World : Saudis Extend Pilgrimage Quota
From Times wire services
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia —
Saudi Arabia today announced that a quota system limiting pilgrims will remain in force during this year’s Muslim pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest shrines in Mecca and Medina.
After deadly riots during the 1987 pilgrimage, which the Saudis blamed on Iran, the Saudi government declared that only one person out of every 1,000 people in Muslim countries would be allowed to visit the shrines. Previously, there were no restrictions.
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