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January 6, 2006 |
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THE MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR: "OUR INTENTION IS TO ARREST TERRORISTS NOT TO KILL THEM, UNLESS THEY FIGHT US. WE TREAT THEM ON THE BASIS OF THE ISLAMIC SHARIA." PRINCE ABDUL AZIZ IBN MAJID CHAIRS THE HAJJ COMMITTEE IN AL MADINA AL MUNAWARRAH. PRINCE TURKI IBN SULTAN VISITS THE KING FAHD INSTITUTE FOR HAJJ RESEARCH. 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 cooperator." 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 neighboring 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 last Wednesday 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. Prince Abdul Majeed Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Makkah Region and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, made an inspection tour of the holy places in Makkah. During the tour, which included Hajj holy places and facilities, he inspected the facilities and projects of the governmental departments and their preparations for this year's Hajj. The tour covered the headquarters of the Governorate in Muzdalifah, a charity project, the project of shelter and evacuation during emergencies and disasters, the project of development of Jamarat bridge and area and other development projects of the Hajj facilities. All preparations have been completed for Hajj, which is likely to begin on Jan. 8, Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed announced as more than one million pilgrims arrived for the annual event. Speaking to reporters after inspecting Hajj facilities in Mina, Muzdalifa and Arafat, the governor expressed his hope that this year's Haj operation would be a big success. The government established new development projects worth SR1 billion this year to improve facilities for the more than 2.5 million pilgrims who are to perform Hajj. He said he brought with him ministers, other senior officials as well as businessmen during the inspection tour in order to find quick solutions to possible problems ahead of Hajj. Prince Abdul Majeed held a three-hour meeting with officials at the governorate office in Muzdalifa and reviewed Hajj preparations. According to Maj. Gen. Salem Al-Belaihed, chief of the Directorate General of Passports at the Interior Ministry, more than 1.1 million pilgrims have already arrived in the Kingdom from abroad by Friday. As many as 1,021,171 pilgrims came by air, 70,019 by road and 17,457 by sea, he added. Prince Abdul Majeed also inaugurated the charitable kitchen established by well-known businessman Muhammad Al-Amoudi in Muzdalifa to supply a million meals free of charge to pilgrims staying in the area on the second night of the Hajj while returning to Mina from Arafat. The governor praised Saudi businessmen for their contributions to philanthropic activities. He also inspected the expansion work at the Jamrat (stoning area) in Mina where several pilgrims have died in past Hajj seasons as a result of stampedes. "We have made a lot of changes in the Jamrat area in the light of our past experiences in order to avoid overcrowding and accidents," the governor told reporters. Hajj Minister Fouad Al-Farsi, Health Minister Dr. Hamad Al-Manie, and Nasser Al-Salloum, secretary-general of the Makkah Development Authority, accompanied Prince Abdul Majeed on his tour. Prince Abdul Aziz Ibn Majed Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Governor of Madinah region, chaired the Hajj committee meeting with the participation of the heads of concerned governmental and private sectors. During the meeting, they discussed the daily reports of the committee as well as the statistics related to pilgrims who arrived in Madinah and whose number reached until last Monday night to 750816. The statistics also disclosed that the number of those who left Madinah reached 16801, noting that 54% of housing units were occupied and the occupancy in hospitals amounted to 67%. At the end of the meeting, they approved the needed recommendations for various topics on the agenda. Prince Turki Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, Assistant Minister of Culture and Information made an inspection tour of the Ministry's headquarters in Arafat holy site. During the tour, the Prince watched the latest preparations taken by the Ministry to transmit this year's Hajj rituals and to facilitate the missions of local, Arab and international media. Upon arrival at the venue, the Prince was received by a number of the Ministry's officials. During the tour, he watched the headquarters of Saudi Press Agency and its modern equipment and technology being used in covering this world event and pilgrims' movement in the holy sites. The tour also included radio and television studios. Prince Turki Ibn Sultan Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Assistant Minister of Culture and Information, inspected the Ministry's office in Arafat and arrangements for the coverage of Hajj by national and international media organizations. He also visited the media center, which is equipped with computer and Internet facilities and studios for Saudi radio and television. Later, Prince Turki Ibn Sultan visited the King Fahd Hajj Institute at Um Al-Qura University. As the annual pilgrimage is just three days away, Saudi authorities have stepped up preparations to make the event a big success. Hajj Minister Fouad Al-Farsi reiterated that the government would do everything possible to ensure the welfare and security of pilgrims. The Civil Defense Department, which plays a major role in Hajj operations, has set out an emergency plan to deal with rains and flash floods during Hajj. "We have taken all precautions in coordination with other government departments to confront the danger of flash floods," said Lt. Gen. Saad Al-Tuwaijeri, its director general. The department has readied 110 boats with expert divers as well as mobile bridges as part of the emergency plan. "We will use pumps and trucks to remove floodwater from roads," he said. The department will coordinate with the Hajj Ministry and Tawafa organizations to evacuate pilgrims from tents in the event of flooding. It has arranged two large shelters in Arafat and Mina. "We will also use schools, Um Al-Qura University and wedding halls as shelters if required," he said. Civil defense has opened 404 centers in the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa, Tuwaijeri said, adding that these centers are provided with nearly 3,000 pieces of equipment and vehicles and manned by more than 10,000 men in addition to emergency forces. The department has also readied 100 ambulances and 100 firefighting vehicles. Hajj begins on Sunday with pilgrims assembling in the tent city of Mina in preparation for their journey to Arafat, where they will stand in prayer the next day in the Haj climax. Monday evening, soon after sunset, the faithful will leave Arafat for Muzdalifa where they will spend the night before returning to Mina for a number of rites such as stoning at Jamrat Al-Aqaba, sacrificing animals and performing Tawaf Al-Ifada at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. They will stay in Mina the next two or three days to perform the stoning ritual at the three Jamrat: Jamrat Al-Oula, Wusta and Aqaba. The government has mobilized all of its resources to provide modern living facilities for pilgrims in the holy sites. The Health Ministry deploys nearly 10,000 of its personnel, including doctors, nurses and technicians to serve the guests of God. Meanwhile National Hajj establishments are employing their potentials to serve pilgrims in the most proper manner. These establishments are serving pilgrims who came from abroad, and whose number exceeds a million, through 400 field services' groups. They are careful about serving pilgrims in terms of housing, pilgrims movements, transportation, nutrition... etc.Their services are also focusing on raising the awareness of pilgrims about the movements on Jamarat bridge. In addition, the establishments have printed and distributed hundreds of thousands of booklets and brochures for the benefit of pilgrims in various languages. Besides, large-size monitors were set up in pilgrims' camps in Mina to telecast the rush on Jamarat bridge to avoid stampede. The national establishments had already trained those who are in charge of helping pilgrims skillfully to deal with them effectively. The Saudi Red Crescent Society has set up more than 120 First Aid Centers to serve pilgrims during this year's Hajj season. Its services at the Holy Mosque will start effective from the first of Dhul Hijjah. In mina, the Society has 31 centers with 90 cars, while it has in Arafat and Muzdalifa 27 centers with 66 cars. The Society will also set up First Aid Centers at highways in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On an annual basis, the Society organizes an exhibition to project its humanitarian role and the role of the Kingdom in the service of the pilgrims. On the fringes of the exhibition, the society organizes an annual meeting with representatives of the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies participating in the Hajj missions to exchange views with them on issues of mutual interest. The broadcasting station for Hajj awareness will start its round-the-clock transmission effective from the first of the lunar month of Dhul Hajja. It will transmit in 14 languages including Arabic, English, French, Persian, Turkish, Hausa, Indonesian, Urdu, Bengali, Pashtu, Turkistani, Somalian, Swahili and Bambari. The radio will transmit on four waves, two of them are medium waves, and the other two waves are on FM. This was announced by Dr Abdullah Al-Shayei, the director of the second program and supervisor of the broadcasting station in a statement to SPA. He noted that the Jeddah broadcasting station will provide the broadcasting station with series of programs, while some concerned governmental authorities will participate in the preparation of some programs. These governmental authorities include the ministries of interior; the Islamic affairs, endowments, call and guidance; Hajj; the municipal and rural affairs; the directorate of public security; the passports directorate; the civil defense directorate; the general presidency for the affairs of the Holy Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, and the institute of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques for Hajj research. The Civil Defense Department has readied a fleet of advanced helicopters to take part in firefighting, rescue, search and reconnaissance operations during this Hajj season, Col. Jameel Muhammad Arbaeen, director of the department in Makkah, said. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Col. Arbaeen said his officers had inspected 5,176 buildings and more than 750 restaurants and hotels in Makkah to make sure they follow safety regulations. They also checked the safety condition of 51 tunnels across the city. "We have taken measures to improve the efficiency of our firefighting and rescue units," Col. Arbaeen said, adding that his department had deployed an adequate number of staff in various parts of the city. He said the department had also taken precautionary measures to deal with flash floods during the Hajj. He said Um Al-Joud, Hajj Street, Ghasala, Sharaie and Awali could be flooded in case of heavy rains. More than 2.5 million pilgrims including over 1.5 million from abroad are expected to take part in this Hajj, which begins on Jan. 8. In his statement, Col. Arbaeen said his department had readied seven teams to monitor radioactive, chemical and bacterial pollution." These teams will check the rate of pollution inside tunnels and in crowded residential areas," he said. In a related development, Sheikh Saleh Al-Hussayen, head of the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, will hand over a new Kaaba cover to Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Sheibi, the leading keeper of the Holy Kaaba on Jan. 1. Ziyad Mohiuddin Khoja of the Kiswa Factory in Um Al-Joud said the new cover was manufactured at a cost of SR20 million. "The presentation of the new kiswa will be made at a ceremony to be held at the factory," he said. The new kiswa will be put in place at a ceremony organized by the Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques Affairs, which will be attended by a number of Saudi officials as well as diplomats from Arab and Muslim countries. It will take place on the Arafat Day. Meantime last Thursday a building annexed to a hotel near the holy Grand Mosque in Makkah collapsed, killing 15 and injuring 39, authorities said. Director of Civil Defense in Makkah Region said the building annexed to a hotel in the vicinity of the holy Grand Mosque in Makkah has collapsed at 13:00. Civil defense and the authorities concerned rushed to the scene and started rescue operations and medical evacuation, he said, adding that the latest available report says that 15 bodies and 39 injuries were taken away from under the rubbles. He said search for more survivors is continuing at the scene. New developments will be announced in due course, he added. Major General Mansour bin Sultan Al Turki, official security spokesman at the Ministry of Interior, told the Saudi Press Agency that the hotline No. 0096625572830 at the Emergency Center in Mina Sacred area will be available to answer enquiries about the names and nationalities of those killed in the Makkah building's collapse. Civil Defense, Hajj Security Forces, Saudi Red Crescent and all concerned authorities are continuing rescue operations and removal of the debris at the collapsing building in Makkah with direct follow-up of Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz, the Governor of Makkah Region and Chairman of Hajj Central Committee, Abdullah Ibn Dao'd Al Fayez, the Undersecretary of Makkah Region Governorate said. Most of the injures are minor, he said, wishing them quick recovery. He explained that the building which collapsed was composed of four stories. Prince Naif Ibn Abdul Aziz, the Minister of Interior, has ordered immediate investigation into the collapse of a building in Makkah that led to the killing and injure of tens of pilgrims, Major General Mansour Ibn Sultan Al Turki, official security spokesman at the Ministry of Interior announced. In a joint press conference with senior government officials, Al Turki also announced that the death toll of the incident has now reached to 20 including 11 men and eight women and an unidentified person. Moreover, 59 were injured in the accident including 41 men and 18 women, he added. He said rescue and medical evacuation operations are taking place continuously until the vanish of last hope to pull a survivor or a body from under the rubble. Pending the results coming out from the task committee formed by Prince Naif, we have to wait and refrain from speculations as regards the reason and how the collapse happened, Al Turki advised. He reminded that the hotline No. No. 0096625572830 at the Emergency Center in Mina Sacred area will be available to answer enquiries about the names and nationalities of those killed in the Makkah building's collapse. In response to a question, Al Turki deferred questions about who is to shoulder the responsibility of the collapse to the results of the ad hoc committee. "It is actually premature to define who is to blame", he said, vowing that the results will be announced once the committee forwarded its findings to the minister. "What is most important now is continue salvage operations which need time to cautiously remove all debris", he added. He said we could not confirm that the original residents were inside the building the moment the collapse took place as the accident happened just after the noon prayer. He drew the attention to the fact that 79 persons have been killed or injured in the collapse of a multi-story building that accommodates 65 persons, noting that some of them might be shoppers, shopkeepers or passers-by as the building, with shops at the ground floor, was located at a main street near the Grand Mosque and that the accident took place just after the completion of the prayer, raising the possibility that the toll might include building non-residents. Nationalities of all but one victims were identified, he said. Regarding safety standards followed to determine whether a building is safe or not, he said a multi-department committee annually checks all buildings in Makkah to determine their validity for human use.He noted that Islamic diplomatic missions lease buildings supervised by the Ministry of Hajj. On his part, Ahmed Bayazeed, the Undersecretary of the city of Makkah said the committee has issued as many as 5700 permits for suitable buildings to accommodate more than one million pilgrims this year. Dr. Omer Mirghalani, disclosed that 24 of the injured including 13 men and 11 women were discharged from hospitals. On his part, Dr. Mohammed Haddad, Consultant at the Ministry of Hajj, said the Hajj Housing committee tests new buildings every two years and the old buildings annually, noting that the official housing area allocated for each pilgrim is estimated at four square meters. In response to a question, Al Turki said the outcomes of the committee investigating the reasons and responsibility of the collapse of the building will be taken into consideration as regards future licensing of buildings accommodating pilgrims, noting that this is the first accident of its kind in Makkah over the last years. He said the number of old buildings in Makkah was decreasing as the adjacent area of the holy Haram was witnessing growing development. Withholding the reasons of the building's collapse or not defining the responsibility at the current moment never means that the matter will remain hidden, Al Turki said, adding that the responsibility will be determined according to legal procedures in which specialists are currently participating. Al Turki paid tribute to the role being played by all teams taking part in implementing the Hajj Emergency Plan, led by the civil defense, noting that no duplication arises when all came to the field. Minister of Health Hamad Ibn Abdullah Al-Manei toured King Faisal Ibn Abdul-aziz Hospital in Makkah where he inquired about the welfare of those who were affected by the collapse of a building near the Grand Mosque in Makkah. Addressing a press conference after the tour, Al-Manei said those who were affected by the collapsed-building were admitted to several hospitals in Makkah but most of them were admitted to King Faisal Ibn Abdul-aziz Hospital. He noted that the Health Ministry had executed emergency plans which enabled the affected ones to receive medical care in a very short time pointing out that most of the injuries to the affected ones are 'minor in nature.' He added that full medical care is being extended to the affected ones, who are from various nationalities, expecting that they will leave the hospitals soon in good health; praying Allah to grant forgiveness to those who died in the tragedy and cure the affected ones. |
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