HH The Emir on CBS 60 Minutes: Qatar Has Accomplished Meaningful Reforms

Washington, January 17 (QNA) - HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has stressed that "Qatar has no influence to wield on the Arab Spring peoples who are demanding equality and dignity, but is supporting them". On CBS news network's 60 Minutes program, HH added " If as such this is influence, I believe it is a healthy one, and deserves the world's support". Asked how Qatar has succeeded in averting the Arab Spring uprising, HH said " we have already experienced our Qatar Spring a long ago", expressing the belief that Qatar has accomplished meaningful reforms. On Qatar's support for the idea of dispatching Arab troops to Syria, HH said if there is a unanimous Arab decision on the issue in order to stop the killings in Syria, Qatar would back such unanimity. On the alleged role of Aljazeera television network in fomenting Arab uprisings, HH the Emir said "I am not sure that Aljazeera was behind that". Commenting, Bob Simon, presenter of the program said the winds of change of the Arab uprisings have swept wreaking havoc and chaos, albeit a sole country remained though untouched , that is Qatar. "Qatar today is not only an affluent country, but also a strong state that deservedly commanded the admiration of all in the Middle East . HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani is the man who stands behind this all", Simon added. Doha, the Qatari capital is where whole neighborhoods have been reclaimed and the buildings share the feature of jewel glittering", Simon said. A virtual Venice is around the corner. Rodeo Drive is down the block. And there are world-class restaurants in the ancient Arab souk, which was built five years ago, he said. On the program, HH the Emir was asked whether the Americans had asked him to sever relations with Hamas. "They do not like our relationship with Iran, Hamas nor Hezbollah. Perhaps if you go to the other side, the Iranians and Hamas do not like to see contacts with Israel.. the matter is intertwined", HH answered. Asked on Qatar's foreign policy founded on the friendship-with-all basis, HH the Emir questioned" Don't you think this is a good policy for a small country seeking friendship with all?". (QNA)