GCC Praises Saudi Arabia's Efforts in Yemen

 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was founded in 1981. Faisal Al Nasser/Reuters
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was founded in 1981. Faisal Al Nasser/Reuters
TT
20

GCC Praises Saudi Arabia's Efforts in Yemen

 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was founded in 1981. Faisal Al Nasser/Reuters
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was founded in 1981. Faisal Al Nasser/Reuters

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Naif Al Hajraf has praised the efforts exerted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Yemen which resulted in accelerating and activating the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement.

Hajraf also confirmed GCC’s keenness to restore security and stability in Yemen and its return as an active member in the Gulf and Arab arenas.

He affirmed the Council’s support for the United Nations efforts to reach a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis in accordance with the GCC initiative and its mechanisms, the outcomes of the comprehensive national dialogue and the Security Council Resolution No. 2216.

In a phone call with Yemeni Premier Maeen Abdulmalik, Hajraf hailed the Saudi efforts aimed at implementing the Riyadh Agreement and expressed his wishes to cope with current difficulties to alleviate Yemenis' suffering and help them reach the stability they pursue.

Yemen's PM said everyone is determined to apply the recently reached mechanism, to accelerate the Riyadh Agreement implementation, that has already started with his mandate and the appointment of Aden governor and the police director in preparation for the next steps.

He further lauded the great efforts and unlimited support provided by Saudi Arabia in Yemen's decisively existential battle to maintain its Arab identity and abort the Iranian project assumed by the Houthi group.



Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

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

Saudi Council of Senior Scholars: Performing Hajj without a Permit Is a Sin

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

Saudi Arabia’s Council of Senior Scholars stressed on Sunday the need to obtain a permit for anyone wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

In a statement, it warned that performing the pilgrimage without the permit “is a sin” and would “lead to several dangers and impact the safety and health of pilgrims and the services provided.”

Meanwhile, the Holy Makkah Municipality said 22,000 of its members and members of other entities are dedicating their services and capabilities to implement this year’s Hajj season plan.

The municipality has provided 28 centers in the holy sites to offer the best services to the pilgrims.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, municipality spokesman Osama al-Zeitouni said it has backed up its efforts with several electronic platforms and apps that would help boost the efficiency of services and speed up procedures.

It has also dedicated a large fleet of equipment and human cadres and set up integrated plans and work programs that cover the entirety of the Hajj, he added.

The municipality's efforts include and are not limited to training members on crisis, disaster and crowd management. Dedicated teams will be in place to handle emergencies caused by rain or fires, as well as handling waste and garbage, providing protection against insects and regularly disinfecting camps.

The municipality has dedicated a team to monitor the markets, grocery stores and restaurants to ensure the safety of food provided.