouquet of encomiums and congratulatory messages for HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that poured out from top leaders, decision-makers, prominent citizens and expatriate community members for the announcement of the smooth transition of power. In an editorial, the daily praised HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, for his "eloquent speech that brought out the visionary in Sheikh Hamad, a leader for who "serving the homeland and the people" was the sole mission of his life. HH Sheikh Hamad was truly the "Peoples Emir," the Gulf Times editorial said and added that "Under Sheikh Hamads leadership, Qatar has emerged as a regional diplomatic power. The state mediated conflicts in Darfur, Somalia and Lebanon and strived tirelessly in improving inter-Palestinian dialogue." Gushing praises in its editorial, The Peninsula, Qatar's second English-language newspaper known for its bold stance, said "In the 18 years that he ruled HH Sheikh Hamad made Qatar what it is today. "The region and the world watched in admiration as Qatar marched forward - in foreign policy, economy, local development - leaving the global media scrambling for epithets to best describe these achievements." Reiterating HH Sheikh Hamad's visionary leadership that has forged Qatar "ahead with perseverance and vision" and achieves what policies and decisions Doha undertakes, The Peninsula editorial said and added, "It is this glorious legacy and the ever-increasing expectations of our people and the world that HH Sheikh Tamim will inherit." (QNA)