Iranian Embassy - London: News: FM spokesman warns against unauthorized pilgrimage to Iraq

Iran-Pilgrimage-Iraq
Foreign Ministry spokesman, Seyed Mohammad Ali Hosseini here Tuesday pointed to the risks involved in unauthorized pilgrimage to holy sites in Iraq and recommended to the people to avoid such illegal visits.

According to a report released by the Foreign Ministry Media Department, he said that given Iraq’s special conditions and current security problems, all Iranian citizens are advised to avoid illegal trips to Iraq and pay attention to the notices issued by officials in charge on procedure of departure.

Hosseini underlined that illegal pilgrims are expected to face many risks.

"Meanwhile, according to the current Iraqi laws, illegal visitors are taken captive and put on trial. They may be sentenced to a maximum of six years in prison.

"Such illegal trips expose pilgrims to many dangers, account for the anxiety of their family and leave a negative impact on Iran-Iraq relations," he added.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman called on Iranians to arrange such trips with Iran’s Pilgrimage Organization, given the latest coordination made on the issue with Iraqi officials in charge.