ABU DHABI Ñ Thousands of Iranian pilgrims flouted a Saudi warning
and held an unauthorized protest against the United States in Mecca.
The pilgrims, led by visiting Iranian officials, chanted "Death to
Israel" and "Death to America." Saudi
forces, which had been ordered to halt any political demonstration, did not
intervene in the rally, which was limited to the Iranian pilgrim complex.
Iranian pilgrims had been ordered to stage a demonstration during the
culmination of the Haj on Friday. Given the protest on Thursday, it was not
clear whether another demonstration was being planned.
At Thursday's demonstration, Iranian envoy Mohammad Mohammadi-Reyshahri,
responsible for the pilgrims, read a message by Iranian supreme leader Ali
Khamenei. The message denounced both Israel and the United States.
"The Sept. 11 attacks in New York have served as a pretext for the
coercive policies of the White House and emboldened the Zionists to continue
their savage crimes and atrocities against the Palestinian people," Khamenei
said in his message.
The Iranians expressed support for the Palestinians in their war against
Israel. The pilgrims also called for an end to the presence of non-Muslims
in Islamic countries.
Saudi Arabia has deployed at least 90,000 troops and volunteers to
ensure order at the Haj. The pilgrims have made their way to Mount Arafat,
the site of Mohammed's final sermon 1,400 years ago.
