Chairman of the Education and Scientific Research Committee at the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Dr. Mishaal Al-Salami, who is also member of the Arab parliament, confirmed today that his delegation to the 5th session of the Arab parliament in Cairo has briefed the Arab parliamentarians on the position of the Kingdom pertaining to its Hajj policy. In a statement to SPA following the meeting, Al-Salami said that all Islamic countries from which pilgrims come to perform the ritual in Saudi Arabia, the home of Muslims sacred places, and all Hajj-related organizations have signed a protocol aiming to secure pilgrims safety, comfort and security, adding that Iran is also a signatory of the agreement over the last years, but, contrary to what it was doing every year, Iran rejected to sign this year, he explained. Non-signing apparently has political significance, he noted, adding that Iran would like to turn Hajj from a faith-related worshipping ritual to a political event using political slogans, demonstrations, assemblies and social masses, a matter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would never allow as such practices would definitely lead to marring the security, tranquility and safety of pilgrims. Al-Salami reiterated that a clear Arab position towards the issue has emerged during today's Arab parliament meeting, citing the issuance of a statement that denounced Iran's interference in the Arab countries domestic affairs, particularly in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. The statement also called on Iran not politicize Hajj as the ritual is purely religious and should not be exploited for political designs, noting that most pilgrims are elders from the two sexes. He added that the Arab parliament also rejected the plans of armed militias in some Arab countries to play the roles of their countries' states or armies.
