DHAKA: Saudi Arabia and Iran have failed to reach a deal on arrangements for Iranians to attend this year’s Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, with officials from both countries trading accusations on who was to blame for the impasse.

Saudi officials accused their Iranian counterparts of walking out of talks early on Friday, despite what they said were offers for ‘solutions’ to the Iranian demands, Al Jazeera publishes this report on Saturday (May 28).

A statement from Saudi’s pilgrimage ministry said the Iranian government ‘will be responsible in front of Allah Almighty and its people for inability of the Iranian citizens to perform Hajj for this year’.

It added that the Saudi leadership ‘has stressed its categorical rejection to politicise Hajj rituals’.

Saeed Ohadi, head of Iran’s office that organizes the pilgrimage, earlier told Iran’s state television Press TV that his country will not send pilgrims to Saudi Arabia unless their safety is ensured.

Ohadi also said the ‘lack of a unified decision’ by Saudi officials is causing the delay in the agreement.

Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca and Medina, Islam’s holiest sites, which are under the custody of Saudi Arabia.

Last year, hundreds of pilgrims were killed during a stampede outside of Mecca. Iran said at least 460 Iranians were killed in the incident last September.

BDST: 1220 HRS, MAY 28, 2016
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