LOC22:19
19:19 GMT
JEDDAH, May 27 (KUNA) -- A delegation from the Iranian Hajj and Visit Organization has left Saudi Arabia without signing minutes of arrangements for Iran's hajs (pilgrims) for this pilgrimage season, the Saudi authorities said on Friday.
This is the second time in two weeks that the Iranian organization declines to sign the arrangements.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah responded to the desire of the Chairman of Iranian organization and an accompanying delegation to visit the Kingdom and sign the arrangements of Iranian pilgrims' arrival to perform Hajj rituals for this Hajj season, the ministry said in a statement on Friday.
The delegation was formally received and provided all facilitations to them, including enabling them to perform Umrah.
During several meetings held on May 25-26, lasting for long hours, the two sides discussed all topics that were "previously addressed," it added.
The Saudi ministry offered a number of solutions for all points requested by the visiting delegation.
These included issuing visas electronically inside Iran in line with mechanisms agreed by the Saudi Foreign Ministry; transporting pilgrims equally between the national carriers in both countries; approving Iran's request to be diplomatically represented through the Swiss embassy to take care of pilgrims' interests, according to the statement.
However, at Friday's dawn, the delegation expressed desire to fly home, without signing the arrangements.
The Saudi ministry reiterated the Kingdom's utter rejection of attempts to politicize the Hajj rituals.
Two weeks ago, the Iranian delegation refused to sign the minutes of the Hajj arrangements and preferred to brief leaders at home on them first. (end)
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