*RIYADH – Qatar has accused Saudi Arabia of barring its citizens from thisyear’s Hajj, something Riyadh denies, saying a diplomatic dispute is notstopping Qataris from making the pilgrimage to Makkah.*

Although 1,200 Qataris are eligible to perform the haj under a quotasystem, Qatar says it has become impossible to get permits, blaming thecampaign by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt tocut trade and diplomatic ties with the country.

Abdullah Al-Kaabi of the state-run Qatar National Human Rights Committeesaid Saudi Arabia had shut down an electronic system used by travelagencies to obtain permits for pilgrims from Qatar.

“There is no chance this year for Qatari citizens and residents to travelfor haj,” he told Reuters. “Registration of pilgrims from the State ofQatar remains closed, and residents of Qatar cannot be granted visas asthere are no diplomatic missions.”

A Saudi official said Qatar had blocked several registration links set upfor its pilgrims.