January 5, 2006

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES HAILS EFFORTS OF SAUDI SECURITY FORCES. PRINCE NAIF BIN ABDUL-AZIZ EXPRESSES APPRECIATION TO ALL CONCERNED IN PROVIDING SAFETY AND PEACE TO VISITORS. MINISTRY OF CULTURE AND INFORMATION HOLDS FAREWELL PARTY FOR MEDIA DELEGATES. The Custodian Of The Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz addressed princes, Ulema (muslim scholars), sheikhs, ministers, guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques from the GCC member states, as well as commanders, officers and personnel of the Hajj security, who came to greet him on the occasion of Eid Al-Ad'ha. King Abdullah congratulated them on the occasion of Eid Al-Ad'ha. He expressed pride in serving the pilgrims. He urged vigilance to maintain security in the country lauding efforts of Hajj security forces. The audience was attended by Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense And Aviation And Inspector General, and other princes. Minister of Interior Prince Naif bin Abdul-Aziz, who is also the Chairman of Hajj Supreme Committee received commanders of security forces who participated in this year Hajj Season. At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister of Interior expressed his deep appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz for opening the Jamarat Bridge. He also thanked the King and Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General for their directives, guidance and continued support to the security sectors and everything that lead to the comfort of the guests of Allah. Prince Naif extended thanks to all governmental sectors which have contributed effectively in serving the pilgrims, namely the National Guard, the Ministry of Defense and Aviation and the General Intelligence. He expressed his appreciation to Prince Miteb Bin Abdul-Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs for his supervision of the construction of the Jamarat Bridge. Prince Naif said "I've just contacted the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques informing him about the secured and successful Hajj Plan. In reply, the King said "I congratulate all of you and security men before you congratulate me on the success of Hajj." Prince Naif said "I am fully confident that all security men at the moment feel relief, satisfaction and confidence that they have performed their duty in the best way they could, there is nothing that could give more comfort than that of drawing careful plans and implementing them sincerely which led to the success of this year Hajj season." "I appreciate and thank all other governmental sectors operating this year, namely the ministers and ministries of Hajj and Health and their working personnel. In this context, I thank especially Prince Miteb bin Abdul-Aziz, the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs on what has been implemented in Mina, in particular the Jamarat Bridge and its surrounding area, and other facilities such as road expansion and tunnels which make the movement easier this year for pilgrims, pedestrians and automobiles. Prince Naif said Hajj seasons in past years, had been successful in terms of security aspect, but accidents had happened not because of security flaws but these were destined by Allah. "However, all these had been taken into consideration and the necessary plans had been drawn and implemented that led to the success for which we thank Allah Almighty. "I would like to say that the homeland, the leadership and the citizens feel very proud of security men who always perform their duties at the highest level not only for the Hajj season but also in all other security responsibilities. This undoubtedly, pleases Allah Almighty and makes Kingdom's security reputation at the best level," Prince Naif noted. "Moreover, any country's prosperity and development is measured by the level of security it enjoys. I assure you that your country is the best in fields of development and investment," he said. General Mahmoud Bin Mohammad Baksh, the Head of the Higher Commanders Committee for Internal Security Forces at the Ministry of Interior also spoke on the occasion and thanked Prince Naif, Prince Ahmed Bin Abdul-Aziz, the Deputy Interior Minister and Prince Mohammad Bin Naif, the Assistant Interior Minister for security affairs for their support and directives to carry out the security mission and responsibilities. The meeting was attended by Prince Ahmed and Prince Mohammad Bin Naif and other high-ranking security officials. The official spokesman of Interior Ministry Major General Eng. Mansour Al-Turki stressed that nothing has happened to disturb the performance of the drawn plans of pilgrims coming in groups to Jamarat Bridge, wishing the plans will preserve the safety of pilgrims while performing devil-stoning ritual or farewell circumambulation at the Grand Mosque. In a press conference, he affirmed that no demonstrations, acts violating regulations, confrontations or uses of sharp tools have taken place, indicating that there has been clear commitment by pilgrims to the regulations briefed to them by Hajj missions. Major General Al-Turki added that there are plans for preserving the safety of pilgrims while performing farewell circumambulation and for traffic from Mina to Makkah. He said that following hajj season, all sectors and bodies concerning with Hajj study reports on services provided to enhance advantages and to find solutions to disadvantages. Al-Turki appreciated the efforts of civil defense which have played a great role in improving awareness level of pilgrims for non-use of devices that might cause fires and he commended other governmental bodies concerning with Hajj affairs. He expressed appreciation for the government's keenness on implementing projects that contribute to services of pilgrims. The Ministry of Culture and Information held a farewell party in honor of heads and members of media delegates who participated in the media coverage of this year's Hajj rituals. The party was attended by Prince Turki Bin Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, Assistant Minister of Culture and Information, on behalf of Iyad Bin Ameen Madani, Minister of Culture and Information.