GCC states denounce Iran’s attempts to politicise Haj

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have denounced Iran’s attempts to politicise Haj and using the Islamic pillar to harm Saudi Arabia.

Secretary-General Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said GCC states denounce Iran’s stance that aims to politicise Haj by placing hurdles in the way of reaching a final agreement to pave way for Iranian pilgrims to perform the coming Haj.

GCC states call on Iranian officials to realise that Haj is a holy duty for all Muslims and should not be associated with political stances and disagreements among countries, Al Zayani added.

He urged Iran to work with the official entities in Saudi Arabia in charge of organising the Haj season in order to allow Iranian pilgrims to safely perform the holy duty.

He expressed the appreciation of GCC states and the Islamic world for efforts and facilitations offered by the Saudi monarch’s government to take care of pilgrims and visitors of the holy sites in Saudi Arabia.

A delegation from Tehran held four days of talks in Saudi Arabia last month, aimed at reaching a deal for Iranians to go for Haj, which will take place in September.

“Iran is the only country that refused to sign the agreement on the Haj. It insisted on a number of unacceptable demands,” Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Mohammed Bintin told state TV channel Ekhbariya.

Iran wants Saudi Arabia to issue visas through the Swiss embassy in Tehran.

Courtesy: thepeninsulaqatar.com