First of Iranian Hajj Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia

Muslim pilgrims pray near the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca. (AFP)
Muslim pilgrims pray near the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca. (AFP)
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First of Iranian Hajj Pilgrims Arrive in Saudi Arabia

Muslim pilgrims pray near the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca. (AFP)
Muslim pilgrims pray near the Kaaba, at the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia's city of Mecca. (AFP)

Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Mohammed Benten revealed on Sunday that the first Iranian pilgrims had started arriving in the Kingdom to perform the annual Hajj rites.

He stressed that the ministry has completed preparations of all Hajj services for the pilgrims, including Iranians, who started arriving in Saudi Arabia.

The Iranian pilgrims landed in Medina.

Preparations to receive pilgrims from Qatar are also complete, said Benten.

The minister had inspected the contract signed between the south Asia company and the pilgrims affairs office, as well as the contract signed between the company and the Qatar pilgrims affairs bureau.

In addition, he toured the civil institutions for non-Arab pilgrims from African countries and South Asia in order to present the operation plans for the 2017 Hajj season.

The presentation included several of the programs, goals, and execution, assessment and supervision mechanisms.

He also presented the food, transportation, awareness and accommodation services and efforts to improve them in line with the directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

At the end of his tour, Benten stressed the importance of providing quality services that reflect the hospitality of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques towards the pilgrims.

He highlighted the importance of Hajj organizers exerting efforts and bolstering cooperation to offer the best services and ensure the success of this year’s pilgrimage.



OIC Reaffirms Support for Palestinian People, Rejects Forced Displacement Efforts

OIC Reaffirms Support for Palestinian People, Rejects Forced Displacement Efforts
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OIC Reaffirms Support for Palestinian People, Rejects Forced Displacement Efforts

OIC Reaffirms Support for Palestinian People, Rejects Forced Displacement Efforts

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has rejected and condemned plans to displace the Palestinian people from their land, whether temporarily or permanently, and efforts to undermine the Palestinian cause, deeming them a blatant violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions.
According to SPA, OIC renewed its call for the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces, the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Gaza Strip, and support for the displaced to return to their homes. It also emphasized the need to enable the Palestinian government to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining the unity of Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, and implementing emergency relief programs, economic recovery, and reconstruction efforts.
The OIC reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to their land and holy sites, urging the international community to implement the two-state solution in a manner that ensures the end of Israeli occupation, allows the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and reclaim their legitimate rights, and secures a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.