MADINAH, 17 January 2003 — Minister of Haj Iyad Madani yesterday toured the offices and facilities of the ministry in Madinah to assess preparations for this year’s Haj. The tour covered pilgrims reception centers set up outside the city to receive and regroup pilgrims arriving by land, air and sea. The minister urged the staff to double their efforts to ensure that pilgrims enjoy a peaceful and comfortable stay in Madinah. Hatem Qadi, deputy minister of Haj, and Hassan Barki, director of Madinah office, accompanied Madani during the tour. (SPA)