http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article527623.ece
Home / Saudi Arabia / Crown Prince: No compromise with Iran Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, addresses a press conference in Arafat after inspecting Haj arrangements on Tuesday. On his right is assistant Interior Minister Prince Muhammad bin Naif. (AN photo by Ahmed Hashad) By BADEA ABU AL-NAJA | ARAB NEWS Published: Nov 2, 2011 01:54 Updated: Nov 2, 2011 01:59 ARAFAT, Makkah: Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior, on Tuesday ruled out any compromise with Iran over allegations of Iranian involvement in a plot to murder the Saudi ambassador to Washington. "There can be no compromise with Iran concerning the assassination bid because there is no need for it," the crown prince told reporters while addressing a news conference after inspecting Haj preparations. "We are ready to deal with any scenario... with any means necessary," he added without further details. Iran has repeatedly denied any involvement in the alleged plot. Prince Naif emphasized the strong bond between the Saudi people and their leadership, and ruled out possible public protests in the country. “What has happened in some Arab countries is their internal matter and they know better. With regard to Saudi Arabia, the reality has proved the cohesion between its people and leadership,” Prince Naif said when asked whether he thought Saudi Arabia was protected against anti-government protests. Prince Naif said the Saudi leadership has full confidence in its people. “The media has seen the strong bond between the government headed by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah with all sections of society. And we enjoy economic as well as social security and stability.” Prince Naif, who is chairman of the Supreme Haj Committee, said: “Saudi Arabia, its government and people consider it as a great honor to serve the pilgrims who come for Haj and Umrah. By doing that we seek the pleasure of God and of Muslims all over the world.” The crown prince said King Abdullah had instructed him to do everything possible to serve the guests of God and ensure their security. “I am sure that it will happen due to two reasons: First, because of our confidence in the Almighty and pilgrims. Second, we have mobilized all our resources to prevent any harm to pilgrims.” Prince Naif emphasized that the Kingdom would not allow any demonstrations during Haj. Answering a question on whether there is any understanding between the Kingdom and Iran on Haj, Prince Naif: “There is no need for such an understanding as the Iranians have always affirmed their respect for Haj. After every Haj we receive letters of appreciation from the Iranian Haj mission.” Referring to the charge of SR250 for using Mashair Railway, Prince Naif said the money would be used for the operation and maintenance of the railway that links the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. “The fee is charged to meet the cost and not to make any profit from the railway.” He said the organization of Haj could not be compared with that of World Cup. “For the World Cup, years of preparations are made. But for Haj it takes place every year. By the Grace of God, it goes peacefully,” he added. Asked whether the government has any plan to impose punishment on violators of Haj regulations, Prince Naif said: “We don’t need any new regulations. The Qur’an and Sunnah clearly mention the punishment for those who violate the rules.” Prince Naif earlier inspected the preparedness of Haj security forces to handle the largest annual gathering of Muslims. On arrival at the headquarters of the special emergency forces in Arafat, the crown prince was greeted by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, Assistant Minister of Interior Prince Muhammad bin Naif, Municipal and Rural Affairs Minister Prince Mansour bin Miteb and Gen. Saeed Al-Qahtani, director general of public security. Addressing a ceremony on the occasion, Al-Qahtani pledged the allegiance of security forces to Crown Prince Naif. He said his forces would not allow any demonstrations or activities that would undermine the security of pilgrims. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
