Saudi Stampede Latest: Government Mourns Victims
Fatimah Abdullahi
Saudi Arabia Government on Friday commiserated with the families and governments of those who lost their lives during the recent Hajj stampede.
The commiseration was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Abuja, Fahd Abdullah Seyfan.
According to the statement, the kingdom made instant provision of all facilities to the relatives and the Government of those who lost their lives and those who got injured among which is the Iranian government.
It reads inter alia, “The kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to express its sympathy for those who lost their lives during the incidence of this year’s (2015/1436AH) Hajj season, which occurred at Mina, amongst whom were Iranian pilgrims, we pray unto Almighty Allah to be merciful upon all.
“The government of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to use this medium to clarify the fact that, it care for pilgrims commences as soon as Hajj and Humrah pilgrims arrive into the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and it continues until their departure.’’
“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia accepted to host the Iranian Minister of health, and the leader of the Red Cross and those who would accompany them, to make them feel at ease with the health condition of Iranian pilgrims who were injured during the incidence, coupled with verifying their nationalities and confirming those who lost their lives.
“Iran had previously requested from the kingdom to approve the arrival of a plane, which would convey the dead bodies of Iranian pilgrims, the kingdom granted approval to that, but the Iranians have not taken any step regarding the issue after the approval was granted.’’
‘’Therefore, Iran should rather shoulder the responsibility for any default regarding this issue and not the kingdom of Saudi Arabia”.
