HH the Emir Participates in Tunisian Celebrations

Tunis, January 14 (QNA) - HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani participated today in Tunisian celebrations held in Conference Palace to mark the first anniversary of the Tunisian Revolution. In a speech during the celebrations, HH the Emir reiterated Qatar's readiness to contribute to a support fund for the martyrs and the injured of the Tunisian Revolution, and expressed his sincere greetings to everyone who contributed to the peaceful transitional path that followed the revolution. HH the Emir said that destiny responded to the will of people who turned poets' dreams into reality, subjected politics to the aspirations of peoples and set an example in peaceful change that opened doors wide to change and dispelled despair to serve as a human model that impressed the world. HH pointed to the role of the Tunisian army and its chief General Rachid Ammar who served as a model for a patriotic army that defends its people and protects its institutions, which helped in the gradual peaceful power transition. HH the Emir added that the insistence of the Tunisian people, intellectuals and political forces on peaceful change and accepting all ideological currents is indeed indicative of a consciousness that enlightens the way for populaces yearning for freedom and dignity. HH stressed that walking the development and building path for the greater good of the whole society is the best guarantee to confronting problems and finding solutions for them. "This is a huge responsibility but we are confident there are brothers and friends who are interested in your success," HH the Emir said. Members of the official delegation accompanying HH the Emir attended the celebrations. In his speech, HH the emir said ‘‘I am pleased and honored to be here among you today to commemorate the first anniversary of the Tunisian revolution. I can only but express my deep appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Tunisia and its people for their kind invitation to share the Tunisian people joy for the march of their revolution which heralds freedom, development and stability. HH the Emir praised the Tunisian people as a support to the nation and a pioneer of the change that achieves dignity and justice for the oppressed peoples in the Arab nation, which looks forward to progress and pride, and which its peoples aspire to be masters of their own decisions. '' I am confident that the Arab peoples that live in dignity and freedom in their countries will push for the creation of big blocs for the sake of their good and interests,'' HH the Emir said. HH the Emir contented that everyone in the East and West must realize that what is happening today in the Arab world revolutions is not military coups but rather revolutions of peoples seeking justice and freedom and should be dealt with accordingly. HH the Emir said that the State of Qatar and Tunisia have a common culture and history. His highness added that the sentiments of Qatari and Arab people in general were a true reflection of the common culture and history. HH the Emir said that it is the duty of Qatar to stand by Tunisia to get past the transitional period successfully, adding that the time has come to present an integrated economy of Arab nations. HH the Emir said he was confident that richer Arab countries will commit to their duties in standing by Tunisia during its transitional period. HH the Emir said, in the name of the people of Qatar, he would like to contribute to the fund that supports Tunisian Martyrs and victims of the revolution, saying that Tunisia's martyrs are Qatar's martyrs as well. In conclusion, HH the Emir thanked the Tunisian President, Prime Minister, members of the constituent assembly as well as all those who contributed to the revolution's transitional period. HH the Emir prayed for mercy on all of the revolution's martyrs. (QNA)