Riyadh: King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz on Monday rejected any suggestions that Saudi Arabia should give up its role as the organiser of the Haj following last month's deadly stampede in Mina.
"The irresponsible statements aiming for political exploitation of the incident... shall not affect the role of Saudi Arabia, its duty and responsibilities in serving the guests of God," said the Saudi king.
Saudi Arabia had deployed "all its capabilities and efforts... to provide the guests of God with comfort, security and safety," Salman said in a statement carried by SPA state news agency.
The kingdom's organisation of the Haj and its response to the disaster provoked foreign criticism, mainly from its arch-rival Iran.
An Iranian top cleric had called for the Haj to be managed by other Islamic states after the tragedy.
"Saudi Arabia is incapable of organising the pilgrimage," said Ayatollah Mohammad Emami Kashani.
