KING ABDULLAH STRESSES PILGRIMS' SAFETY

MINA, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah
Abdul Aziz has emphasised the strength of Saudi Arabia to defend and protect the
millions of pilgrims who come to perform the Haj.

As the King addressed dignitaries who were here to perform the Haj, at a
reception held at the Mina Palace on Saturday, millions of pilgrims stoned the
Jamrat on the second day.

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the capability Almighty Allah has
bestowed on it, can ensure the safety of pilgrims by foiling plans to disrupt
the Haj.

"The Kingdom has made full arrangements to serve the guests of Allah with
His blessings," the king told the guests.

The guests included former Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi,
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Senator Jamil Khir Baharom, northern
state of Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Isa Sabu, Sudan's Vice-President Ali Usman
Muhammad Taha and Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Prince Naif
Abdul Aziz, and several journalists from Muslim countries who are currently in
the Kingdom covering the Haj.

Congratulating the pilgrims on the occassion of Eid Al-Adha and wishing
them a succesful Haj, King Abdullah said: "The glorious rites of Haj highlight
the Islamic principle of brotherhood and remove all distinctions among the
Muslims, as the Almighty Allah has said in the Al-Quran.

"Multitudes of Allah's guests moving from one holy site to another is
indeed, a pleasing sight. This picture of the faithful raises the hope that the
Ummah is in good shape and is proceeding on the path of moderation and
self-restraint, manifesting the words of Allah: "Thus, we have made you a justly
balanced Ummah".

The King concluded his speech with an advice to the pilgrims to make the
most of the blessed days of Haj and Eid. Pilgrims stoned the Satan at the Jamrat
Bridge on Saturday, watched by public safety officials working to ensure a
smooth Haj.

They began moving towards the Jamrat Bridge, soon after the Zuhur prayer.
-- BERNAMA