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Hariri to Velayati: Yemen Comes before Any Dialogue with Saudi Arabia

FILE PHOTO: Saad Hariri attends a general parliament discussion in downtown Beirut, Lebanon October 18, 2017. REUTERS
FILE PHOTO: Saad Hariri attends a general parliament discussion in downtown Beirut, Lebanon October 18, 2017. REUTERS
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Hariri to Velayati: Yemen Comes before Any Dialogue with Saudi Arabia

FILE PHOTO: Saad Hariri attends a general parliament discussion in downtown Beirut, Lebanon October 18, 2017. REUTERS
FILE PHOTO: Saad Hariri attends a general parliament discussion in downtown Beirut, Lebanon October 18, 2017. REUTERS

The press office of outgoing Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has denied remarks made by Iranian Supreme Leader’s advisor Ali Akbar Velayati that Hariri had offered to mediate with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during their last meeting in Beirut.

“Hariri did not offer to mediate between any country, rather he expressed to Velayati his point of view, which is the need to stop Iran’s intervention in Yemen as a first step and a precondition to any improvement in relations between Iran and the Kingdom,” the press office said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Hariri reiterated insistently that this is his personal point of view.”

When Velayati replied that he sees dialogue on the Yemeni crisis as a good starting point for dialogue between Iran and the Kingdom, Hariri answered: “No, Yemen comes before dialogue. I think that solving the problem in Yemen is the only way to start any dialogue between you and the kingdom.”

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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.