During the conversation that took place on Saturday, Jahangiri briefed President Rouhani on the latest measures taken to transfer the bodies of the deceased Iranian pilgrims and also the injured pilgrims to Iran for treatment.
During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in New York on Saturday, President Rouhani strongly criticized Saudi Arabia for its lack of cooperation following the recent Hajj stampede in Mina region, near Mecca, and called on the United Nations to pressure the Saudi government to cooperate with Muslim countries, including Iran, on the tragic Hajj incidents.
He had earlier ordered his cabinet to hold a special meeting on Friday to review all aspects of the tragic disaster and do the necessary follow-ups. The incident reportedly occurred at around 9 am local time (0600 GMT) after two large masses of pilgrims coming down avenues 204 and 223 encountered each other as a result of blocking of two avenues for cordoning off an area for passage of a Saudi prince and his entourage. The incident took place as people were heading to participate in the symbolic stoning of Satan. At least 1300 people were killed in the deadly stampede.
It was the second deadly accident to strike Hajj pilgrims this month, after a massive crane collapse in Mecca killed more than 100 and left over 200 others wounded.
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