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                         Hajj in Jeopardy for Iranians

   by VOA News

   Iran's state media said Sunday that Iranians will not be able to make
   their Hajj pilgrimage this year because Iran cannot reach an agreement
   with Saudi Arabia.

   According to IRNA, Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ali Jannati
   said the decision was made following Riyadh's behavior with an Iranian
   delegation that had traveled to Saudi Arabia to negotiate terms for
   this year's Hajj.

   The minister said "We waited for the response of Saudi officials until
   today, but given their behavior in the two rounds of negotiations with
   an Iranian delegation and the obstructions they have created, Iranian
   pilgrims cannot perform the rituals this year."

   He said a formal announcement would be issued Monday.

   Other media outlets are reporting, however, there is still room for
   negotiating terms for Iranians to make Hajj, a pillar of Islam that
   devout Muslims must perform once in their lifetime if they are able.

   Last year's tragedy
   Ties between the Iran and Saudi Arabia have unraveled after more than
   400 Iranians were killed in a crush at last year's Hajj.

   ''

   Relations are also tense because Saudi Arabia broke diplomatic ties
   with Iran after Iranian demonstrators stormed the Saudi Embassy in
   Tehran after Riyadh executed a Shi'ite cleric.

   Muslims in Iran are mostly Shi'ites, while Muslims in Saudi Arabia are
   predominantly Sunni.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/hajj-in-jeopardy-for-iranians/3350641
   .html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/hajj-in-jeopardy-for-iranians/3350641.html