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January 13, 2006 |
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PRINCE NAIF IBN ABDUL AZIZ: THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES ACCORDS GREAT ATTENTION TO THE GIGANTIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE HOLY MOSQUE. WE DO NOT ACCEPT ANY NEGLECT IN THE SERVICES PROVIDED TO PILGRIMS. WE TREAT TERRORISTS ON THE BASIS OF THE ISLAMIC SHARIA. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of Hajj Higher Committee made an inspection tour of the holy sites and Makkah to watch preparations, services and human and vehicles capabilities provided by bodies concerning with Hajj affairs for pilgrims to perform their rituals easily and safely in line with the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the Crown Prince. Upon arrival at the camps of Special Emergencies Forces, he was received by Prince Miqren Ibn Abdul Aziz, Chief of General Intelligence; Prince Mohammed Ibn Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs and other senior officials. A speech ceremony was held on this occasion. Then Prince Naif watched a field parade of a number of vehicles and forces participating in this year's Hajj season. Prince Naif also inspected an extension project of King Khalid Road. The Prince was accompanied by General President of Grand Mosque and Prophet's Mosque Affairs Sheikh Salih Ibn Abdul Rahman Al-Hussein; Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Ibn Amin Madani; Minister of Hajj Dr. Fuad Ibn Abdul Salam Al-Farsi; Minister of Finance Dr. Ibrahim Ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Assaf; Minister of Commerce and Industry Dr. Hashim Ibn Abdullah Yamani; Minister of Health Dr. Hamad Ibn Abdullah Al-Manie and a number of officials. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior and Chairman of Hajj Higher Committee held an annual press conference at the headquarters of Public Security Training in Makkah following a tour of governmental bodies in-charge of Hajj and pilgrims' affairs in the holy sites to inspect their preparations for serving pilgrims. At the outset of the conference, Prince Naif welcomed local, Arab and foreign media, affirming that the concerned bodies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are working on facilitating their missions in covering the rituals of Hajj faithfully to embody the importance and status of this great event. Then, Prince Naif replied to reporters' questions. Asked to elaborate on a future plan to expand the areas around the Grand Mosque (in Makkah) to facilitate pilgrims' movement, Prince Naif expressed the great attention and concern of King Abdullah Ibn Abdul Aziz to bring about gigantic development at the Holy Mosque. Prince Naif added that the concerned committee headed by Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Makkah region, is now working towards facilitating movements around the Holy Mosque. In a reply to a question about reconsidering the number of pilgrims specified for each country, Prince Naif said that the number of pilgrims for each country is decided on the basis of the total population of that country according to a decision approved by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) which is the only body to decide about such a thing. Answering another question about the situation of the Iraqi pilgrims, Prince Naif said that Iraqi pilgrims were supposed to get their Hajj visas from the Saudi Embassy in Jordan, "but due to their special circumstances, we have enabled them to get visas from the entry point between Saudi Arabia and Iraq (Judaidat Ar'Ar) , and from the airports, so there are no problems with that." "Although they (Iraqi pilgrims) have exceeded the required number, we have allowed them all into the Kingdom, hoping that they abide by Hajj instructions and praying Allah to better Iraq's circumstances so that they can come next year while everything is stable," Prince Naif added. Commenting on a question about measures undertaken by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deal with the Saudis coming from Iraq and whether or not they will make a new generation of extremists, Prince Naif said "We are keeping an eye on them and we have contacted the concerned Iraqi authorities to make them come back because we are against their going to Iraq but there are other ways of reaching Iraq such as going first to another country and from there they depart to Iraq. "Moreover, it is almost impossible for them to leave for Iraq through the borders between Saudi Arabia and Iraq because we monitor the borders very carefully." Prince Naif reaffirmed that the government of Saudi Arabia rejects the joining of any of its citizens with those who work for terrorism (acts), adding that they are undoubtedly dangerous when they come back, therefore we urge Iraqi authorities to hand them over to us. "However, if they enter the Kingdom, we will look for anyone known as a terrorism co-operator." In an answer to another question about the additional measures undertaken by the Saudi government to facilitate pilgrims' movements, Prince Naif said that Saudi authorities have stepped up preparations to make the event a big success. He reiterated that pilgrims should abide by the regulations set by the government to help them perform Hajj rituals in ease and comfort. Commenting on a question about the reasons of postponing the trials of the arrested terrorists and whether or not such a thing would cause more youth to join them, Prince Naif said that the arrested terrorists will be judged according to the Islamic Sharia, and the delay (in this context) is due to security reasons. "Our intention is to arrest terrorists not to kill them, unless they fight us. We treat them on the basis of the Islamic Sharia," he added. Prince Naif reaffirmed that the goal is not only trials of the criminals, but is also fighting terrorism acts in general. Answering a question about the increasing numbers of beggars during Hajj, Prince Naif said that some of those who come to Saudi Arabia for work, a visit or for Hajj unfortunately engage in begging and whoever is arrested is dealt with according to the rules of the concerned authorities adding that such a thing would make us intensify our work to capture such people, send them back to their countries and look for those who hire them pointing out that there are some people who use even children for such acts. Prince Naif urged Saudi citizens and residents to stop giving such people anything, asking them to look for those who deserve Sadaqah (money given to the poor). In addition, he said that if the beggar is a citizen, the government is responsible for him. In the same regard, Prince Naif said that the reason of increasing numbers of beggars is the increasing numbers of those coming from abroad. In an answer to a question about the number of forces during Hajj for this year, Prince Naif said that as many as 60,000 men are to ensure the welfare and safety of pilgrims in addition to Saudi security forces who are ready to deal with any eventualities. Commenting on a question about additional procedures to guard the Saudi-Iraqi borders in case some outlaws may come to the Kingdom, Prince Naif said that all borders guards are capable of fulfilling their responsibilities perfectly and if we need to increase their numbers, we can work it out in a very short time. In reply to another question about plans to avoid last year's problems, Prince Naif said that what happened last year was normal and we have undertaken some measures to avoid the few cases of stampede on Jamarat bridge. In the same context, he urged pilgrims to have Islamic etiquettes of behavior and not to rush on Jamarat bridge pointing out that "we cannot use force with people who come to perform Hajj rituals and we will not accept that therefore we recommend our forces to be steadfast and treat pilgrims nicely." Prince Naif also said that what has been done is not everything and there are many things that need years to be completed. Answering another question about a future plan to expand the Grand Mosque through Safa and Marwa hills, Prince Naif said that whenever it is possible to do anything that would enable more people to pray or do Tawaf, it will be done. Asked to comment on the level of commitment of Islamic countries in combating terrorism, Prince Naif said "We hope that what has been agreed upon during the recently concluded Islamic Summit, especially about terrorism and projecting the correct image of Islam, would be implemented in totality by all Islamic countries." In this context, Prince Naif referred to the resolutions adopted by the Arab Justice, Interior and Information Ministers, which still remain to be implemented. He underlined the importance of media organs, intellectuals and thinkers in highlighting dangers of terrorism and the wrong image created about Islam by some misguided elements. Commenting on the latest (security) developments in Iraq, Prince Naif said " these are very crucial, disturbing and painful events." In this context, he referred to the two meetings of Interior Ministers of Iraq's neighbouring countries, which focused on coordination among these countries, adding that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has called for convening another meeting, whose date will be fixed following more consultations. "We should help the Iraqis by not allowing any passage through our countries' territories in terms of security dangers to Iraq." Asked to comment on rumours that there would be trials for the captured terrorists after Eid Al-Adha, Prince Naif denied these rumours and said the "The timings will be set according to the results of investigations." The press conference was attended by Prince DR Khaled Ibn Faisal Ibn Turki, the Acting Deputy Commander of the National Guard in the Western region, Prince Mohammad Bin Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, The Assistant Interior Minister for security affairs and a number of senior officials. Meanwhile, Prince Naif toured the holy sites where he inspected the preparations undertaken to receive pilgrims. On arrival at the venue of Hajj Ministry, Prince Naif was greeted by Hajj Minister Dr Fouad Ibn Abdul Salam Al-Farsi. In an address on the occasion, Prince Naif expressed optimism that whatever has been agreed upon by the Hajj Ministry and Hajj missions from all over the world, would be implemented in an objective manner to facilitate smooth performance of Hajj rituals by all pilgrims. He said the pilgrims, who come here from all over the world spend a lot to perform this sacred mission of Hajj, adding that "We are responsible for their safety and providing them with high-standard of services and facilities." Prince Naif noted the tremendous responsibilities carried out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in providing all necessary facilities for pilgrims every year and said "We are keen to ensure that all pilgrims arrive and leave the Kingdom after performing Hajj rituals in peace and harmony." "Allah's rewards await everyone who has contributed towards offering services for pilgrims," he noted. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee, has approved the organization of the use of various transportation means in moving pilgrims and providing relevant services to them in the holy sites during this year's Hajj season. The organization, based on the necessities of public interest, aims at facilitating the movement of pilgrims in Makkah and the holy sites. The organization details instructions concerning vehicles not allowed to enter Makkah during certain periods of this year's Hajj season. The organization also details instructions concerning vehicles allowed to transport pilgrims within the holy sites. |
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