Dr. Naseer Homoud hailed His Highness The Emir for his Democratic Reforms in Qatar

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Foreign Affairs Advisor of the Arab Non- Violence Society has hailed His Highness The Emir for his diligent and sincere efforts for mainstreaming true essence of democracy in Qatar.

Observing International Day of Democracy Dr. Naseer Homoud, Foreign Affairs Advisor of Arab Non- Violence Society and Honorary Member of Arab Youth Media Forum appreciated Qatar Government under vibrant and wise leadership of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani for implanting essence of democracy in Qatar. He said “as His Highness came to power in 1995, he ordered a gradual democratization of Qatar. His wide-ranging reforms culminated in Qatar's new constitution sanctioning parliament and public participation in the state's management”.

“The firm commitment of His Highness towards democracy and stability was made known to world at large when Qatar under his leadership settled the political turmoil in Lebanon followed by Darfur and active participation in resolving Libyan crisis”, said Dr. Homoud. Underlining the vision of His Highness Dr. Homoud quoted from one His Highness Speech which he delivered at 3^rd Qatar conference on Democracy and Free Trade (14 April, 2003) wherein His Highness said “we regard democracy and responsible popular participation in decision making and the running of state affairs as a pre-requisite for the development of our countries and societies and setting the role of the constitutional, political and legal institutions needed for building the state which is capable of addressing the requirements of the contemporary world and future challenges”. Dr. Homoud asserted that it was excellent vision of His Highness which turned Qatar to immediate attention of world’s map.

Speaking further Dr. Homoud said “Democracy does not only mean to give individuals absolute freedom to violate the rights of others. In short, democracy is people's participation and respect for human rights. From this standpoint since H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani came to power in 1995, the option of democracy was created in Qatar and is highly successful”.

He further said “the support of Qatar to various projects focusing on the rule of law, good governance and the advancement of women are itself evidentiary of its commitment towards democratic and egalitarian setup. Human rights and democracy is at the center of Qatar’s dialogues with the other countries of the Middle East region and world”.

Dr. Homoud maintained that it would be indeed misconception to see democracy just as holding of regular votes rather for a vibrant democratic setup, a stable and strong set of institutions and norms should be applied. “It should be ensured that democracy is based on the respect for individuals’ basic human rights. It requires government to be transparent and fair; adhering to international treaties and institutions, functioning courts, and police and it requires open societies, with free media, fair treatment of minorities, equal access to education and opportunity and that’s what Qatar is following and this shows the staunch commitment of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar”.