Qatar emir says transfers power to his son, Sheikh Tamim

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani said on Tuesday he was stepping down and handing power to his son Sheikh Tamim.

In a speech broadcast on Qatar state television, Sheikh Hamad said it was time for a new generaiton to take over. He made no direct mention of Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, who had been widely expected to also step down. (Reuters)