国际英语新闻:Qatari emir transfers power to 33-year-old son

DOHA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, who has ruled the country for 18 years, on Tuesday handed over power to his 33-year-old son Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al- Thani.

The outgoing emir made the rare announcement in a televised address to the nation Tuesday morning.

"As I address you today, I declare that I will hand over the power to Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani; and I am fully certain that he is up to the responsibility, deserving the confidence, capable of shouldering the responsibility and fulfilling the mission," the emir was quoted as saying by the Qatari News Agency (QNA).

"I am fully certain that you will be his support as you have always been to me," the emir added.

"I had not desired the power for sake of power; nor endeavored to rule for personal motives; it has always been the nation's interests and that interest has dictated that we lead to a new chapter," he added.

Qatar has given no official explanation on the uNPRecedented transition, but it is rumored that Sheik Hamad is suffering from health problems as such move is rare in the region.

The small but oil-rich kingdom has been dominated by the al- Thani family for almost 150 years. Sheikh Hamad seized the power from his father in a bloodless coup in 1995, with support of the Armed Forces and cabinet as well as some neighboring states.

In 2003, Sheikh Tamim, the second son of the emir, was named a heir apparent by his father to replace his elder brother. Tamim is a graduate of Britain's prestigious Sandhurst military academy.

Under Sheikh Hamad, Qatar enhanced its cooperation with the United States and hosts a large U.S. military base.