Saudi Arabia warns agains political activity at haj

Saudi Arabia warned on Monday against any attempts to politicise the annual haj pilgrimage, saying they would threaten the safety of more than two million Muslims expected to attend the ritual.

The warning followed remarks by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to departing pilgrims that the haj should "display the firm resolve of the Muslim nation to confront attempts that damage its unity and progress". (Reuters)