Makkah: Crown Prince Nayef Bin Abdul Aziz, deputy premier and minister of interior, has asserted that there was no prior understanding between the Kingdom and Iran regarding Haj.
"There is no need for such an understanding as the Iranians have always affirmed their respect for Haj. They know the importance of this great ritual. After each Haj, the Kingdom receives appreciation letters from leaders of Iranian Haj missions," he said while emphasising that Saudi Arabia would not allow any demonstrations during the pilgrimage.
Prince Nayef was replying to questions during a press conference after an inspection tour of the holy sites wherein he watched a military parade and reviewed security and other arrangements for the Haj, which will begin on Friday.
Prince Nayef, who is also chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, warned that Saudi Arabia would use "all means" to ensure a peaceful Haj amid tumult in other Arab countries and rising tensions with Iran.
"We are ready to face all events, whatever they are ... our means are peaceful ... except for those who want to create mischief, whom we will prevent with all means," he said.
Referring to the unrest in some countries, Prince Nayef said: "What has happened in some Arab countries is their internal matter and they know better about it. With regard to Saudi Arabia, the reality has proved cohesion between its people and leadership."
Prince Nayef said the leadership has full confidence in its people. "The media has seen the strong bond between the government headed by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz with all sections of society. And we enjoy economic as well as social security and stability," he said.
Referring to the strained relations with Iran, Prince Nayef ruled out any compromise with Tehran over allegations of Iranian involvement in a plot to murder the Saudi ambassador to Washington. "There can be no compromise with Iran concerning the assassination bid because there is no need for it," he said.
The crown prince also referred to the recent massive expansion projects, which are either implemented or under various phases of implementation in Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites. "The Kingdom has always been spending huge amounts on them but "not a single riyal of Haj pilgrims enters the state's treasury from these projects," he pointed out.
Referring to the Mashair Train project that connects Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, Prince Nayef said it was implemented to facilitate easy and comfortable transportation of pilgrims.
"The money paid by passengers who use the train is spent on the train and its maintenance. The Kingdom bore all expenses but does not expect any return from such projects. Everyone knows this fact," he added.
