MAKKAH, 22 February — The Saudi Telecom Co. will offer quality services to pilgrims in the holy places. Over 30,000 additional circuits have been commissioned for various government agencies related to Haj services. Thirteen exchanges and 300 transmission towers provide 215,000 lines besides 110,000 mobile connections and 25,000 pager lines. STC services include 2,764 ordinary phones in Mina, 1,254 in Arafat, 204 on the pedestrian way from Arafat to Mina, according to an STC statement. (AN)
Civil defense directives
RIYADH, 22 February — The civil defense department yesterday issued specifications of vehicles that transport foodstuff to the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa. It also announced safety conditions for restaurants and street vendors in the holy sites. It said the vehicles must be covered and should not park in front of the gates of pilgrim organizations, emergency storages and fire-fighting equipment. The department said it would not allow the use of gas and petrol for cooking and heating purposes. The shops in the holy sites should not be made of inflammable materials and all electric wires must be insulated properly. No shop will be allowed to store inflammable materials. (SPA)
