Iran announces to boycott annual Hajj pilgrim
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TEHRAN: Iran announced to boycott annual Hajj Pilgrim due to lack of security and blamed Saudi Arabia for creating obstacles for Iranian pilgrims to perform the Hajj rituals.
Iranian Minister of culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati blamed Saudi Arabia for failure of Hajj negotiations.
Ali Jannati said “Due to ongoing sabotage by Saudi government, it is hereby announced that … Iran’s pilgrims have denied the privilege to attend the Hajj this year, and responsibility for this rests with the government of Saudi Arabia.”
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir rejected all Iranian concerns and claimed it a hype.
He said “Saudi Arabia does not prevent anyone from performing the religious duty.”
He claimed that Iranian authorities demanded prioritize facilities and asked for demonstration during Hajj which is unacceptable.
He said “Iran refused to sign the memorandum and was practically demanding the right ot hold demonstration and to have other advantages… that would create chaos during Hajj , which is not acceptable.”
The relations between Riyadh and Tehran broken after the execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr due to which Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
www.ewn.co.za
