11.   Hundreds of Iranian pilgrims arived in Damascus Friday after being turned away by Iraqi authorities at a border crossing with Syria.

12.   In Baghdad, a tourism official confirmed that the two countries have reached an agreement to allow Iranian pilgrims to visit Iraqi holy sites.

13.   Iran has dismissed an Iraqi offer to allow Iranian pilgrims to visit Shiite Muslim shrines on its territory.

14.   Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani has said Iranian pilgrims will stage such rallies again this year.

15.   Iranian pilgrims insist on holding rallies denouncing the United States and Israel during the pilgrimage, or hajj.

16.   Last year, Iranian pilgrims staged token rallies inside their living quarters in Arafat.

17.   Low-key rallies by Iranian pilgrims have since taken place.

18.   Meanwhile in Baghdad, a tourism official confirmed that the two countries have reached an agreement to allow Iranian pilgrims to visit holy sites in Iraq.

19.   Prince Nayef did not specify any nationality, but his remarks appeared directed at Iranian pilgrims who have a history of holding political demonstrations during the hajj.

20.   Saudi Arabia warned Iranian pilgrims Wednesday not to stage protests, hoping to avoid violence that has erupted during the Muslim pilgrimage in the past.