8. The GCC Ministerial Council also expressed its absolute rejection of the continuation of Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the GCC countries and the region, and called for full commitment to fundamentals and, basic principles of good neighborliness, respect for states' sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs of other countries and non-use or threat of force, expressing its rejection of the statements being made by a number of officials in the Islamic Republic of Iran against the GCC countries and their interference in their internal affairs, describing them as a violation of the sovereignty and independence of the GCC member countries, and as an attempt to sow discord and incite a sectarian strife among their citizens. 9. The Council condemned the attempts of the Islamic Republic of Iran aimed at politicizing Hajj rituals and exploiting it to abuse the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, calling on Iranian officials to refrain from such allegations and attitudes, and cooperation with the official authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia responsible for organizing Hajj season to allow Iranian pilgrims to perform their rituals . 10. The Council also blamed the Iranian government for its responsibility for depriving its citizens from performing Hajj duty of this year 1437 H, expressing its appreciation for the great efforts being exerted and facilities being provided by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Saudi people in taking care and attention to pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors to the holy sites in the Kingdom Saudi Arabia, especially its distinguished organization in administering these rites emanating from its responsibilities and duties to serve the Two Holy Mosques. --More 12:34 LOCAL TIME 09:34 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w