GENEVA — The attempt by the Iranian regime to politically exploit the Mina tragedy is an extension of its historical record in harming pilgrims, causing chaos in Haj and disturbing the sacred atmosphere of Haj season, Assistant Speaker of the Shoura Council Dr. Yahya Bin Abdullah Al-Samaan said here on Tuesday. Addressing the 133rd session of the General Assembly of International Parliament Union (IPU), he said Iran committed crimes and tried to create chaos during Haj seasons. The events of the 80s are still fresh in the memories of the Islamic Ummah, Al-Samaan said, adding that Saudi Arabia will not allow Iran to exploit the Mina tragedy. He denounced Iran's politicization of the tragic incident by playing with the pain of the victims and exploiting the incident to serve its political objectives without taking into account the sanctity of religious rites and the feelings of the victims' families. He asserted that the Kingdom refuses intervention in its internal affairs because this is a violation of international law. Al-Samaan pointed out that everyone knows the Kingdom's responsibility and its efforts which are appreciated by many Islamic countries and Muslims. Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman takes all necessary measures for the safety and security of pilgrims and visitors to the two holy mosque, he said. During the past 10 years no untoward incident took place in the organization of Haj despite the difficulties arising from the presence of more than two million pilgrims who perform their rituals in a small area at a specific time, Al-Samaan said. He said the committee ordered by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, to investigate the causes of the incident is working to find out the reasons behind the tragic incident. The Shoura assistant speaker offered the Kingdom's condolences to the families of those who died in the Mina stampede.
