Saudi FM urges Iran not to politicize Mina stampede accident

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel el Jubeir urged Iran not to politicize the Mina stampede that left 769 pilgrims dead, including 138 Iranians.

Jubair, delivering remarks after a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry late on Saturday, said
"The kingdom has had a long history of spending tremendous resources to care for the pilgrimage to ensure that the pilgrims who come there have a successful pilgrimage."

"And we will reveal the facts when they emerge. And we will not hold anything back. If mistakes were made, who made them will be held accountable," he added.

"And we will make sure that we will learn from this and we will make sure that it doesn't happen again. I want repeat again this is not a situation with which to play politics.

"I would hope Iranian leaders would be more sensible and more thoughtful with regards to those who perished in this tragedy, and wait until we see the results of the investigation," said the Saudi minister.

Shortly after the stampede tragedy, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the Saudi authorities, citing "improper measures" and "mismanagement".

"The government of Saudi Arabia must accept the huge responsibility for this catastrophe," he said.

Source: MENA