The full text of the statement is as follows:
In accordance with its mandate to provide the necessary measures and early planning for the dispatch of Iranian Hajj pilgrims, Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization has long been pursuing the holding of negotiations with Saudi side and signing of the agreements following the Hajj rituals this year.
After three months of delay on the part of Saudi government to set a time for bilateral meeting on visa issuance for Iranian Hajj pilgrims, Iran and Saudi Arabia held talks on May 15.
However, given the promises about resolving the ambiguities in the draft agreement, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah agreed to announce the clear position of the Foreign Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority of Saudi Arabia about the following points to decide on Hajj arrangements:
1. Visa issuance for Iranian pilgrims in the absence of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Note: During the negotiations, Saudi side has offered no suggestions on how to issue visa for Iranian pilgrims.
2. Transportation of Iranian pilgrims by Iranian and Saudi airlines like the past years.
Meanwhile, in addition to the above-mentioned points, Saudi Arabian government is responsible for providing consular services, legal support of Iranian pilgrims and ensuring the safety and health with regard to the last year’s events tragedies.
The Islamic Republic of Iran strongly insists the Saudi government to be held accountable.
The Islamic Republic of Iran urges Saudi Arabia to immediately respond to requests and concerns by Iranian officials in acting according to their inherent duty to guarantee the security of Hajj pilgrims and refrain from sabotaging in the religious rites of Iranian pilgrims.
SH/LR