GCC Welcomes Signing of Jeddah Declaration between Sudanese Parties

Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals, on May 11, 2023. (AFP)
Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals, on May 11, 2023. (AFP)
TT
20

GCC Welcomes Signing of Jeddah Declaration between Sudanese Parties

Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals, on May 11, 2023. (AFP)
Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals, on May 11, 2023. (AFP)

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi welcomed on Friday the signing of the Jeddah declaration on the commitment to protect civilians.

The agreement was signed between representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces on Thursday

Al-Budaiwi expressed his renewed gratitude for the efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United States, despite all obstacles and difficulties, to bring all parties together and to align their views following a series of meetings on the current crisis.

He hoped that the response of the signatories of the agreement will allow safe passage for humanitarian workers and meet the needs of civilians.

He also hoped they would prioritize the interests and safety of the Sudanese people and that they would work towards consolidating Sudan’s sovereignty and preserve the unity of its institutions and territorial integrity.



Saudi Interior Ministry Enforces Penalties for Violating Hajj Permit Rules

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
TT
20

Saudi Interior Ministry Enforces Penalties for Violating Hajj Permit Rules

Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)
Pilgrims are seen at the Hajj last year. (EPA)

Colonel Talal bin Shalhoub, Spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Interior, announced that penalties are now being implemented against those performing Hajj, entering, or staying in Makkah and the holy sites without a permit. He made the remarks during a session at the Digital Communication Conference.
The Spokesman stated that anyone caught performing Hajj without a permit, or entering or staying in Makkah or the holy sites on a visit visa, faces a fine of up to SAR20000, the Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday.
He added that anyone facilitating these violations—such as applying for visas, transporting, sheltering, concealing, or otherwise assisting violators—faces a fine of up to SAR100000.
Fines are applied per individual violation. Residents or overstayers caught attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will be deported and banned from the Kingdom for 10 years, he noted.
Bin Shalhoub also warned against fraudulent Hajj schemes that falsely promise services such as accommodation, transport, surrogate Hajj services, sacrificial animals, or fake bracelets.
He also highlighted the ongoing "Makkah Route" initiative, part of the Pilgrim Experience Program under Saudi Vision 2030, operating at 11 airports in 7 countries. Launched in 1438 AH (2017 AD), the initiative has served 940,657 pilgrims.