Qatar
Constitutional Background
Qatar has for some time had a Consultative Council and is expected to be the first state of the region that might go further towards public participation in government. There is no definite information yet (Feb 2004) about the actual promulgation of the 2003 Permanent Constitution. Once it is promulgated, the provisions of that law may not be amended for 10 years (cf. Article 148).
Qatar has the third-biggest proven gas reserves in the world (after Russia and Iran). The main export countries are Japan, South Korea, and India.
History and News
- 29 April 2003: Public referendum results in 97% approval of the constitution.
- 2 July 2002: Draft of the permanent constitution is presented to the Emir.
- 13 July 1999: Emir Sheikh Hamad establishes a drafting committee for a permanent constitution under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdullah Bin Saleh Al-Khuleifi.
- 28 June 1995: Saudi Arabia's King Fahd acknowledges Katar's new emir, Sheik Hamad who successfully revolted against his father Sheikh Khalifa al-Thani.
- 1994: Defence Minister Hamad, heir apparent of the Sheikh, concludes a defence pact to let the U.S. station 2000 troups in Qatar.
- 19 April 1972: Provisional Constitution adopted; national independence leads to this revision of the political system.
- 1970: Provisional system of governance.